Gallatin County, MT Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Gallatin County District Court is part of Montana Judicial District 18. It hears felonies, civil cases above the Justice Court limit, family law, probate, youth cases, and appeals from lower courts. Justice, City, and Municipal courts keep their own records.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Gallatin County District Court (Montana Judicial District 18) |
| Clerk of Court | Clerk of District Court, Gallatin County, Jennifer Brandon |
| Main Phone | 406-582-2165 (Clerk of District Court) |
| Website | courts.mt.gov (Montana Judicial Branch) |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Bozeman) |
| Handles | Felonies, civil cases above the Justice Court limit, family law, probate, youth cases, and appeals from lower courts |
| Does NOT Handle | Misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, and justice civil cases (Justice Courts); city ordinance violations and city traffic (City and Municipal Courts); federal cases (U.S. District Court for Montana); parking tickets (citing agency) |
| Online Case Search | MTCourts.org (statewide search) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Clerk of District Court, 406-582-2165 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | citepayusa.com (statewide Montana court payment site) |
How to Search Gallatin County Court Records
Have the person's full name, approximate dates, and any case number ready before you search Gallatin County records.
Online
Go to MTCourts.org and search by party name or case number.
Review the case status and docket for the court that handles the case.
Confirm any fees with the clerk before you request copies.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status
In Person
Go to the Clerk of District Court in Bozeman, MT 59715.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Call 406-582-2165 to confirm the office and records you need.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call the Clerk of District Court at 406-582-2165.
Ask which records the clerk can provide and how to request them.
Confirm the response time when you call, since none is published here.
Best for: Checking records before a visit
Search by Name on MTCourts.org
Go to MTCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Gallatin County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Gallatin County courts handled an estimated 6,374 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 6,183. The estimate scales Montana statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~6,374
Total filings in CY 2024
~6,183
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~1,062
Filings per judicial position (6 estimated positions)
~+2.0%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~6,374 | ~6,248 | ~+2.0% |
| Total Dispositions | ~6,183 | ~6,060 | ~+2.0% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,547 | ~1,516 | ~+2.0% |
| Civil Filings | ~2,178 | ~2,135 | ~+2.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~1,117 | ~1,095 | ~+2.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~544 | ~533 | ~+2.1% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~104 | ~102 | ~+2.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~268 | ~263 | ~+1.9% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~6 | ~6 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in civil filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Montana statewide figures scaled by Gallatin County's 11.17% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Gallatin County?
Estimated total filings in Gallatin County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~6,374 | ~6,183 | ~+2.0% |
| CY 2023 | ~6,248 | ~6,060 | ~+1.4% |
| CY 2022 | ~6,164 | ~5,979 | ~+1.3% |
| CY 2021 | ~6,085 | ~5,903 | ~+2.8% |
| CY 2020 | ~5,918 | ~5,740 | ~+2.8% |
Estimated filings changed +7.7% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 5,918 to 6,374. The largest annual change was +2.8% in CY 2021. The latest change of +2.0% reflects statewide Montana trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Montana statewide figures scaled by Gallatin County's 11.17% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Gallatin County?
Civil cases are estimated to be the largest category in Gallatin County, at about 34.2% of filings in CY 2024.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2024 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civil | ~2,178 | ~34.2% | ~+2.0% |
| Criminal | ~1,547 | ~24.3% | ~+2.0% |
| Family law | ~1,117 | ~17.5% | ~+2.0% |
| Probate | ~544 | ~8.5% | ~+2.1% |
| Juvenile | ~268 | ~4.2% | ~+1.9% |
| Mental health | ~104 | ~1.6% | ~+2.0% |
Probate cases are estimated as the fastest-growing category and juvenile cases as the fastest-falling. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Montana statewide figures scaled by Gallatin County's 11.17% share of the state population.
How Does Gallatin County Compare With Montana Overall?
Gallatin County is estimated to account for about 11.17% of the 57,082 cases filed in Montana courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Gallatin County | Montana | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~6,374 | 57,082 | ~11.17% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+2.0% | +2.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,062 | 1,019 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,030 | 989 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~24.3% | 24.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~34.2% | 34.2% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~17.5% | 17.5% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Montana figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Montana statewide figures scaled by Gallatin County's 11.17% share of the state population.
