Check Minnesota criminal records and daily arrest reports in every MN county through official agencies in just a few minutes.
Thanks to Minnesota and federal open record laws, these records can be accessed by anyone for any reason. Yet, finding Minnesota arrest records and criminal proceedings is overly complicated due to the different processes between various agencies and types of records.
Minnesota Records Page aims to simplify this process through our how-to guides which makes finding any public criminal record quick and easy. Through this guide, searchers will learn how to find:
- Online inmate rosters that contain recent or daily arrests, and contact information for arresting agencies
- Criminal records through courts and law enforcement agencies
- Information regarding arrest warrants, probation, and parole status
- Sexual predators in MN neighborhoods
- Prison records for Minnesota state prisons and federal penitentiaries
Furthermore, citizens will learn more about background checks for personal or professional uses, bailing someone out of jail, expunging records, and laws surrounding the ethical use of criminal and arrest records.
Accessing Public Criminal Records & Arrest Records: Minnesota
Minnesota classifies data as either private or public information.1 Private records refer to publicly unavailable records that might require a court order to access. These include juvenile records, all arrest information, and convictions over 15 years old. In contrast, anyone can access public information, including offenses, convictions for 15 years, date of offenses, probation information, and the place of confinement.
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), among other statutes and acts, regulates access and dissemination of arrest and criminal records in Minnesota.2 The MGDPA requires that accessed data be used for specific purposes. According to the act, data should only be used or disclosed after the provision of an authorization, failure to which individuals accessing the data are subject to legal action.
In addition to the MGDPA, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) provides that individuals can access data except in situations that can affect the use of the data.3 The FOIA stipulates that such data be used for research and analysis, to review and hold agencies accountable, and to conduct other duties under the law.
The Minnesota Statutes §299C.095 categorizes juvenile records as private data and only accessible by the criminal justice system during trial courts, by public defenders, and by criminal justice agencies.4 Access can also be granted in case of a background check on an employment or license applicant to determine criminal history.
Whereas juvenile records are kept for a certain period, Minnesota Statutes §299C.095 allocates timelines under which the records should be destroyed on case dismissal, diversion, or the juvenile attaining a certain age.
While criminal records are public information in Minnesota, Statutes §364.01 and 364.10, commonly referred to as “Ban the Box,” offers some protection on how these records can be used.5,6 These stipulations strive to prevent discriminating against individuals with a criminal history from employment opportunities, while offering employers a chance to review their employees before hiring them.
According to Ban the Box, employers cannot request a potential employee’s criminal history until the applicant has been selected for an interview or offered a conditional job. Employers are free to conduct further extended criminal background checks once a conditional job offer has been extended.
In Minnesota, anyone can report the violation of Ban the Box to the Minnesota Department of Human Rights through the Ban the Box Submission Form.7
In addition to criminal and arrest records, our resource on Minnesota public records details even more information that can be found, including but not limited to records regarding marriage, divorce, birth, death, court dockets and more.
A Comparison of Details Shown on Criminal Records vs Arrest Records in Minnesota
The terms “arrest records” and “criminal records” are often used interchangeably and are interrelated; however, they refer to different things. An arrest record shows exactly that: details of an arrest. Arrest records are especially important if you want to find out someone’s charges in jail. In contrast, a criminal record, also known as a rap sheet, contains exhaustive information about an individual’s criminal history.
Employers rely on criminal records and arrest records during employee background screening. Courts also use these records to make decisions on convictions, plea bargains, and probation, among other things.
The following details can help differentiate between the two types of records.
Minnesota arrest records include:
- Name
- Mugshot (some county jail rosters do not include mugshots)
- Age
- Gender
- Date and time of booking (in some cases indicated as incarceration)
- Booking agency (usually the Sheriff’s Office)
- Booking ID/Booking number
- Court case number
- Housing agency (where the offender is housed, usually in the county jail)
- Offense/charges
- Status
- Scheduled release date (if available)
- Actual release date (if available)
- Bail amounts
Minnesota criminal records contain:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Case number
- Date filed
- Case title
- Case type
- Case location
- Case status
- Citation number
- Judicial officer
- Charges
- Level of charge
- Statutes
- Disposition and date of disposition
- Offense date
- Community of offense
- Law enforcement agency
- Prosecuting agency
- Guilty pleas
- Fines and fees (if any)
How To Find Out If Someone Was Arrested or Is in a Minnesota Jail for Free
If a person wants to know how to find recent arrests, they can call or visit the local Sheriff’s Office to inquire and access this information for free. The Sheriff’s Office can provide key information on the arrestee’s charges, current state, and court appearance.
Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, consent is not required before accessing arrest records as the data is considered public. Interested parties can also access county jail rosters or get the information via a phone call for free.
Check Minnesota Arrest Records, Mugshots & the Reason for the Arrest via County Sherriff Offices
Most counties in Minnesota publish daily arrests on their websites. Some counties, like Anoka County, have an inmate arrest records search feature that, when queried, displays the inmate’s arrest details alongside a mugshot of the inmate.8
Aitkin County is an example of a county that publishes a daily jail roster (as opposed to having an inmate locator).9 As shown in the image below, the roster lists inmates and their charges. There’s also a mugshot beside each inmate’s name.
Inquirers may also want to visit or call the local Sheriff’s Office to find more details about an inmate whose arrest details are not yet available online. In most Minnesota counties, arrest reports are available 24 hours after the arrest.
The table below shows the link to each Minnesota county inmate locator or jail roster, the county jail or the Sheriff’s Office phone number, and whether the search tool or jail roster has an accompanying inmate mugshot. A person can use these details to find out if someone is in jail in Minnesota.
*Murray County and Lincoln County have partnered on inmate housing.
*Red Lake, Polk, and Normal counties share correctional services known as the Tri-County Community Corrections.
*Rock County and Nobles County share a jail.
*Winona County is in the final stages of completing the Winona County Detention Center (WCDC).
