Williams County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Williams County in 2026
WilliamsRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Williams County, North Dakota. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and associated court case data through official and third-party sources. Record categories available through various channels include arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, and sex offender registry entries. Access and completeness vary by source and the disposition of the underlying case.
Members of the public may search arrest records through official resources including the Williams County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of District Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the North Dakota Court System. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Williams County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed at the Williams County Correctional Center. The roster reflects current custody status and is updated on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about recent arrests. Information available through the Sheriff's Office includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status.
Williams County Sheriff's Office
205 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 577-7700
Williams County Sheriff's Office
2. Local Police Departments
The Williston Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Williams County. The department periodically publishes press releases and arrest summaries through its official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs or incident-specific information may submit a public records request directly to the department's records division.
Williston Police Department
223 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 572-4561
Williston Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records in Williams County are frequently linked to criminal court case filings maintained by the Clerk of District Court. Members of the public may search ND Court Records by defendant name, case number, citation number, or attorney name to locate court cases associated with a specific arrest. The Williams County - North Dakota Court System page identifies Jodee Lawlar as the Clerk of District Court and Verlan Kvande as Sheriff, and confirms the county's placement within the Northwest Judicial District.
Williams County Clerk of District Court
206 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 577-4518
Williams County - North Dakota Court System
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition records submitted by law enforcement agencies statewide. Members of the public may request a name-based criminal history record check through the BCI. Fees apply to record requests; at present, the standard fee for a name-based background check is $20.00. Certified criminal history records are available for employment, licensing, and personal review purposes.
North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
4205 State St, Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 328-5500
North Dakota BCI
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
- Address: 205 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (701) 577-7700
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certification fees may apply
Clerk of Court:
- Address: 206 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Phone: (701) 577-4518
- Criminal case files are available for inspection at the courthouse; members of the public may review case documents and request certified copies
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page; $10.00 per certified document
By Mail:
- Mailing address: Williams County Sheriff's Office, 205 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
- Written requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's full name and return address
- Payment for copies should be included with the request in the form of a check or money order payable to Williams County
- Processing time: 5–10 business days
By Phone:
- Sheriff's Office: (701) 577-7700
- Basic custody status and booking information may be available by phone; detailed records require a written or in-person request
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Through Legal Channels:
- Licensed attorneys may request records on behalf of clients through standard public records procedures
- Subpoenas may be issued for records in connection with active litigation or discovery proceedings
- Records obtained through discovery are subject to applicable protective orders
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number (if known)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Williston Police Department, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Williams County
Arrest records in Williams County are public records under North Dakota law. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, all government records are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records serve the purposes of government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and legal proceedings.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Booking number
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Bond and bail information
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under North Dakota law
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
- Records sealed by court order are not available for public inspection
- Information related to active investigations may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
- Undercover officer identities and confidential informant information are exempt from disclosure
- Victim identifying information is restricted in certain categories of cases
- Witness protection participants are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
North Dakota's open records framework reflects the principle that government accountability requires public access to official records. The First Amendment to the United States Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the disposition of charges, including dismissals and acquittals, to prevent undue prejudice to individuals whose cases did not result in conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable housing discrimination laws
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance obligations
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions when records are obtained through consumer reporting agencies. Employers subject to FCRA must follow adverse action procedures before taking employment action based on arrest record information. North Dakota does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to separate requirements. A critical distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records: an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt, and use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions may give rise to liability under applicable anti-discrimination statutes.
What's in Williams County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks including scars and tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public-facing records)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Williston Police Department, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges as filed
- Statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts for each charge
- Domestic violence designation where applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake process timestamp
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public-facing records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time where applicable
- Release conditions where public
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned following charging
- Court jurisdiction (Northwest Judicial District)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment where available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted from public records)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
- Court records: Document legal proceedings initiated after arrest, searchable through criminal case records searches
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
- Background checks: Aggregate information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Williams County?
Members of the public may inspect arrest-related court records at no charge through public access terminals at the Williams County Courthouse or through the North Dakota Courts' online public search portal. Fees apply when copies or certified documents are requested.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certified court document | $10.00 |
| BCI name-based criminal history check | $20.00 |
| Electronic copy (court records) | No additional fee |
Accepted payment methods at the Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order payable to Williams County. The Williams County Sheriff's Office accepts cash and check for records copy requests submitted in person or by mail. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, agencies may charge fees that reflect the actual cost of providing copies but may not impose fees for inspection of public records. Fee waiver provisions are not broadly established by statute for routine public records requests, though indigent requestors in active legal proceedings may seek fee waivers through the court.
Members of the public may access the ND Court Records online search portal at no cost for basic case information including charges, case status, and scheduled court dates.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Williams County
North Dakota law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the destruction or removal of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving records for law enforcement use. The distinction is significant: expunged records are treated as though they do not exist for most purposes, while sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing agencies.
Under N.D.C.C. § 12-60-16.6, individuals who were arrested but not convicted may petition the district court for an order sealing the arrest record. Eligibility conditions include the dismissal of all charges, acquittal, or a finding of no probable cause. Individuals convicted of certain misdemeanor offenses may also be eligible for sealing after a waiting period and upon demonstration of rehabilitation.