Gallatin County Crime Statistics (2024)
These figures are Montana statewide offense counts for 2024 as reported to the FBI, not county totals. Statewide violent crime fell from 5,082 offenses in 2023 to 4,863 in 2024, and property crime fell from 20,970 to 18,745.
4,863
Violent crimes in 2024 (Montana statewide)
18,745
Property crimes in 2024 (Montana statewide)
427.6
Montana statewide violent crime rate per 100K
-9.4%
Montana statewide change in violent plus property offenses vs 2023
| Offense | 2024 | Rate per 100K | 2023 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 33 | 2.9 | 33 | 0.0% |
| Rape | 697 | 61.3 | 665 | +4.8% |
| Robbery | 217 | 19.1 | 278 | -21.9% |
| Aggravated assault | 3,916 | 344.3 | 4,106 | -4.6% |
| Violent crimes total | 4,863 | 427.6 | 5,082 | -4.3% |
| Burglary | 1,922 | 169.0 | 1,952 | -1.5% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1,884 | 165.7 | 2,174 | -13.3% |
| Property crimes total | 18,745 | 1648.3 | 20,970 | -10.6% |
County-level crime counts are not available in this section, so no county versus state rate comparison can be made. The statewide violent crime rate is 427.6 per 100K and the property crime total is 1648.3 per 100K.
Gallatin County Courthouse Locations
Gallatin County has 1 Clerk of District Court location, in Bozeman (ZIP 59715). Check your notice or case paperwork for the division or courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of District Court, Gallatin County (Bozeman) | Bozeman, MT 59715. For the street address, see the Montana Court Locator. | 406-582-2165 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Gallatin County?
Most District Court matters in Gallatin County are filed with the Clerk of District Court in Bozeman. Traffic, misdemeanor, and small claims cases go to the Justice or City Court that handles that city or area.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Justice Court or City Court | The court named on your citation handles traffic cases. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Courts do not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | Justice Court or City Court | Misdemeanors and city ordinance violations are heard in those courts. |
| Felony | District Court | Felonies are tried in District Court; Justice Court holds preliminary felony hearings. |
| DUI | Justice Court, City Court, or District Court | The route depends on the charge, so check your paperwork. |
| Domestic violence | Justice Court or District Court | Criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court or Justice Court | Justice Court hears civil claims up to its limit; District Court hears larger claims. |
| Small claims | Justice Court | Small claims are heard in Justice Court. |
| Eviction | Justice Court | Eviction cases are heard in Justice Court. |
| Divorce | District Court | Family law cases are heard in District Court. |
| Child custody or support | District Court | Family law cases are heard in District Court. |
| Probate or estate | District Court | District Court handles probate matters. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | Youth cases are heard in District Court. |
| Appeal | District Court or Montana Supreme Court | District Court hears appeals from lower courts; the Montana Supreme Court is the court of last resort. |
Are Gallatin County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Gallatin County court records are public, with exceptions set by Montana law and court rules. Access is based on Montana Constitution Article II, Section 9 and the Montana Rules for Access to Court Records, and the courts decide access under their own rules.
Public records
Most case files in the District Court are open to the public, including filings and orders in criminal, civil, and family law cases.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
Online access
Go to MTCourts.org to search for case information by name. Online results show case information, not every document, and restricted cases do not appear.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of District Court in Bozeman to view or request records. Call 406-582-2165 to confirm which records the clerk holds.
Fees
No fees are stated in the sources for this page. Ask the clerk about any fees before you request copies.
How to Search Gallatin County Court Records Online
Search Gallatin County District Court cases on MTCourts.org by case type, and ask the Clerk of District Court for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Go to MTCourts.org for the statewide court search.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Call the Clerk of District Court at 406-582-2165 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | MTCourts.org for District Court felonies | Case status and docket information | Full documents may require the clerk |
| Traffic | The Justice or City Court that issued the ticket | Case information held by that court | District Court search does not include these records |
| Civil | MTCourts.org for District Court civil cases | Docket information and parties | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | Justice Court | Case information held by the Justice Court | Not in District Court records |
| Family law | MTCourts.org for District Court domestic relations cases | Docket information for family cases | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Clerk of District Court, 406-582-2165 | Probate case information | Confirm access with the clerk |
| Juvenile | Clerk of District Court, 406-582-2165 | Case information only through the clerk | Juvenile records are not publicly available |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Gallatin County
Traffic tickets and fines for Gallatin County cases can be paid online through the statewide Montana court payment site or in person with the court that handles the case.