Some counties in Minnesota do not have an online search tool or an inmate jail roster for current arrests. Consequently, the table below lists these counties and the Sheriff’s Office number where a person can call to find out if someone was detained.
| County | Sheriff’s Office Number |
| Dodge County | 507-635-6200 |
| Grant County | 218-685-8280 |
| Kanabec County | 320-679-8400 |
| Kittson County | 218-843-3535 |
| Lake of the Woods County | 218-634-1143 |
| Lincoln County | 507-694-1664 |
| Mahnomen County | 218-935-2255 |
| Marshall County | 218-745-5411 |
| Pope County | 320-634-5411 |
| Stevens County | 320-208-6500 |
How To Contact a Minnesota Jail Inmate & Bail Them Out
The best way to contact an inmate in jail is usually through a bail bondsman. These people know the intricacies of the legal system and can save time.
However, a person can still contact someone in jail if they know where that person has been detained. It is usually not advisable to show up in jail and expect to see the arrestee. Jails in Minnesota have visitation days and rules. Some jails offer physical visits, while others provide video visitation.
For video visitation, a person can either video call at home or at a specific place set up by the jail (usually inside the jail). However, even video visitation needs booking, and it is advisable to call the jail in advance and inquire about their visitation policies.
The following is a table of the county jails in Minnesota, including details about visitation policies alongside contact numbers to help a person contact someone who’s in jail:
| County Jail | Contact & Visitation Details | Personal Visits Allowed? |
| Aitkin County | Visitation can be scheduled by calling 218-927-7444 at least 24 hours in advance, Mon-Fri. | ✓ |
| Anoka County Jail | On-site video visits are available. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours prior. Off-site video visits through ICSolutions. | X |
| Becker County Jail | On-site video visitation via a computer kiosk (Wed-Sat) or online home visitation (Mon-Sun). Call 218-847-2939 to arrange. | X |
| Beltrami County Jail | On-site (jail lobby) and off-site (online) visits. Off-site visits through Video Canteen. Visitations are allowed every day at specific times. | ✓ |
| Benton County Jail | Through appointments, 24 hours prior. Arranged through 320-968-8180. | ✓ |
| Big Stone County Jail | No information is provided. Call Sheriff’s office on 320-839-3558 | * |
| Blue Earth County Jail | Remote and on-site visiting only through Inmate Canteen. First, register for approval. | X |
| Brown County Jail | Visitation allowed subject to approval (Sun, Mon, Thur). Call (507)233-6775 at least 24 hours prior. | ✓ |
| Carlton County Jail | Non-contact visits are allowed on Tues, Thur, and Sat. Call 218-384-4560 to arrange. | ✓ |
| Carver County Jail | Telephone and video visitation through NCIC Inmate Communications. Call +1-800-943-2189 to arrange. | X |
| Cass County Jail | Visitation is allowed on Wed, Thur, and Sat. Call 218-547-1424 to arrange. | ✓ |
| Chippewa County Jail | Visitations only on Tue and Fri. Call 320-269-2121 to arrange. | * |
| Chisago County Jail | On-site video visitation. Visitation hours depend on if inmates are classified as minimum/medium security or maximum security. Call 651-257-2931 to arrange. | X |
| Clay County Jail | Inmate video visitation is provided via Reliance Telephone. Appointments are required, and visitations are conducted in the public lobby. | X |
| Clearwater County Jail | Non-contact visitation is to be arranged by calling 208-476-8903. | ✓ |
| Cook County Jail | Can be arranged by calling 218-387-3030. Visitation is conducted via Reliance Telephone. | ✓ |
| Cottonwood County Jail | Free video visitation is offered from the Law Enforcement Center kiosk. Sign up through Reliance Telephone. | X |
| Crow Wing County Jail | Visitation is conducted via video communication. Schedule at Inmate Canteen. | X |
| Dakota County Jail | On-site jail video visiting is currently suspended. | X |
| Dodge County Jail | Call the Sheriff’s Office at 507-635-6200 to enquire. | * |
| Douglas County Jail | Video visitation is to be scheduled via Inmate Canteen. It can be on-site or off-site. | X |
| Faribault County Jail | Non-contact visits are allowed. Pre-approved video visits via Turnkey and Reliance Telephone. | X |
| Fillmore County Jail | Non-contact visits are allowed on Tue and Thur. Call 507-765-3874 to arrange | ✓ |
| Freeborn County Jail | Free video visitation at the jail lobby. Online visitation via Inmate Canteen. | X |
| Goodhue County Jail | On-site video visitations are allowed by scheduling one at Securus. | X |
| Grant County Jail | Call the Sheriff’s Office at 218-685-8280 to enquire. | * |
| Hennepin County Jail | Only video visits are allowed at $4 per 20 minutes through Securus Technologies. | X |
| Houston County Jail | Video visiting to be scheduled at https://visitation.co.houston.mn.us | X |
| Hubbard County Detention Center | Pre-approved on-site video visitation. Call 218-732-3331 to arrange. | X |
| Isanti County Jail | On-site video visitation is subject to approval. Call 763-691-2456 to arrange. | X |
| Itasca County Jail | Non-contact on-site visitation is to be secluded by calling 218-327-2875. | X |
| Jackson County Jail | Video calling is allowed. Call 507-847-4420 to schedule. | X |
| Kanabec County Jail | Visits can be scheduled by calling 320-679-8402. | * |
| Kandiyohi County Jail | On-site and off-site video visitation is provided by Inmate Canteen | X |
| Kittson County Jail | Call 218-843-3535 at least 24 hours in advance to make visitation arrangements. | * |
| Koochiching County Jail | Contact 218-283-4416 for more information. | * |
| Lac qui Parle County Jail | Contact 320-598-3720 for more information. | * |
| Lake County Jail | Both on-site and off-site visitation via the Reliance Connect app. Visitations are only on Sundays and Wednesdays. | X |
| Lake of the Woods County Detention Center | On-site non-contact visitation via the telephone at the visiting booth. | ✓ |
| Le Sueur County Jail | On-site and video visitation are available. Schedule a visit via Inmate Canteen. | ✓ |
| Lincoln County Jail | Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 507-694-1664. | * |
