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Minnesota Arrest Records

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Are Arrest Records Public in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, arrest records are generally considered public information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA). This means that most arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies, courts, and other government entities are accessible to the public with certain exceptions.

The public nature of arrest records in Minnesota serves the purpose of government transparency and accountability. However, it's important to note that while arrest records are typically public, there are specific circumstances where access may be restricted or limited to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, or in cases involving juveniles.

Minnesota follows a presumption of public access to government data, including arrest records, unless specifically classified as private or confidential by state or federal law. This approach balances the public's right to information with individual privacy concerns and law enforcement needs.

What Law Governs Access to Arrest Records in Minnesota?

The primary law governing access to arrest records in Minnesota is the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. This comprehensive law establishes the framework for how government data, including arrest records, is classified, maintained, and accessed in the state.

Key provisions of the MGDPA related to arrest records include:

  • Minnesota Statutes § 13.82: Specifically addresses law enforcement data, including arrest records, and classifies certain information as public while protecting other data as private or confidential.
  • Minnesota Statutes § 13.03: Establishes the right of the public to access government data and outlines procedures for requesting such information.
  • Minnesota Statutes § 13.04: Provides individuals with rights regarding government data about themselves, including the right to access and challenge the accuracy of such data.

Additionally, the Criminal History Records Act (Minnesota Statutes § 299C.10-299C.14) governs the collection, maintenance, and dissemination of criminal history data, including arrest information.

The Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch also plays a significant role in determining access to court records related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

These laws work together to create a framework that generally allows public access to arrest records while establishing important protections for privacy and law enforcement interests.

What Information Is Included in a Minnesota Arrest Record?

A typical Minnesota arrest record contains comprehensive information about an individual's encounter with law enforcement. These records generally include:

  1. Biographical Information:

    • Full legal name
    • Date of birth
    • Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
    • Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
    • Address at time of arrest
  2. Arrest Details:

    • Date, time, and location of arrest
    • Arresting agency and officer information
    • Charges filed at the time of arrest
    • Booking information and photographs (mugshots)
    • Fingerprint data
  3. Case Processing Information:

    • Case or file number
    • Court appearance dates
    • Bail or bond information
    • Detention facility information if applicable
  4. Disposition Information:

    • Final charges filed by the prosecutor
    • Court outcomes (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
    • Sentencing information if convicted

It's important to note that the level of detail may vary depending on the agency maintaining the record and the stage of the criminal justice process. Additionally, certain information may be redacted or restricted based on privacy laws, ongoing investigations, or court orders.

How To Obtain Arrest Records in Minnesota in 2025

Obtaining arrest records in Minnesota involves several methods depending on your needs and the specific information you're seeking. Here are the primary ways to access arrest records in Minnesota in 2025:

In-Person Requests

You can request arrest records by visiting the appropriate agency in person:

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

County Sheriff's Offices - Visit the sheriff's office in the county where the arrest occurred. Bring identification and be prepared to complete a request form.

Local Police Departments - Contact the records division of the police department that made the arrest.

Mail Requests

To request arrest records by mail:

  1. Prepare a written request including the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
  2. Include a copy of your identification
  3. Enclose the required fee (typically by check or money order)
  4. Mail to the appropriate agency (BCA, sheriff's office, or police department)

Phone Requests

Some agencies may provide limited information over the phone. Contact the records division of the relevant law enforcement agency directly.

Email Requests

Many Minnesota law enforcement agencies now accept records requests via email. Check the specific agency's website for their preferred email request format and requirements.

Third-Party Services

Private companies offer background check services that may include arrest record information, though these services typically charge fees and may not provide complete official records.

When requesting arrest records, be prepared to provide:

  • Your full name and contact information
  • The subject's full name and date of birth
  • Approximate date and location of arrest
  • Your relationship to the subject (if requesting records for someone else)
  • Purpose of your request
  • Proper identification

Processing times vary by agency and request volume, typically ranging from a few days to several weeks.

How to Find Arrest Records Online in Minnesota

Minnesota offers several online resources for accessing arrest records digitally. These platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the information available may vary by source.

Official Government Websites

Minnesota Public Criminal History Search
The BCA maintains an online public criminal history search that provides conviction data for a fee of $8 per search. Minnesota Public Criminal History

Minnesota Court Records Search (MNCIS)
The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers public access to court records, including criminal cases: Minnesota Court Records Search

Minnesota Inmate Search
The Minnesota Department of Corrections maintains an online offender locator: Minnesota Offender Search

County and Local Resources

Many Minnesota counties and municipalities maintain their own online portals for accessing local arrest and jail information:

Search Tips for Online Records

When searching for arrest records online in Minnesota:

  1. Use the subject's full legal name (including middle name if known)
  2. Include date of birth when possible for more accurate results
  3. Try variations of the name if initial searches yield no results
  4. Be aware that recent arrests may not appear immediately in online systems
  5. Check multiple sources, as information may be fragmented across different databases

Remember that online records may not be comprehensive and might not include older records that haven't been digitized. For complete information, a direct request to the arresting agency may be necessary.

