How to Search Minnesota Criminal Records (Start Here)
Minnesota criminal records come from two main sources: the state criminal history repository (maintained by the state police or equivalent agency) and individual county court systems. These are separate databases that may show different information.
What this page covers: Minnesota state-level criminal history searches, county court criminal case lookups, and sex offender registry searches. What it does not cover: Federal criminal cases (those require PACER) or arrest records that did not result in charges.
Where to start: For a broad criminal history check, start with the state repository. For specific case details (charges, dispositions, documents), go to the Court Administrator in the county where the case was filed. For sex offenders, use the state sex offender registry.
Common mistake: A state criminal history search and a county court search are not the same thing. The state repository compiles conviction data from across the state. County courts have the actual case files with full detail. You may need both.
Aitkin County | Inmates
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List of current inmates from the Aitkin County Sheriff's Office.
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Benton County Felony Convictions
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Browse these felony conviction (PDF format) files from the office of the Benton County, Minnesota Attorney.
Blue Earth County | Inmates
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Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office roster of current inmates.
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Court Records | Criminal, Traffic, Petty
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Use the Minnesota Trial Court Public Access service to search for criminal felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, traffic, and petty misdemeanor.
Criminal Histories in Minnesota
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Do a Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) criminal history search in Minnesota. Name and birth date are required.
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Dakota County | Criminal Complaints
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Criminal complaint search from the Dakota County Attorney's Office.
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Hennepin County Criminal Court Records (info only)
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Online searches for the Hennepin County, Minnesota - Fourth Judicial District Court - civil and criminal court records are no longer available.
Hennepin County | Inmates
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Current roster search of Hennepin County Adult Corrections Facility inmates.
Inmates & Offenders | Corrections Department
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Inmate and supervised released offender database from the State of Minnesota Department of Corrections.
Methamphetamine Offenders in Minnesota
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Search for convicted Minnesota methamphetamine offenders by name and/or county. Provided by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Nobles County Inmates
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Browse the listings to view all inmates currently housed in the Nobles County, Minnesota Jail.
Olmsted County | Inmates
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Current in-custody inmate list from the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office and City of Rochester Law Enforcement.
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PACER United States District Court Records
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Register with the fee-based PACER system to search for Federal civil & criminal court records in Minnesota by case number, party name, filing date.
Pipestone County Warrants
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Active warrants issued by the Pipestone County Sheriff's Office.
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Sex Offenders
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Public Registrant search for Minnesota sex offenders. Search by zip code, name, city, or county.
Stearns County Court Records - Criminal
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Search the Stearns County, Minnesota Attorney's Criminal Case Information by name, court file number or ICR number.
Stearns County Inmates
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Browse an alphabetic listing or search by name or booking dates for adults currently in custody in the Stearns County, Minnesota jail.
Stearns County Inmates - Past
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Search by name for people that have been previously brought into custody at the Stearns County, Minnesota Jail.
Watonwan County Inmates
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Browse this PDF list of current inmates of the Watonwan County, Minnesota jail.
Search Minnesota by Record Type
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Minnesota offer a free criminal history search? ▼
It varies. Some states offer free online criminal name searches through the state police website. Others charge a fee. Check the databases listed on this page for the current options in Minnesota.
What is the difference between a criminal history check and a court search? ▼
A criminal history check (through the state repository) shows convictions compiled statewide. A court search (through the Court Administrator) shows the actual case file — charges, motions, dispositions, and documents. They serve different purposes.
Are arrest records included? ▼
Not always. Many states only report convictions in their public criminal history databases. Arrests that did not lead to charges or convictions may not appear. Check the specific database's scope.
Are federal criminal cases included? ▼
No. Federal criminal cases are in PACER, not the state system. If someone was charged with a federal crime in Minnesota, search the relevant U.S. District Court through PACER.
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