| Lyon County Jail | Personal visits are allowed on Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. No appointment is required. Visitation runs from 8:00 AM to 11 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. | ✓ |
| Murray County | ||
| McLeod County Jail | On-site video visitation via Inmate canteen. | X |
| Mahnomen County Jail | Call the county Sheriff’s Office at 218-935-2255 to enquire. | * |
| Marshall County Jail | Visitations are allowed Mon-Fri from 1-4 PM. Contact visits are subject to Sheriff’s Office approval via 218-745-5411. | ✓ |
| Martin County Corrections | On-site video visits are allowed on Fri, Sat, Sun. Call the jail administrator at 507-238-3153 to schedule. | X |
| Meeker County Detention Center | Visitations are allowed on Thur and Sun. Call the detention center at 320-693-5415 to schedule. | ✓ |
| Mille Lacs County Jail | Both on-site and remote video visitation is to be scheduled via Securus. | X |
| Morrison County Jail | Video visitation is to be scheduled via Jailatm.com. | X |
| Mower County Jail | On-site non-contact video visitation is to be scheduled by calling 507-437-9562. | X |
| Nicollet County Jail | On-site non-contact visitation is to be scheduled by calling 507-934-7161. Visitation days: Tue, Thur, and Sat. | X |
| Nobles County Jail | On-site video visitation via Reliance: Sun, Tue, Thur | X |
| Rock County Jail | ||
| Norman County, Polk County, and Red Lake County (Tri-County Community Corrections) | On-Site & Off-Site video visitation via SECURUS. On-site: Mon-Fri; off-site: 7 days a week. | X |
| Olmsted County Detention Center | Both online and in-person visits are available. Unlimited off-site visits via ICSolutions. In-person video visits are held at Olmsted County Work Release. | X |
| Otter Tail County Jail | Limited visitation. Contact Sgt. Berg at 218-998-8576 for appointment. | X |
| Pennington County Jail | Remote video. Only visitation via Inmate Canteen. | X |
| Pine County Jail | Onsite inmate visitation is conducted via Reliance Telephone. | X |
| Pipestone County Jail | Visits are allowed on Wed, Sat, Sun, and holidays. Call 507-825-1100 to schedule. | X |
| Pope County Jail | Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 320-634-5411. | * |
| Ramsey County ADC | On-site non-contact video visits via Securus. At-Home (remote) visits are also available. | X |
| Redwood County Jail | On-site video visiting is provided at the visiting quarters of the jail lobby. | X |
| Renville County Jail | No on-site visitation. Video visitation via Reliance Telephone. | X |
| Rice County Jail | On-site visit is available. Remote visits via Inmate Canteen are also available. Personal visits are limited to Tue, Thur, and Sat. Call 507-332-6021 to schedule. | X |
| Roseau County Detention Center | Off-site video visitation is available via Inmate Canteen. Contact 218-463-1421 for more information. | X |
| Saint Louis County Jail | Pre-registered lobby visits via Reliance. Lobby kiosks are available at Duluth. | ✓ |
| Scott County Jail | Off-site video visitation is provided via ICSolutions. You can also schedule on-site video visitation by calling 952-496-8327. | X |
| Sherburne County Jail | Free on-site video visitation is available via NCIC. Remote visitation is available via appointment only via NCIC at $0.27 per minute. Visitations are allowed at specified times on all days of the week. | X |
| Sibley County Jail | Visiting days are Tuesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Call 507-237-4337 to schedule a visit. | X |
| Stearns County Jail | Non-contact on-site visits are allowed. All days of the week except for Tuesdays and Saturdays. | X |
| Stevens County Jail | Call the Sheriff’s Office at 320-208-6500 to enquire. | * |
| Swift County Jail | Contact the Sheriff’s Office at 320-843-3133 to enquire. | * |
| Todd County Detention Center | Inmate visitation is allowed on Wed, Fri, and Sun. Call 320-422-7800 to make an appointment. | X |
| Traverse County Jail | Call the Sheriff’s Office at 320-422-7800 to enquire. | X |
| Wabasha County Jail | On-site telephone visitation is available, Sun to Sat. Schedule a visit by calling the jail at 651-560-1004. | ✓ |
| Wadena County Detention Center | On-site visitation allowed Mon-Sun. Call 218-631-7600 to schedule a visit. | ✓ |
| Waseca County Jail | On-site visits are allowed via telephone booth. Visitation days are restricted to Thur, Sat, and Sun. | ✓ |
| Washington County Jail | On-site visitation allowed Mon-Sun. Call 651-430-7900 in advance. Make sure you are on the inmates visitor list. | ✓ |
| Watonwan County Jail | On-site visitation is allowed on Tue, Thur, Sat, and Sunday. Call 507-375-1206 at least 24 hours in advance. | ✓ |
| Wilkin County Jail | On-site and remote video visits facilitated by Reliance. Note that jail staff will not schedule visits for you. | X |
| Winona County Detention Center | Please note that WCDC is under renovation. Visitations will be on Tue, Sat, and Sun. | X |
| Wright County Jail | On-site visits allowed Mon-Fri. Call 763-684-2381 to schedule. | ✓ |
| Yellow Medicine County Jail | Visiting is allowed every day at specific times. Call 320-564-2130 to enquire and schedule. | ✓ |
How To Look Up Anyone’s Criminal Records in MN or Minnesota
There are several ways to access criminal records in Minnesota and the government agencies summarized below are explained in further detail below.
A person can access criminal records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).10 The MCRO offers access to public case records and documents, including criminal records.
The public access terminals in each district courthouse in Minnesota offer the inquirer electronic access to statewide public court case records.
Inquirers can also access criminal records through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.11 Court records can also enable the inquirer to determine whether the court has put out a warrant list, which can help know if someone has been charged with a crime.
The following details how an inquirer can obtain public criminal records in Minnesota:
- The person can access the records online through the Minnesota Public Criminal History Record Search website.12 The website has data on public criminal history.