Who Can Access Arrest Records in Minnesota?

Access to arrest records in Minnesota varies based on the requester's identity and purpose. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, different categories of individuals have different levels of access:

General Public

Members of the general public can access:

  • Basic arrest information (name, age, date, time, place of arrest)
  • Charges filed
  • Mugshots (in most cases)
  • Court records related to the arrest
  • Conviction data

The Subject of the Record

Individuals have broader access to their own arrest records, including:

  • Complete arrest reports
  • Investigation details (except confidential informant information)
  • All personal data collected
  • Right to challenge inaccurate information

Criminal Justice Agencies

Law enforcement, courts, prosecutors, and corrections officials have comprehensive access to arrest records for:

  • Criminal investigations
  • Prosecution purposes
  • Sentencing decisions
  • Supervision requirements
  • Background checks for law enforcement employment

Other Government Agencies

Certain government agencies may access arrest records for specific purposes:

  • Licensing boards for professional licensing decisions
  • Military for enlistment eligibility
  • Public housing authorities for tenant screening

Private Employers and Organizations

Private entities have limited access, typically only to:

  • Public criminal history data through the BCA
  • Court records of convictions
  • Information obtained with signed consent from the subject

Special Access Provisions

Minnesota law provides enhanced access for:

  • News media organizations reporting on crime and public safety
  • Researchers with approved protocols and data protection measures
  • Victim service organizations assisting crime victims

It's important to note that juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality protections under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171, with access generally limited to criminal justice agencies and the juvenile's parents or guardians.

Are There Fees for Obtaining Arrest Records in Minnesota?

Yes, obtaining arrest records in Minnesota typically involves fees that vary depending on the agency providing the records and the type of request. These fees are authorized under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which allows government agencies to recover reasonable costs associated with providing copies of government data.

Standard Fee Schedule

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)

  • Public criminal history search: $8.00 per name search
  • Certified criminal history: $15.00
  • Non-certified criminal history: $8.00
  • Fingerprint card processing: $10.00

Minnesota Judicial Branch

  • Court case records: $8.00 per record
  • Certified court documents: $14.00 for the first page, $8.00 for each additional page
  • Case search: $8.00 per 15-minute increment

County Sheriff's Offices and Police Departments Fees vary by jurisdiction but typically range from:

  • Arrest reports: $5.00-$25.00
  • Incident reports: $5.00-$20.00
  • Photographs: $5.00-$10.00 per photo
  • Copy fees: $0.25-$1.00 per page

Fee Waivers and Reductions

Under Minnesota law, certain requesters may qualify for fee waivers or reductions:

  • Individuals requesting their own records may have fees waived if they demonstrate financial hardship
  • Public interest requests that benefit the general public may qualify for reduced fees
  • Government agencies requesting records for official purposes are often exempt from fees

Payment Methods

Most agencies accept:

  • Cash (in-person requests only)
  • Personal checks
  • Money orders
  • Credit/debit cards (varies by agency)
  • Electronic payments for online requests

When requesting records, it's advisable to contact the specific agency in advance to confirm current fees and accepted payment methods, as these may change over time.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Minnesota

Minnesota maintains arrest records for extended periods, with retention schedules varying based on the type of record and the maintaining agency. These retention periods are governed by the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule and specific agency policies.

Standard Retention Periods

Law Enforcement Agencies

  • Arrest reports: Minimum of 10 years
  • Booking information: 10 years from date of arrest
  • Fingerprint records: Permanent retention
  • Photographs (mugshots): Minimum of 10 years

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

  • Criminal history records: Maintained for 100 years after the subject's date of birth
  • Fingerprint data: Permanent retention
  • DNA samples (for qualifying offenses): Permanent retention unless expunged by court order

Minnesota Judicial Branch

  • Misdemeanor case records: 10 years after case disposition
  • Gross misdemeanor records: 20 years after case disposition
  • Felony case records: 50 years after case disposition
  • Homicide and sexual assault cases: Permanent retention

Minnesota Department of Corrections

  • Inmate records: 10 years after final discharge from supervision
  • Probation records: 7 years after discharge from probation

Factors Affecting Retention

Several factors may impact how long arrest records are maintained:

  1. Severity of offense - Records for more serious offenses are kept longer
  2. Case disposition - Records for dismissed cases may be eligible for earlier destruction
  3. Court orders - Expungement or sealing orders may alter retention schedules
  4. Technological considerations - Digital records may be retained longer than paper records
  5. Historical significance - Records deemed historically significant may be preserved permanently

It's important to note that even when physical records are destroyed according to retention schedules, digital traces or index information may remain in databases for longer periods.