Steps to Petition for Sealing or Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case file from the Clerk of District Court
- Confirm eligibility based on case disposition, charge classification, and waiting period requirements
- Complete the petition for sealing or expungement and file it with the Williams County District Court
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
- Attend the scheduled hearing; the court will consider the petition and any objection from the prosecution
- If granted, the court issues an order directing law enforcement agencies and the BCI to seal or expunge the record
Williams County District Court
206 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 577-4518
Williams County - North Dakota Court System
North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
4205 State St, Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 328-5500
North Dakota BCI
Individuals seeking expungement or sealing are advised to consult with a licensed North Dakota attorney. The North Dakota State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service accessible through its official website.
What Happens After Arrest in Williams County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Williams County Correctional Center, located at 205 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the correctional center, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include recording personal information, photographing the individual (mugshot), collecting fingerprints, conducting a criminal history and outstanding warrants check, inventorying and storing personal property, issuing jail clothing, and completing medical and mental health screening. Housing classification is assigned based on the nature of the charges and the individual's history.
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under North Dakota law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in practice this occurs within 24 to 72 hours of arrest. At the initial appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines eligibility for appointed counsel, sets bond or bail, and advises the individual of their rights. Initial appearances may be conducted via video conference from the correctional facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court or jail. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the defendant appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: The defendant engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, at present set at ten percent of the bond amount in North Dakota.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order detention without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release:
- Scheduled check-in with pretrial services
- Travel restrictions
- No-contact orders
- Drug and alcohol testing
- GPS monitoring
- Pretrial supervision requirements
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear at any required court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a bench warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody, receive a housing assignment, and are oriented to facility rules including commissary, phone, and visitation procedures.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Public Defender:
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointment of a public defender. Eligibility is based on income and assets. The application is completed at the initial appearance or shortly thereafter.
Williams County Public Defender
206 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 577-4518
Private Attorney:
Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The North Dakota State Bar Association provides attorney referral services. Private attorneys may visit clients at the correctional center in confidential consultation rooms.
Charging Decision:
Prosecutor's Review:
The Williams County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest depending on case complexity.
Williams County State's Attorney's Office
206 E Broadway, Williston, ND 58801
Phone: (701) 577-4560
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the court formally reads the charges and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. The majority of defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are scheduled for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
Pretrial Phase:
During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or address other legal issues. Pretrial conferences allow the parties and the court to assess case readiness and explore resolution.
Case Resolution Options:
- Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness unavailability, or legal defects in the arrest or charging process. Dismissed cases may be eligible for record sealing.
- Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
- Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges in exchange for a sentencing recommendation or reduced charges.
- Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury or bench trial. The prosecution bears the burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
Sentencing (if convicted):
The court imposes sentence following conviction by plea or verdict. Sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: 24–72 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying by case complexity
- Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: Resolved within several months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution and Article I, Section 12 of the North Dakota Constitution
What to Do If You're Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Williams County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Williams County is governed by North Dakota state law and the records retention schedules established by the North Dakota State Records Committee. Under N.D.C.C. § 54-46-03, public records may not be destroyed except in accordance with an approved retention schedule. The applicable schedule varies by record type and the disposition of the underlying case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the North Dakota BCI
- Maintained in the FBI's Interstate Identification Index indefinitely
- Accessible to law enforcement nationwide through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently in court records
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of seven years
- State repository retains records permanently
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of three to seven years depending on charge classification
- Court records are retained permanently unless sealed by court order
- State repository retains records unless updated following a sealing order
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently
- Local law enforcement retains booking records per standard schedule
- Records may be sealed upon petition to the district court
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Eligible for petition for sealing upon demonstration that no charges were filed
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork: Minimum seven years
- Fingerprint cards: Permanent for felony arrests; minimum seven years for misdemeanor arrests
- Photographs: Retained consistent with booking record schedule
Digital Records:
- Records management system entries: Often permanent
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum three years
- Court electronic records: Permanent
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and update obligations as law enforcement agencies. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain reasonable procedures for accuracy, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records following expungement or sealing. Individuals whose records have been sealed or expunged may need to contact third-party websites directly to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum seven years
- Arrest reports: Minimum seven years
- Investigative files: Varies by case outcome; felony cases retained permanently
- Contact: (701) 577-7700
Clerk of Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
State Repository (North Dakota BCI):
- Retains arrest and disposition records from all jurisdictions statewide
- Retention is permanent for felony arrests; misdemeanor records retained per state policy
- Contact: (701) 328-5500
FBI Database:
- NCIC and Interstate Identification Index records are retained permanently
- Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background check and investigative purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless sealed; not reported on standard employment background checks in many circumstances
- Expungement/Sealing: Local records sealed or destroyed per court order; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with notation; third-party websites may not update automatically
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three years; eligible for immediate sealing petition in some circumstances
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. North Dakota does not currently impose a statutory limit shorter than the FCRA standard for private employment background checks. Arrests without conviction are not evidence of criminal conduct, and their use in employment decisions is subject to EEOC guidance on disparate impact.
How to Check Retention Status:
- Contact the Williams County Sheriff's Records Division at (701) 577-7700
- Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date, and booking number
- Fees may apply for copies of responsive records