- The inquirer can also visit the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) office, where access to criminal records and a mugshot database is granted free of charge.
Utilize the County’s Court Case Access System to Find Minnesota Criminal Records
The Minnesota Judicial Branch, through its Access Case Records webpage, enables the inquirer to view county court records and determine their availability in the online portal.13
However, to access these records, the inquirer must know the court file’s case number/file number as well as the names of the participants in the case. These details should enable the inquirer to perform the search.
A person can also access court records via the public computer terminals at the Minnesota State Law Library or through the “Find Your Court” search feature provided by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. However, printing at the courthouse terminals attracts an $8 fee.14
The table below shows each county’s online portal for searching someone’s criminal history.
*Stearns County has its own criminal case search portal.
| County Courts Who Provide Criminal Records | County Courthouse Address | Shows Mugshots? |
| Aitkin County | Aitkin County Courthouse Address: RM 242A, 209 2nd Street NW Aitkin, MN 56431 |
✓ |
| Anoka County | Anoka County Courthouse Address: Court Administration 2100 3rd Ave. Anoka, MN 55303-2489 |
✓ |
| Becker County | Becker County Courthouse Address: 913 Lake Avenue Detroit Lakes, MN 56501 |
✓ |
| Beltrami County | Beltrami County Courthouse Address: 600 Minnesota Avenue NW, Suite 108 Bemidji, MN 56601-3068 |
✓ |
| Benton County | Benton County Courthouse Address: 615 Highway 23, PO Box 189 Foley, MN 56329 |
X |
| Big Stone County | Big Stone County Courthouse Address: 20 Second Street SE, STE 107 Ortonville, MN 56278 |
X |
| Blue Earth County | Blue Earth County Courthouse Address: 401 Carver Road, PO Box 3366 Mankato, MN 56002-3366 |
✓ |
| Brown County | Brown County Courthouse Address: 14 South State Street, PO Box 248 New Ulm, MN 56073-0248 |
✓ |
| Carlton County | Carlton County Courthouse Address: 301 Walnut Avenue, PO Box 190 Carlton, MN 55718 |
✓ |
| Carver County | Carver County Courthouse Address: 604 East 4th Street Chaska, MN 55318 |
X |
| Cass County | Cass County Courthouse Address: 300 Minnesota Avenue, PO Box 3000 Walker, MN 56484 |
✓ |
| Chippewa County | Chippewa County Courthouse Address: 629 North 11th Street, Suite 9 Montevideo, MN 56265 |
✓ |
| Chisago County | Chisago County Courthouse Address: 313 North Main Street Center City, MN 55012 |
✓ |
| Clay County | Clay County Courthouse Address: 807 11th Street North Moorhead, MN 56560 |
X |
| Clearwater County | Clearwater County Courthouse Address: 213 Main Avenue #303 Bagley, MN 56621 |
✓ |
| Cook County | Cook County Courthouse Address: 411 West 2nd Street Grand Marais, MN 55604 |
✓ |
| Cottonwood County | Cottonwood County Courthouse Address: 900 Third Avenue, PO Box 97 Windom, MN 56101-0097 |
✓ |
| Crow Wing County | Crow Wing County Courthouse Address: 213 Laurel Street, Suite 11 Brainerd, MN 56401 |
✓ |
| Dakota County | Dakota County Courthouse Address: 1560 Highway 55 Hastings, MN 55033 Phone: (651) 377-7180 |
✓ |
| Dodge County | Dodge County Courthouse Address: 22 6th Street E, Dept. 12 Mantorville, MN 55955 |
X |
| Douglas County | Douglas County Courthouse Address: 305 8th Avenue West Alexandria, MN 56308 |
X |
| Faribault County | Faribault County Courthouse Address: 415 North Main Street, PO Box 130 Blue Earth, MN 56013-0130 |
✓ |
| Fillmore County | Fillmore County Courthouse Address: 101 Fillmore Street, PO Box 436 Preston, MN 55965 |
✓ |
| Freeborn County | Freeborn County Courthouse Address: 411 South Broadway Albert Lea, MN 56007 |
✓ |
| Goodhue County | Goodhue County Courthouse Address: 454 West Sixth Street Red Wing, MN 55066 |
✓ |
| Grant County | Grant County Courthouse Address: 10 2nd Street NE Elbow Lake, MN 56531 |
X |
| Hennepin County | Hennepin County Courthouse Address: 300 South 6th St, Minneapolis, USA, MN 55487 |
✓ |
| Houston County | Houston County Courthouse Address: 306 South Marshall, Suite 2100 Caledonia, MN 55921 |
✓ |
| Hubbard County | Hubbard County Courthouse Address: 301 Court Avenue Park Rapids, MN 56470 |
✓ |
| Isanti County | Isanti County Courthouse Address: 555 18th Avenue SW Cambridge, MN 55008 |
✓ |
| Itasca County | Itasca County Courthouse Address: 123 4th Street NE Grand Rapids, MN 55744 |
✓ |
| Jackson County | Jackson County Courthouse Address: 405 4th Street Jackson, MN 56143 |
✓ |
| Kanabec County | Kanabec County Courthouse Address: 317 Maple Avenue East, Suite 318 Mora, MN 55051-1385 |
X |
| Kandiyohi County | Kandiyohi County Courthouse Address: 505 Becker Avenue SW Willmar, MN 56201 |
✓ |
| Kittson County | Kittson County Courthouse Address: 410 South 5th Street, Suite 204 Hallock, MN 56728 |
X |
| Koochiching County | Koochiching County Courthouse Address: 715 4th Street International Falls, MN 56649 |
✓ |
| Lac qui Parle County | Lac Qui Parle County Courthouse Address: 600 Sixth Street, Suite 11 Madison, MN 56256 |
✓ |
| Lake County | Lake County Courthouse Address: 601 3rd Avenue Two Harbors, MN 55616 |
✓ |
| Lake of the Woods County | Lake of the Woods County Courthouse Address: 206 8th Avenue SE #250 Baudette, MN 56623 |
X |
| Le Sueur County | Le Sueur County Courthouse Address: 435 E Derrynane St Le Center MN 56057 |