What Information Is Redacted or Restricted in Minnesota Arrest Records?

When accessing arrest records in Minnesota, certain information is routinely redacted or restricted from public disclosure to protect privacy rights, ongoing investigations, and vulnerable individuals. These redactions are mandated by various provisions of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and other state laws.

Commonly Redacted Information

  1. Personal Identifiers:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Driver's license numbers
    • Financial account information
    • Home addresses of protected individuals (law enforcement officers, judges, etc.)
    • Phone numbers and email addresses
  2. Sensitive Investigation Details:

    • Confidential informant identities and information
    • Undercover officer identities
    • Investigative techniques and procedures
    • Information that could compromise ongoing investigations
  3. Victim Information:

    • Identities of sexual assault victims (per Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subd. 17)
    • Child abuse victim identities
    • Domestic violence victim information
    • Victim contact information
  4. Medical Information:

    • Mental health assessments
    • Medical conditions and treatment
    • Chemical dependency information
    • HIV/AIDS status
  5. Juvenile Information:

    • Records related to juvenile offenders (with limited exceptions)
    • School records included in arrest reports

Special Protection Categories

Domestic Abuse Victims
Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.80, data that would identify or locate a victim who has requested confidentiality is private.

Undercover Officers
Information that would identify undercover law enforcement officers is confidential under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subd. 17.

Vulnerable Adults
Reports of maltreatment of vulnerable adults are protected under Minnesota Statutes § 626.557.

Expunged Records
Information from records that have been legally expunged is removed from public access.

When requesting arrest records, be aware that these redactions may result in documents with blacked-out sections or information removed. The redacting agency is required to cite the specific statutory authority for each redaction made.

How To Seal or Destroy Arrest Records in Minnesota

In Minnesota, individuals may petition to seal (expunge) or destroy arrest records under certain circumstances. This process is governed by the Minnesota Expungement Law, primarily Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for expungement in Minnesota, one of the following conditions must typically be met:

  1. Case resulted in your favor - Charges were dismissed, you were found not guilty, or the case did not result in a conviction
  2. Diversion program completion - You successfully completed a diversion program or stay of adjudication
  3. Conviction for certain offenses - The conviction was for a petty misdemeanor, misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or certain low-level felonies
  4. Waiting period completion - Specific waiting periods have passed since discharge from sentence:
    • Petty misdemeanors and misdemeanors: 2 years
    • Gross misdemeanors: 4 years
    • Eligible felonies: 5 years

Expungement Process

  1. Prepare petition documents:

    • Petition for Expungement
    • Proposed Order for Expungement
    • Criminal Complaint or Police Report
    • State criminal history report
    • Affidavit of Service
  2. File the petition with the court in the county where the case was prosecuted

  3. Serve copies of all documents to:

    • The prosecutor's office that handled the case
    • Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
    • The law enforcement agency that arrested you
    • Any other government agencies that have your records
  4. Attend the expungement hearing scheduled by the court

  5. Receive the court's decision - The judge will decide whether to grant the expungement based on statutory factors including:

    • The nature and severity of the offense
    • The risk you pose to public safety
    • Your progress in rehabilitation
    • The purpose for seeking expungement
    • Public and private interests in maintaining the record

Types of Expungements

Minnesota offers two types of expungements:

Statutory Expungement (Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02)

  • Seals records held by courts and executive branch agencies
  • More comprehensive protection
  • More difficult to obtain

Inherent Authority Expungement

  • Only seals court records
  • Does not affect records held by police, BCA, or other agencies
  • Easier to obtain but provides limited relief

Legal Assistance

The expungement process can be complex, and many individuals seek legal assistance from:

  • Legal Aid organizations
  • Pro bono legal clinics
  • Private attorneys specializing in expungements

The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides forms and instructions for those pursuing expungement without an attorney.

What Are the Limitations on the Use of Arrest Records in Minnesota?

Minnesota law places several important restrictions on how arrest records can be used, particularly in employment, housing, and other contexts. These limitations aim to balance public safety concerns with individual rights and opportunities for rehabilitation.

Employment Restrictions

Under Minnesota's Ban the Box Law (Minnesota Statutes § 364.021):

  • Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications
  • Criminal background questions must be delayed until the interview or conditional job offer stage
  • Public employers must consider specific factors before denying employment based on criminal records

The Minnesota Human Rights Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 363A) further prohibits employment discrimination based solely on arrest records that did not result in conviction, unless the position involves specific security concerns.