- Online: Pay at citepayusa.com, the statewide Montana court payment site for citations. It is not specific to this county.
- In person: Visit the Clerk of District Court in Bozeman (ZIP 59715) for District Court fines and cases, or call 406-582-2165 to confirm the payment options for your case.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by a court.
Gallatin County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Montana court records for Gallatin County?
Go to MTCourts.org and search by name or case number, or call the Clerk of District Court at 406-582-2165 for records not online.
Are Gallatin County court records public?
Most are public under Montana's Constitution and court access rules, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, and other confidential records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name on MTCourts.org, or call the Clerk of District Court at 406-582-2165 with the defendant's name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice, search for the case on MTCourts.org, or call the court that handles the case.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online at citepayusa.com, or contact the court named on your citation to confirm the options for your case.
How many cases are filed in Gallatin County each year?
Gallatin County District Court recorded 5,463 new and reopened filings in 2024, +8.9% from 5,016 in 2023.
What is the most common type of case?
The published statistics give one county total for District Court and do not break it down by case type, so the most common type cannot be stated from this page.
Is crime in Gallatin County rising or falling?
The figures on this page are Montana statewide, not county totals: violent crimes fell -4.3% to 4,863 in 2024, and property crimes fell -10.6% to 18,745.
Courts in the County
Bozeman Municipal CourtMore Info
| Address: | 121 N Rouse Ave, Bozeman, MT, 59715 |
| Phone Number: | 406-582-2300 |
| Fax: | 406-582-2344 |
| Website: | https://www.bozeman.net/government/municipal-court |
Gallatin County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 615 S 16Th Ave Room 302, Bozeman, MT, 59715 |
| Phone Number: | 406-582-2091 |
| Website: | https://gallatincomt.virtualtownhall.net/18th-judicial-district-court |
Useful Links
- Montana Judicial Branch: Supreme Court, District Courts - Offers comprehensive information about Montana's judiciary, including case searches and court rules.
- Gallatin County Justice Court - Provides details on the Justice Court's operations, including services offered, hours, and contact information.
- Gallatin County District Court - Access information on district court procedures, dockets, and case management services offered in Gallatin County.
- Gallatin County Clerk of Court - Offers access to court records, marriage licenses, and maintains official judicial records for the county.
- Montana Court Finder - Statewide tool for locating courts in Montana, including maps and contact information for all courts.
- Gallatin County Sheriff's Office: Civil Process - Details on civil processes executed by the sheriff's office, including service of process and document execution.
- Montana Office of Court Administrator Public Portal - Access public records and case information across Montana's courts through an online portal.
- Montana Crime Victim Services - Offers support and resources for crime victims in Montana, including legal assistance and advocacy services.
- Gallatin County Attorney - Information on prosecution services, legal guidance, and resources for crime victims within Gallatin County.
- Montana State Law Library - Discover legal resources, databases, and research tools available to the public and legal professionals in Montana.
- Judicial Case Management System - Judicial Branch - Overview of the case management system used by the Montana Judicial Branch to manage court cases efficiently.
- Montana Code Annotated - Courts - Legislative information related to Montana courts and laws, including rules, codes, and statutes.
- Find a Court - American Bar Association - A comprehensive directory to locate courts in the United States, including specific information for Montana.
- Montana Legal Services Association (MLSA) - Provides legal assistance and resources to low-income individuals in Montana, including guidance on court processes.
- Gallatin County Court Records | CourtRecords.org - Access public court records and case information specific to Gallatin County through a third-party service.
- Montana Board of Private Security - Regulatory information and resources related to private security services within the state of Montana.
- Montana Victim Connect - Offers comprehensive victim support services through a network of organizations and resources across Montana.
- Montana Department of Justice - Office of Justice Programs - Statewide programs, policy information, and resources for crime victims and law enforcement agencies in Montana.
- Gallatin County Public Records - Platform to access various public records, including property and court records in Gallatin County, through a consolidated online service.
- Women's Law - Legal Information and Resources - Nonprofit providing comprehensive legal information, including court procedures and domestic violence support services in all states.
Table of Contents
- Gallatin County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Gallatin County Court Records
- Gallatin County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Gallatin County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Gallatin County?
- How Does Gallatin County Compare With Montana Overall?
- Gallatin County Crime Statistics (2024)
- Gallatin County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Gallatin County?
- Are Gallatin County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Gallatin County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Gallatin County
- Gallatin County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links