Court records in Albany County, Wyoming can be found through several channels. AlbanyCourt.us can help find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also search records through the Wyoming Judicial Branch website, visit the court clerks' offices in person, or use public access terminals at the courthouse in Laramie. The approach depends on the court level and case type involved.
Albany Court System & Jurisdictions
Albany County sits within Wyoming's 2nd Judicial District. Two trial-level courts operate in the county, each handling distinct case types.
District Court – 2nd Judicial District
The Albany County District Court is Wyoming's court of general jurisdiction. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases — all felony charges originating in Albany County
- Civil cases — claims exceeding the Circuit Court's monetary threshold
- Family law — divorce, custody, adoption, guardianship, and name changes
- Probate and estate matters — wills, trusts, and estate administration
- Juvenile proceedings — delinquency and child-in-need-of-care cases (many juvenile records are restricted)
- Appeals — from Circuit Court decisions
Circuit Court – 2nd Judicial District
The Albany County Circuit Court handles a high volume of cases, including:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic and municipal ordinance violations
- Small claims — civil disputes up to $6,000 (per Wyo. Stat. § 5-9-128)
- Civil actions — within the Circuit Court's statutory dollar limits
- Protection orders — stalking and domestic violence orders of protection
- Preliminary hearings — for felony cases before they are bound over to District Court
Wyoming does not operate a separate Magistrate Court at the county level. Circuit Court judges fulfill magistrate functions. If you are unsure which court holds the docket you need, contact the Clerk of District Court or the Circuit Court clerk's office for guidance.
Albany Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Finding out when a hearing is scheduled requires checking with the correct court.
How to Check the Calendar
- Contact the clerk's office directly. Call the District Court or Circuit Court clerk and provide the case number or party name. Staff can confirm upcoming hearing dates, times, and courtroom assignments.
- Wyoming Judicial Branch website. The Wyoming Judicial Branch publishes court information by district. Check the Albany County pages for each court for contact details and any posted schedules.
- Live-streamed proceedings. Some Albany County hearings are available through the Wyoming Courts live stream page, which lists the Albany County Circuit Court courtroom among available feeds.
- In-person visit. Court calendars are typically posted at the courthouse. Visit 525 Grand Avenue in Laramie to view posted dockets for the current day and week.
Wyoming does not currently offer a statewide public online docket-search portal for all case types. For real-time calendar information, calling the clerk remains the most reliable method.
How to Get a Copy of an Albany Court Document
Court documents in Albany County — including complaints, motions, orders, and judgments — are generally public unless sealed or otherwise restricted by law. Juvenile records, adoption files, and certain protective order details may be confidential.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They work for personal reference or informal review.
- Certified copies bear the court's official seal and clerk's signature. You typically need certified copies for legal proceedings, government applications, or official filings in another jurisdiction.
How to Request Copies
- In person: Visit the Clerk of District Court's office at the Albany County Courthouse. Bring the case number if you have it, or provide party names and approximate filing dates so staff can locate the file. The Circuit Court clerk's office handles requests for Circuit Court records.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, document(s) needed, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees. Mail to:
- Public records request: Albany County processes general public records requests through the County Clerk's public records request page, pursuant to W.S. 16-4-202(e). Court-specific document requests, however, should go directly to the appropriate court clerk.
Self-help forms for common filings are available on the Wyoming Judicial Branch self-help forms page.
Albany Court Records Fees & Payment
Wyoming court fees are set by statute and court rule. The table below lists common fees you may encounter when requesting Albany County court records. Confirm current amounts with the clerk's office before submitting payment, as fees may be updated by administrative order.
| Service | Estimated Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 | Standard uncertified photocopy rate |
| Certified copy | $1.00 – $5.00 | Certification fee added per document; varies by document type |
| Record search (per name) | Varies | Contact the clerk for the current search fee |
| Filing fee – civil action (District Court) | $70.00+ | Per Wyo. Stat. § 5-3-206; amount depends on case type |
| Small claims filing fee | $10.00 – $20.00 | Per Wyo. Stat. § 5-9-128; depends on amount claimed |
| Criminal history record check (state) | $15.00 – $25.00 | Through the DCI Criminal Records Unit |
Payment Methods
- In person: Cash, check, or money order are generally accepted. Ask the clerk whether credit or debit cards are accepted at that office.
- By mail: Check or money order payable to the appropriate clerk's office. Do not send cash.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties. Ask the clerk about filing an affidavit of indigency if you cannot afford the required fees.