✓ |
| Lincoln County | Lincoln County Courthouse Address: 319 North Rebecca, P.O. Box 15 Ivanhoe, MN 56142-0015 |
X |
| Lyon County | Lyon County Courthouse Address: 607 West Main Marshall, MN 56258 |
✓ |
| McLeod County | McLeod County Courthouse Address: 830 11th Street East Glencoe, MN 55336 |
✓ |
| Mahnomen County | Mahnomen County Courthouse Address: 311 N Main Mahnomen, MN 56557 |
X |
| Marshall County | Marshall County Courthouse Address: 208 E Colvin, Suite 18 Warren, MN 56762 |
X |
| Martin County | Martin County Courthouse Address: 201 Lake Avenue Fairmont, MN 56031 |
✓ |
| Meeker County | Meeker County Courthouse Address: 325 North Sibley Avenue Litchfield, MN 55355 |
✓ |
| Mille Lacs County | Mille Lacs County Courthouse Address: 225 6th Ave SE Milaca, MN 56353 |
✓ |
| Morrison County | Morrison County Courthouse Address: 213 1st Avenue Southeast Little Falls, MN 56345 |
✓ |
| Mower County | Mower County Courthouse Address: 201 Second Avenue NE Austin, MN 55912 |
✓ |
| Murray County | Murray County Courthouse Address: 2500 28th Street, PO Box 57 Slayton, MN 56172-0057 |
✓ |
| Nicollet County | Nicollet County Courthouse Address: 501 South Minnesota Avenue St. Peter, MN 56082 |
✓ |
| Nobles County | Nobles County Courthouse Address: 1530 Airport Road, PO Box 547 Worthington, MN 56187 |
✓ |
| Norman County | Norman County Courthouse Address: 16 E 3rd Avenue E Ada, MN 56510 |
✓ |
| Olmsted County | Olmsted County Courthouse Address: 151 Fourth Street SE Rochester, MN 55904 |
✓ |
| Otter Tail County | Otter Tail County Courthouse Address: 121 West Junius Avenue #310 Fergus Falls, MN 56537 |
✓ |
| Pennington County | Pennington County Courthouse Address: 141 Main Ave S Thief River Falls, MN 56701 |
✓ |
| Pine County | Pine County Courthouse Address: 635 Northridge Drive NW, Suite 320 Pine City, MN 55063 |
✓ |
| Pipestone County | Pipestone County Courthouse Address: 416 South Hiawatha Pipestone, MN 56164 |
✓ |
| Polk County | Polk County Courthouse Address: 816 Marin Ave, Suite 210 Crookston, MN 56716 |
✓ |
| Pope County | Pope County Courthouse Address: 130 East Minnesota – Ste 309 Glenwood, MN 56334 |
X |
| Ramsey County | Ramsey County Courthouse Address: 15 W Kellogg Blvd Room 1700 Saint Paul MN 55102 (651) 266-8266 |
X |
| Red Lake County | Red Lake County Courthouse Address: 124 Main Ave NW, PO Box 339 Red Lake Falls, MN 56750 |
✓ |
| Redwood County | Redwood County Courthouse Address: 250 South Jefferson Redwood Falls, MN 56283-0130 |
✓ |
| Renville County | Renville County Courthouse Address: 500 East DePue, Third Level Olivia, MN 56277 |
✓ |
| Rice County | Rice County Courthouse Address: 218 NW Third St, Suite 300 Faribault, MN 55021 |
✓ |
| Rock County | Rock County Courthouse Address: 204 East Brown Street, PO Box 745 Luverne, MN 56156-0745 |
✓ |
| Roseau County | Roseau County Courthouse Address: Room 20, 606 5th Avenue SW Roseau, MN 56751 |
✓ |
| Saint Louis County | Duluth Courthouse Address: 100 North 5th Avenue West Duluth, MN 55802-1285 |
✓ |
| Scott County | Scott County Courthouse Address: 200 Fourth Avenue West Government Center – JC115 Shakopee, MN 55379-1220 |
✓ |
| Sherburne County | Sherburne County Courthouse Address: 13880 Business Center Drive NW Elk River, MN 55330 |
✓ |
| Sibley County | Sibley County Courthouse Address: 400 Court Avenue, PO Box 867 Gaylord, MN 55334 |
✓ |
| Stearns County | Stearns County Courthouse Address: Room 448, 705 Courthouse Square St. Cloud, MN 56303 |
✓ |
| Steele County | Steele County Courthouse Address: 111 East Main Street Owatonna, MN 55060 |
✓ |
| Stevens County | Stevens County Courthouse Address: 400 Colorado Avenue, STE 307 Morris, MN 56267 |
X |
| Swift County | Swift County Courthouse Address: 301 14th Street North, Suite 6 Benson, MN 56215 |
✓ |
| Todd County | Todd County Courthouse Address: 221 1st Avenue South Long Prairie, MN 56347 |
✓ |
| Traverse County | Traverse County Courthouse Address: 702 2nd Avenue North, PO Box 867 Wheaton, MN 56296 |
✓ |
| Wabasha County | Wabasha County Courthouse Address: 848 17 Street East STE 4 Wabasha, MN 55981 Phone: (651) 412-8627 |
✓ |
| Wadena County | Wadena County Courthouse Address: 415 Jefferson Street South Wadena, MN 56482 |
✓ |
| Waseca County | Waseca County Courthouse Address: 307 North State Street Waseca, MN 56093 |
✓ |
| Washington County | Washington County Courthouse Address: 14949 62nd Street North, PO Box 3802 Stillwater, MN 55082 |
X |
| Watonwan County | Watonwan County Courthouse Address: 710 Second Avenue South, PO Box 518 St. James, MN 56081 |
✓ |
| Wilkin County | Wilkin County Courthouse Address: 300 South 5th Street, PO Box 219 Breckenridge, MN 56520 |
✓ |
| Winona County | Winona County Courthouse Address: 171 West Third Street Winona, MN 55987 |
✓ |
| Wright County | Wright County Courthouse Address: Wright County Justice Center Room 1100, 3700 Braddock Avenue Buffalo, MN 55313 |
X |
| Yellow Medicine County | Yellow Medicine County Courthouse Address: 415 9th Avenue, Suite 201 Granite Falls, MN 56241 |
✓ |
View Criminal Records in Minnesota Through the Minnesota Public Criminal History Tool
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Criminal History System (BCA CHS), also known as the Minnesota Public Criminal History Tool, provides a central repository for all criminal records in the state.17 This people finder database offers access to records on persons arrested and convicted.
