Golden Valley 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 Montana District Court for Golden Valley County sits in Judicial District 14. It hears felonies, civil cases above the limited-jurisdiction limit, family law, probate, youth matters, and appeals from lower courts.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Golden Valley County District Court (Montana Judicial District 14) |
| Clerk of District Court | Mary Lu Berry |
| Main Phone | 406-568-2231 (Clerk of District Court) |
| Website | courts.mt.gov (Montana Judicial Branch) |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Ryegate) |
| Handles | Felonies; civil cases above the limited-jurisdiction limit; family law; probate; youth matters; appeals from Justice and City courts |
| Does NOT Handle | Justice Court and City or Municipal Court matters (misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, city ordinances); federal cases (U.S. District Court for Montana); water rights (Water Court); workers' compensation (Workers' Compensation Court); parking tickets (citing agency) |
| Online Case Search | MTCourts.org (name search, not official court records) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Clerk of District Court, 406-568-2231 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | citepayusa.com (Montana statewide payment site) |
How to Search Golden Valley County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you have one, and approximate dates ready before you search.
Online
Go to MTCourts.org and search by name or case number.
Check case listings for the court that handles your case.
Ask the clerk about any copy fees before requesting documents.
Best for: Quick checks of case status
In Person
Go to the Clerk of District Court in Ryegate, Montana.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Call 406-568-2231 to confirm which records the office holds.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call the Clerk of District Court at 406-568-2231.
Ask which records the clerk can send and how to request them.
Have the case number and party names ready when you call.
Best for: Confirming requirements 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
Golden Valley County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Golden Valley County courts handled an estimated 43 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 42. The estimate scales Montana statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~43
Total filings in CY 2024
~42
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~43
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~+2.4%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~43 | ~42 | ~+2.4% |
| Total Dispositions | ~42 | ~41 | ~+2.4% |
| Criminal Filings | ~11 | ~10 | ~+10.0% |
| Civil Filings | ~15 | ~15 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~8 | ~7 | ~+14.3% |
| Probate Filings | ~4 | ~4 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~1 | ~1 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~2 | ~2 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Montana statewide figures scaled by Golden Valley County's 0.08% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Golden Valley County?
Estimated total filings in Golden Valley 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 | ~43 | ~42 | ~+2.4% |
| CY 2023 | ~42 | ~41 | ~+0.0% |
| CY 2022 | ~42 | ~41 | ~+2.4% |
| CY 2021 | ~41 | ~40 | ~+2.5% |
| CY 2020 | ~40 | ~39 | ~+2.5% |
Estimated filings changed +7.5% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 40 to 43. The largest annual change was +2.5% in CY 2021. The latest change of +2.4% reflects statewide Montana trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Montana statewide figures scaled by Golden Valley County's 0.08% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Golden Valley County?
The Golden Valley County District Court hears the case types below, and its 2024 total of 30 new and reopened filings covers all of them. County counts by case type are not in the source used here, so shares and category changes are not shown.
| Case Type | Counted in 2024 Total |
|---|---|
| Abuse and neglect | Yes |
| Adoption | Yes |
| Civil | Yes |
| Commitment | Yes |
| Criminal | Yes |
| Developmental disability | Yes |
| Domestic relations | Yes |
| Guardian conservator | Yes |
| Investigative subpoena and search warrant | Yes |
| Juvenile | Yes |
| Paternity | Yes |
| Probate | Yes |
How Does Golden Valley County Compare With Montana Overall?
Golden Valley County is estimated to account for about 0.08% of the 57,082 cases filed in Montana courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Golden Valley County | Montana | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~43 | 57,082 | ~0.08% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~+2.4% | +2.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~43 | 1,019 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~42 | 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 Golden Valley County's 0.08% share of the state population.
Golden Valley County Crime Statistics (2024)
Montana statewide offense counts reported to the FBI show violent crimes down 4.3% and property crimes down 10.6% from 2023 to 2024. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here, so these figures are not attributed to Golden Valley County.
