Who initiates charges against a criminal suspect?

The heart of the prosecution function is charging a defendant with a crime. Information concerning a possible crime is brought to the County Attorney’s Office by law enforcement where it is then reviewed to determine what charges, if any, will be filed. The decision whether or not to institute a criminal proceeding is solely within the discretion of the County Attorney. Additionally, the specific charges to be filed are determined by the County Attorney’s Office, taking several factors into consideration, including available resources within the criminal justice system, legally sufficient and admissible evidence, and reasonableness of obtaining a conviction and seeking justice.

Can an individual initiate criminal charges against another?

Individuals desirous of having charges filed, or “pressing charges” against some person or entity must go through law enforcement first. If the alleged action occurred within the city, contact the Gillette Police Department. If the alleged action occurred outside the city but within the county, contact the Campbell County Sheriff’s Department. Law enforcement will conduct an investigation into the matter and if further action is required, the information will be forwarded to the County Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of charges.

I see where the County Attorney’s Office does some civil work. What kind of civil work does the office do?

The County Attorney’s Office “client” is the State of Wyoming. The office does not represent individuals or entities other than Campbell County and the State of Wyoming. If you have a civil action, such as a rental dispute, past due child support, or custody issues, to name only a few, you need to contact an attorney in private practice. Check the listings in the yellow pages of the phone book or the Wyoming State Bar may be able to assist you and refer you to an appropriate attorney.

If I can’t make it to court, who do I need to contact?

If you’re represented by an attorney, contact your attorney. If you’re proceeding on your own (known as pro se), you need to call the appropriate court. Check your ticket. If you were advised to appear in Municipal Court, you need to contact Municipal Court at Gillette City Hall, 201 East 5th Street, Gillette (307) 686-5254.

If Circuit Court is where you need to be, contact Circuit Court, Campbell County Courthouse, 500 So. Gillette Ave., Suite 2200, Gillette (307) 682-2190.

Can I talk with a prosecutor about my case?

If you’re represented by an attorney, you must go through your attorney at all times. If you do not plan to have an attorney represent you, you may speak with the prosecutor about your case; however, it’s best to not wait until the last minute.

Where can I go to obtain official or certified copies of court documents?

This depends upon which court is in charge of the case in which you’re looking for information. One of these three courts should be able to help you:

• Municipal Court Clerk, Gillette City Hall, 201 East 5th Street, Gillette, WY (307) 686-5254
• Circuit Court Clerk, Campbell County Courthouse, 500 So. Gillette Ave., Suite 2200, Gillette, WY (307) 682-2190
• District Court Clerk, Campbell County Courthouse, 500 So. Gillette Ave., Suite 2400, Gillette, WY (307) 682-3424

I have a ticket I need to pay. Where do I pay that ticket?

This depends upon which court issued you the citation. It would either be Municipal Court at City Hall or Circuit Court at the County Courthouse. The County Attorney’s Office does not take payment for citations or traffic tickets.

Where do I find information about a sex offender in my neighborhood?

The County Attorney’s Office may be able to provide you with some of the information you seek if the offender is registered in Campbell County, but you must keep in mind that much of this information is considered confidential. Information about all registered sex offenders in Campbell County as well as across Wyoming is available on the State of Wyoming’s Sex Offender Registry website through the Division of Criminal Investigation. Additional information is also available about sex offender registration through this website.