Anyone can access the Criminal Apprehension Criminal record repository for free. To conduct the search and check if someone has a criminal record, the inquirer needs the offender’s last and first name, followed by their date of birth.
Furthermore, the Minnesota Rules Court of the Judicial Branch regulates access to public court records.15 At the same time, the Minnesota Appellate Courts Case Management System (P-MACS) offers the public access to the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Minnesota Court of Appeals court case records.16
In essence, if a case is appealed in trial courts, the appellate court will review the case and come to a conclusion if there was a previous error, mistake, or inquiry to modify or reverse a decisions.
How Do You Obtain an Official Copy of Your Own Criminal Record in Minnesota?
There are various ways of getting a copy of criminal records in Minnesota, as outlined below:
- The first and quickest option is the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO).18 Through MCRO, anyone can go to the Case Search link and search for and print a copy of the criminal records.
- Inquirers can also visit in person the local county sheriff’s office on weekdays during working hours and request a printed copy of a criminal record. For example, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office operates a Crime History Unit where inquirers can request a copy of a criminal record.19
- The inquirer can also request a copy mailed to their address via US Mail. The BCA requires requesters to send a notarized Informed Consent form signed by the person whose criminal record needs to be accessed. The consent form should include the correct spelling of the subject’s name and the correct date of birth.
- Alternatively, the inquirer can visit the BCA headquarters with a signed Informed Consent form and $15 of either cash or money order, certified check, personal check, business check, or cashier’s check enclosed in a manila envelope. Give three business days to pick the records.
When sending a mailing request to the BCA, the person should enclose a check of $15 as discussed above. Additionally, the inquirer should include a stamped envelope with an address and mail the request to the following address:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Minnesota Justice Information Services – CHA Unit
1430 Maryland Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55106
Mail responses should be expected in approximately two weeks.
How Can I Tell If Someone Is on Probation or Parole in Minnesota?
Finding out if someone is on parole or probation in Minnesota has been made simple by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MNDOC).20 The MNDOC stores Minnesota criminal records of individuals under the supervision of the Commissioner of Corrections.
A person can access information about someone on parole or probation through the Minnesota Offender Search Tool.21 The search tool works by querying the parolee database using either their last name or an MNDOC offender ID number.
The following image displays the total number of probationers and parolees in Minnesota and compares it with other states across the United States. Additionally, it showcases the ethnicities of individuals on community supervision in Minnesota, including probation and parole.
A sample of the probation search results is shown below, with those on probation shown as “under supervision.”
In Minnesota, the Community Supervision and Reentry supervises probation, while the Board of Pardons oversees paroles.22,23
What’s the Process for Expunging Criminal Records in the State of Minnesota?
Minnesota only offers the expungement and not the sealing of adult criminal records. The state encourages an individual who has a criminal record to begin the process of expungement only under the following conditions:
- If the individual’s criminal case was dismissed or they were acquitted of their crime.
- The individual was a juvenile convicted as an adult.
- The individual was convicted of a petty misdemeanor but hasn’t committed any other crime in two years.
- The individual was convicted of a gross misdemeanor but hasn’t committed any other crime in four years.
- The individual served time for some non-violent crimes but hasn’t committed any other crime in five years.
In Minnesota, to apply for expungement, the person should follow these steps:24
- Visit the court and acquire the expungement packet of forms.25
- Fill out all the forms and obtain any other necessary documents.
- Visit the court clerk and file all the expungement forms and other required documents.
- Pay the filing fee where necessary.
- Deliver another set of expungement forms to the prosecuting attorney. This is because, under Minnesota Laws, the prosecutor and the victims have a right to object to the expungement petition.
- Wait 60 days for the prosecutor and the victims to file objections against the expungement petition.
- Go to the court hearing. A ruling against the expungement will allow an appeal within 60 days. If the court grants the petition, all Minnesota criminal records will be expunged by the all agencies who host them.
A qualifying individual can initiate the expungement process. However, seeking legal counsel can help ensure all forms are submitted correctly, and all stipulations are met.
How To Find Someone in Minnesota State Penitentiary or Federal Prison
An inquirer who wants to find someone in the federal and state prisons has two places to search: the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Federal Prison Search
For someone sentenced by the federal court, the Federal Prison Inmate Locator on the BOP website provides an online directory.26 This directory serves as the felony registry for inmates held in federal prisons.
The individual has two search options on the inmate locator, ‘Find by Number’ and ‘Find By Name.’ To “Find by Number,” the inquirer must have the inmate’s BOP Register Number. The inquirer should enter this number and perform a search, as shown in the first image below.
To ‘Find by Name,’ the inquirer must search by entering the inmate’s first, middle, and last name, followed by the inmate’s race, age, and sex, as shown in the second image below.
Minnesota (MN) State Prison Search
An inquirer wishing to find someone in a state prison in Minnesota can search the offender inmate locator search tool. This tool is provided by the Minnesota Department of Corrections (MNDOC) website.
The offender inmate locator offers two search criteria: search by name and search by MNDOC number. The search results show the following about the offender:
- Name
- Date of birth
- MNDOC number
- Offender’s status (whether incarcerated or under supervision)
Further details include the offender’s mugshot, date of sentencing, and details of crimes committed.