Housing Limitations

Landlords and property managers face restrictions when using arrest records:

  • Cannot deny housing based solely on arrest records without convictions
  • Must consider the nature and severity of offenses, time elapsed, and evidence of rehabilitation
  • Must comply with fair housing laws that prohibit discriminatory screening practices

Commercial Use Restrictions

Under the Minnesota Commercial Use of Criminal Records Law (Minnesota Statutes § 332.70):

  • Companies that compile and sell criminal record information must:
    • Register with the state
    • Follow accuracy requirements
    • Update information regularly
    • Provide notice to individuals when their records are provided to third parties

Credit and Financial Services

The use of arrest records for credit, insurance, and banking decisions is limited by:

  • Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requirements
  • Minnesota consumer protection laws
  • Regulations requiring consideration of actual convictions rather than arrests alone

Prohibited Practices

Minnesota law specifically prohibits:

  • Using expunged or sealed records for any purpose
  • Requiring individuals to disclose expunged arrests or convictions
  • Discriminating against individuals based solely on arrests that did not lead to conviction
  • Using juvenile records outside the criminal justice system (with limited exceptions)

Violations of these limitations may result in civil penalties, administrative actions, or private lawsuits for damages. Individuals who believe their arrest records have been improperly used can file complaints with the Minnesota Department of Human Rights.

Lookup Arrest Records in Minnesota

Various government agencies in Minnesota maintain and provide access to arrest records. Below is a comprehensive list of the primary agencies where you can lookup arrest records in the state:

State Repository for Criminal History Records

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

State Department of Public Safety

Minnesota Department of Public Safety
445 Minnesota Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 201-7000
Minnesota Department of Public Safety

State Department of Corrections

Minnesota Department of Corrections
1450 Energy Park Drive, Suite 200
St. Paul, MN 55108
Phone: (651) 361-7200
Minnesota Department of Corrections

State Court System

Minnesota Judicial Branch
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 296-2581
Minnesota Judicial Branch

State Supreme Court

Minnesota Supreme Court
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
Phone: (651) 296-2581
Minnesota Supreme Court

State County/District Courts

Hennepin County District Court
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
Phone: (612) 348-6000
Hennepin County District Court

Ramsey County District Court
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
St. Paul, MN 55102
Phone: (651) 266-8266
Ramsey County District Court

Attorney General's Office

Minnesota Attorney General's Office
445 Minnesota Street, Suite 1400
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 296-3353
Minnesota Attorney General

County Sheriff's Offices

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
350 South 5th Street, Room 6
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 348-3744
Hennepin County Sheriff

Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
425 Grove Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 266-9333
Ramsey County Sheriff

Anoka County Sheriff's Office
13301 Hanson Boulevard NW
Andover, MN 55304
Phone: (763) 324-5000
Anoka County Sheriff

Dakota County Sheriff's Office
1580 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-4700
Dakota County Sheriff

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office
100 North 5th Avenue West
Duluth, MN 55802
Phone: (218) 726-2340
St. Louis County Sheriff

Washington County Sheriff's Office
15015 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-7600
Washington County Sheriff

Olmsted County Sheriff's Office
101 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: (507) 328-6800
Olmsted County Sheriff

Stearns County Sheriff's Office
807 Courthouse Square, Room S100
St. Cloud, MN 56303
Phone: (320) 259-3700
Stearns County Sheriff

Wright County Sheriff's Office
3800 Braddock Avenue NE
Buffalo, MN 55313
Phone: (763) 682-1162
Wright County Sheriff

Scott County Sheriff's Office
301 Fuller Street South
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: (952) 496-8300
Scott County Sheriff

Municipal Police Departments

Minneapolis Police Department
350 South 5th Street, Room 130
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 673-3000
Minneapolis Police Department

St. Paul Police Department
367 Grove Street
St. Paul, MN 55101
Phone: (651) 291-1111
St. Paul Police Department

Rochester Police Department
101 4th Street SE
Rochester, MN 55904
Phone: (507) 328-6800
Rochester Police Department

Bloomington Police Department
1800 West Old Shakopee Road
Bloomington, MN 55431
Phone: (952) 563-4900
Bloomington Police Department

Duluth Police Department
2030 North Arlington Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
Phone: (218) 730-5400
Duluth Police Department

Federal Agencies Operating in Minnesota

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) - Minneapolis Field Office
1501 Freeway Boulevard
Brooklyn Center, MN 55430
Phone: (763) 569-8000
FBI Minneapolis

U.S. Marshals Service - District of Minnesota
300 South 4th Street, Suite 406
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 664-5900
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Minnesota

U.S. Courts – District of Minnesota
U.S. Courthouse
300 South Fourth Street, Suite 202
Minneapolis, MN 55415
Phone: (612) 664-5000
U.S. District Court - District of Minnesota