4,863
Montana violent crimes reported in 2024
18,745
Montana property crimes reported in 2024
427.6
Montana violent crime rate per 100K residents, 2024
-9.4%
Montana change in total violent plus property crimes 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% |
Golden Valley County Courthouse Locations
Golden Valley County has 1 Clerk of District Court location, in Ryegate. Check your notice or court paperwork for the court that handles your case, and call ahead to confirm.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clerk of District Court, Golden Valley County | Ryegate, MT 59074 (street address not listed here; see the Montana Court Locator) | 406-568-2231 | See location page: Montana Court Locator |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Golden Valley County?
Montana's District Courts, Justice Courts and City Courts divide these matters under one state judicial system. Federal cases are heard in the U.S. District Court for Montana.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | Justice Court or City Court named on your citation | Traffic citations are heard in Justice or City courts, not in District Court. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are handled by the citing agency, not by a court. |
| Misdemeanor | Justice Court (City Court for city ordinance violations) | Justice courts hear misdemeanors, and City courts hear city ordinance violations. |
| Felony | District Court, Clerk of District Court | District Court hears felonies, after any preliminary hearing in Justice Court. |
| DUI | Justice Court (misdemeanor) or District Court (felony) | Check the charge on your paperwork to see which court holds the case. |
| Domestic violence | Justice Court or District Court, depending on the charge | Check the charge or petition paperwork to see which court holds the case. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court, or Justice Court for claims up to the stated limit | Compare the amount in dispute with the limit the court states before filing. |
| Small claims | Justice Court | Justice courts hear small claims. |
| Eviction | Justice Court | Eviction cases are limited civil matters heard in Justice Court. |
| Divorce | District Court, Clerk of District Court | Family law cases, including divorce, are heard in District Court. |
| Child custody or support | District Court, Clerk of District Court | Family law cases, including custody and support, are heard in District Court. |
| Probate or estate | District Court, Clerk of District Court | District Court handles probate matters. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | District Court handles youth matters. |
| Appeal | District Court (from Justice or City court); Montana Supreme Court (from District Court) | Appeals from Justice and City courts go to District Court, and District Court appeals go to the Montana Supreme Court. |
Are Golden Valley County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Golden Valley County court records are public, with exceptions set by Montana law and the court access rules.
Public records
Montana's Constitution, Article II, Section 9, gives the public a right to examine documents of public bodies, and the Montana Rules for Access to Court Records apply to court files. The courts decide access under their own rules, so court files are generally open unless a rule or court order restricts them.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health, protective-order-restricted, and other confidential records are not publicly available.
Online access
Search by name on MTCourts.org for case information. Results are not official court records, so confirm details with the Clerk of District Court.
In-person access
Visit or call the Clerk of District Court in Ryegate to view or request records. Justice and City court records are kept by those courts.
Fees
No fee amounts are listed in the sources used for this page, so ask the clerk before requesting copies.
How to Search Golden Valley County Court Records Online
Use MTCourts.org for name searches and the Clerk of District Court for records that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open MTCourts.org and search by party name or case number.
- Review the case information for status, parties, and dates.
- Note the case number from the results.
- Call the Clerk of District Court at 406-568-2231 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | MTCourts.org (name search) | Case information for District Court cases | Documents may require the Clerk of District Court |
| Traffic | MTCourts.org for District Court cases; citations can be paid at citepayusa.com | Case information and payment | Justice and City court traffic records are kept by those courts |
| Civil | MTCourts.org (name search) | Case information for District Court cases | Documents may require the Clerk of District Court |
| Small claims | The Justice Court that heard the claim | Records kept by that court | Contact the Justice Court directly |
| Family law | MTCourts.org (name search) | Case information for District Court cases | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | MTCourts.org (name search) | Case information for District Court cases | Documents may require the Clerk of District Court |
| Juvenile | Not online | Juvenile records are not publicly available | Ask the Clerk of District Court what the rules allow |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Golden Valley County
Citations and fines for Golden Valley County can be paid through the Montana statewide payment site or in person or by phone with the court that issued the citation.
- Online: Pay citations at citepayusa.com, the Montana statewide payment site. It is not specific to Golden Valley County.