How To Execute a Minnesota Arrest Warrant Search
As with Minnesota arrest records, warrant information is available at the county level since MN doesn’t have a statewide warrant system. To find out if there’s an active warrant, individuals can utilize the local county offices or the clerk’s office. The person can call the Sheriff’s office or look online on the count’s official website.
For instance, Ramsey County has an online warrant search feature.27 The inquirer can search using first and last names, as shown in the image below.
In contrast, Hennepin County has a warrant office where the inquirer can call and find out if someone has a warrant.28 This information is shown in the image below.
The following steps detail how to determine if an individual has a warrant out for their arrest:
- For active federal warrants, the inquirer can use the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) case locator.29
- Inquirers can also use legal representatives to determine if an active arrest warrant is issued. However, engaging a legal representative attracts a fee for their services.
- The inquirer can also request an active warrants list from the Sheriff’s office. However, most sheriff departments may not divulge this information freely over the phone.
- Alternatively, the inquirer can employ the services of a bail bondsman who may be able to provide information on issued active warrants.
An Overview of Minnesota Background Checks & How To Get One Done
Individuals can conduct background checks for personal benefits, such as on friends, acquaintances, and business associates.
Other background checks may be conducted by the following.
- Employers on their employees.
- Firearms licensing agencies.
- Adoption agencies.
- Child protection services.
There are two types of background checks: level 1 and level 2.30 Level 1 background checks are name-based, state-only background checks. These checks cover an applicant’s local or state criminal record and employment history.
Additionally, an agency can make a level 1 background check to check if the applicant’s name appears in the national sex offender registry. These checks may further include an applicant’s credit history check.
Level 2 criminal background checks involve fingerprints to check an applicant’s criminal history. It involves an applicant’s full FBI criminal background search. A level 2 background check can be conducted on individuals dealing with the elderly, children, and those in the healthcare sector.
In Minnesota, criminal records can only be accessed for 15 years after the sentence is completed. These records do not include private, confidential information, criminal history, or federal offenses.
The following details how an individual can conduct a background check in Minnesota.
- The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is a public records repository that stores criminal records.31 The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension requires that individuals submit a notarized informed consent form after applying for a criminal history record in person or via mail.
- The Minnesota Judicial Branch places limited access to all public court records.32 Cases with pending charges are not reflected on these online criminal records. Included in these records are cases in which no conviction has been made.
- Individuals can also access detailed information on a particular case by accessing the records from the courthouse that handled the case. However, certain case files, such as those containing confidential, private, expunged, or sealed information that requires authorized access, may not be accessible.
How To Navigate & Search the Minnesota Sex Offender Registry
Minnesota is not included in the National Sex Offender Public Website (NSOPW) because it does not provide geographic coordinates for addresses to NSOPW.33Only states with this information can be searched on the NSOPW registry.
The Minnesota sex offender classification ranges from first to fifth-degree criminal sexual conduct.34 In the first and third-degree categories, sexual conduct generally involves penetration, while second, fourth, and fifth-degree classifications involve sexual conduct without penetration.
The Minnesota Department of Corrections website provides a statewide sexual offender registry search tool with four search criteria: city, county, name, and zip code.35
A persona can follow the steps outlined below to conduct a registered sex offender search:
- The inquirer can begin to search for registered sex offenders by city, county, name, or zip code. The search results should display the sex offender’s full name with the date the offender changed their living address.
- Next, click the “Go” action button to get the full information about the sex offender. This information shows the sex offender’s full name, date of birth, ethnicity, hair and eye color, height, weight, build, and skin tone. Also shown are the release date, offense information, address county, registered address, law enforcement agency’s phone number, and the sex offender’s known aliases.
Source: Minnesota Department of Corrections45
Minnesota Laws on Criminal Records, Arrest Records & Discrimination
The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) grants anyone access to a wide variety of public records, including Minnesota arrest records, criminal records, arrest warrant information, and sex offender registries. The MGDPA mirrors stipulations under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA); however, other laws regulate the extent to which information can be retrieved on these otherwise public records.41
The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission offers protection against employment discrimination based on sex, color, race, and disability.36 The EEOC also protects released offenders from being discriminated against due to their criminal history.
Under EEOC, employers cannot access a potential employee’s criminal history unless they have been shortlisted or offered a potential contract. This ensures that those with a criminal history have an equal chance to be evaluated based on their skills and qualification, not their criminal past, which may be secondary to the role.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) is a federal law that stipulates how consumer’s credit information is collected and accessed.37 The FCRA regulates privacy, accuracy, and fairness regarding credit reporting. The Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau enforce FCRA.38,39 The FCRA describes the type of data credit bureaus can collect while limiting who can access the data and under which circumstances it is permissible.
FCRA provides several limitations under which credit reports can be accessed to protect an individual’s privacy as the data is private and not public information. Part of the limitations include criminal records for employment purposes.
According to FCRA, if an individual has non-conviction crimes such as arrests, they are not to be reported after seven years. When hiring or reviewing client credit records, the requester cannot request back-dated records beyond seven years.
Section 13C.02 of the Minnesota Statutes provides guidance on how consumer reports can be used in case of employment opportunities in Minnesota.40 The statute requires that employers receive written consent from the job applicant or employee before obtaining a consumer report.
Lastly, a person does not require consent to conduct Minnesota criminal records checks for personal benefit. However, consent is required for background checks for professional purposes like employment, licensing, and housing. Applicants wishing to access Minnesota arrest records must also abide by all local and federal laws.