- In person or by phone: Visit the court that issued your citation, or call the Clerk of District Court at 406-568-2231 and ask which payment methods the office accepts.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the court.
Golden Valley County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Golden Valley County court records?
Search by name on MTCourts.org, and call the Clerk of District Court at 406-568-2231 for records that are not found online.
Are Golden Valley County court records public?
Most court records are public under Montana's access rules, but juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, and other confidential records are not.
How do I find a criminal case in Golden Valley County?
Search by name on MTCourts.org, then confirm with the Clerk of District Court at 406-568-2231.
How do I find a court date?
Check the notice or paperwork you received, or call the court that issued it.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay citations at citepayusa.com, or ask the court named on your ticket which payment methods it accepts.
How many cases are filed in Golden Valley County each year?
The Golden Valley County District Court recorded 30 new and reopened filings in 2024, down from 51 in 2023 (-41.2%).
What is the most common type of case?
Per-type counts for Golden Valley County are not in the source used here, so the most common type cannot be stated; the 2024 total of 30 covers all District Court case types.
Is crime trending up or down?
Statewide, FBI-reported violent crimes fell 4.3% and property crimes fell 10.6% from 2023 to 2024; county crime counts are not available here.
Courts in the County
Golden Valley County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 107 Kemp Street, PO Box 10, Ryegate, MT, 59074 |
| Phone Number: | 406-568-2231 |
| Fax: | 406-568-2428 |
| Website: | https://www.montanalawhelp.org/resource/golden-valley-county-clerk-of-district-court |
Useful Links
- Montana Judicial Branch - Official website providing comprehensive information about Montana's court system including resources and services for Golden Valley County.
- Montana Courts Locator - Find contact information and addresses for all courthouses in Montana, including those serving Golden Valley County.
- Montana Vital Records - Access birth, death, marriage, and divorce records from the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services.
- Montana Secretary of State: Business Services - Search for business records and entity information for businesses registered in Montana, which can assist legal processes.
- Montana Department of Transportation: Obtain Records - Information on accessing official transportation records, which might include details relevant to legal cases and investigations.
- Montana DOJ: Criminal Justice Information Services - Provides access to criminal history record information and background checks crucial for legal proceedings in Montana.
- Montana Board of Crime Control: NRAC - Data and research relating to criminal statistics and trends within Montana counties, including Golden Valley.
- Montana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - Offers support and resources for criminal defense lawyers practicing in Montana, relevant for court proceedings.
- Montana Legal Services Association - Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income individuals within Montana, including residents of Golden Valley County.
- FindLaw: Montana Law - Resourceful platform providing legal information and guidance specific to state laws within Montana, useful for legal cases.
- Montana County Attorneys Association - Association that supports county attorneys with legal information and resources to enhance prosecution services within Montana.
- Montana Association of Counties: Staff Directory - Directory to contact appropriate staff members for legal questions or guidance within Montana's county government structure.
- State of Montana - The official state website providing access to various government services and information about state governance.
- State Bar of Montana: Legal Library - Legal information and resources provided by the State Bar of Montana to assist in understanding and practicing law.
- Golden Valley County, Montana - Official county website with information on government services, including court and administrative services.
- ACLU of Montana - Non-profit organization providing legal advocacy and resources across Montana, ensuring civil liberties for all residents.
- Montana Justice Foundation - Promotes access to justice for all Montanans through various legal aid programs and initiatives focusing on low-income individuals.
- Montana Heritage Project - Provides historical and cultural information about communities in Montana, useful for context within legal cases.
- University of Michigan Law School Repository: Montana Law - Academic resources focusing on Montana's legal framework, useful for in-depth research and understanding of state laws.
- National Association for Court Management: Montana - Offers tools and information for court management professionals within Montana, including those serving Golden Valley County.
Table of Contents
- Golden Valley County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Golden Valley County Court Records
- Golden Valley County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Golden Valley County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Golden Valley County?
- How Does Golden Valley County Compare With Montana Overall?
- Golden Valley County Crime Statistics (2024)
- Golden Valley County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Golden Valley County?
- Are Golden Valley County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Golden Valley County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Golden Valley County
- Golden Valley County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links