References
1Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. (2023). Public and Private Data. Retrieved 2023, from <https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/Pages/criminal-history-public-private-data.aspx#:~:text=What%20is%20considered%20private%20information,095>
2Minnesota Department of Health. (2023). Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.health.state.mn.us/communities/practice/resources/chsadmin/data-mgdpa.html>
3US Department of Treasury. (n.d.). Freedom of Information Act. Retrieved 2023, from <https://home.treasury.gov/footer/freedom-of-information-act>
4Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. (n.d.). 2022 Minnesota Statutes: 299C.095 system for identifying juvenile offenders. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/299C.095>
5Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. (n.d.). 2022 Minnesota Statutes: 364.01 Policy. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/364.01>
6Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. (n.d.). 2022 Minnesota Statutes: 364.10 Violation of Civil Rights. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/364.10>
7Minnesota Department of Human Rights. (n.d.). Ban the Box Submission Form. Retrieved 2023, from <https://mn.gov/mdhr/intake/btbform/>
8Anoka County. (n.d). Inmate Locator – Search for a person in custody in Anoka County. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.anokacountymn.gov/727/Inmate-Locator>
9Aitkin County. (2023). May 4 jail roster. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.co.aitkin.mn.us/departments/public-safety/inmates/Current-Inmate-Roster.pdf>
10Minnesota Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). Retrieved 2023, from <https://mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records/MCRO.aspx>
11Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. (2023). Search criminal history. Retrieved 2023, from <https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/Pages/criminal-history-search.aspx>
12Minnesota Department of Public Safety. (n.d.). Minnesota public criminal history search. Retrieved 2023, from <https://chs.state.mn.us/>
13Minnesota Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Access case records. Retrieved 2023, from <http://www.mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records.aspx>
14Minnesota Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Find your court. Retrieved 2023, from <http://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts.aspx>
15Minnesota Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Court rules. Retrieved 2023, from <http://www.mncourts.gov/SupremeCourt/Court-Rules.aspx>
16Minnesota Appellate Courts. (n.d.). Case management system. Retrieved 2023, from <https://macsnc.courts.state.mn.us/ctrack/search/publicCaseSearch.do>
17Minnesota Public Criminal History. (n.d.). Search public criminal history. Retrieved 2023, from <https://chs.state.mn.us/Search/ChsSearch>
18Minnesota Judicial Branch. (2023). Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) Case search. Retrieved 2023, from <https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us/CaseSearch>
19Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office. (2023). Criminal History Arrest Reports. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.ramseycounty.us/your-government/leadership/sheriffs-office/sheriffs-office-divisions/administration/criminal-history-arrest-reports>
20Minnesota Department of Corrections. (2023). Home . Retrieved 2023, from <https://mn.gov/doc/>
21Minnesota Department of Corrections. (2023). Offender locator. Retrieved 2023, from <https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/PublicViewer/Home/Index>
22Minnesota Department of Corrections. (n.d.). How supervision works. Retrieved 2023, from <https://mn.gov/doc/community-supervision/#:~:text=Community%20Supervision%20%26%20Reentry%20%2F%20Department%20of%20Corrections>
23Minnesota Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Board of Pardons. Retrieved 2023, from <https://mn.gov/doc/about/pardon-board/>
24Cornell University. (2017). Minnesota – Expungement. Retrieved 2023, from <https://cjei.cornell.edu/fix-your-record/sealing-and-expungement/expungement/minnesota-expungement>
25Minnesota Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Court forms. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.mncourts.gov/GetForms.aspx?c=14&p=45>
26Federal Bureau of Prisons. (n.d.). Find an inmate. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.bop.gov/inmateloc/>
27Ramsey County. (n.d.). Online Warrant Search. Retrieved 2023, from <https://xnet.co.ramsey.mn.us/Sheriff/ows/>
28Hennepin County Sheriff. (23). Warrants. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.hennepinsheriff.org/jail-warrants/warrants>
29U.S. Courts. (n.d.). PACER case locator. Retrieved 2023, from <https://pcl.uscourts.gov/pcl/index.jsf>
30Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. (2023). Background Checks. Retrieved 2023, from <https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/bca/Pages/background-checks.aspx>
31Minnesota Department of Public Safety. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved 2023, from <https://dps.mn.gov/Pages/default.aspx>
32Minnesota Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Home . Retrieved 2023, from <https://mncourts.gov/>
33National Sex Offender Public Website. (n.d.). Dru Sjodin national sex offender public website. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.nsopw.gov/%28X%281%29S%28r3pleaejquwvk5e013lnn245%29%29/en>
34Minnesota House of Representative. (2012) Sex Offenders and Predatory Offenders: Minnesota Criminal and Civil Regulatory Laws. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.house.mn.gov/hrd/pubs/sexofdr.pdf>
35Minnesota Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Public Registrant Search Criteria. Retrieved 2023, from <https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/PublicRegistrantSearch>
36US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. (n.d.). What is Employment Discrimination? Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.eeoc.gov/youth/what-employment-discrimination>
37U.S. Department of Justice Bureau of Justice Assistance. (n.d). Fair Credit Reporting Act. Retrieved 2023, from <https://bja.ojp.gov/program/it/privacy-civil-liberties/authorities/statutes/2349>
38Federal Trade Commission. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.ftc.gov/>
39Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. (n.d.). Home. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.consumerfinance.gov/>
40Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes. (n.d.). 2022 Minnesota Statutes: 13C.02 disclosure of use of consumer reports for employment purposes. Retrieved 2023, from <https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/244.052>
41U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). The Freedom of Information Act. Retrieved June 6, 2023, from <https://foia.state.gov/learn/foia.aspx>
42Minnesota Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Find Your Court. Find Courts. Retrieved June 6, 2023, from <https://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts.aspx>
43Minnesota Department of Correction’s Office. (n.d.). Offender Search Results. Retrieved June 6, 2023, from <https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/PublicViewer/SearchResults>
44Minnesota Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Offender Locator. Retrieved June 6, 2023, from <https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/PublicViewer>
45Minnesota Department of Corrections. (n.d.). Public Registrant Search. General Information. Retrieved June 6, 2023, from <https://coms.doc.state.mn.us/PublicRegistrantSearch/Details?OID=255642&City=&County=&CountyDesc=&Firstname=&LastName=ahles&Zip=&Group=3>
46Minnesota Judicial Branch. (n.d.). Findings of Facts Form. Retrieved June 6, 2023, from <https://www.mncourts.gov/mncourtsgov/media/CourtForms/EXP107_Current.pdf?ext=.pdf>