>Blue Earth County Arrest Records Online

Blue Earth County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Blue Earth County, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public information in Blue Earth County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation classifies most government data, including arrest records, as public information that must be accessible to citizens upon request. The statute establishes that arrest data becomes public when an individual is arrested, regardless of whether formal charges are filed.

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act specifically addresses law enforcement data in § 13.82, which states that data created or collected by law enforcement agencies documenting any actions taken by them to cite, arrest, incarcerate, or otherwise substantially deprive an adult individual of liberty shall be public at all times in the originating agency. This provision ensures transparency in the criminal justice system and allows citizens to monitor law enforcement activities.

Public access to arrest records serves several governmental functions:

Promotes accountability within the criminal justice system
Enables citizens to be informed about public safety matters
Facilitates background checks for employment and housing
Supports journalistic reporting on matters of public interest
Assists attorneys and individuals in preparing legal defenses

The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them available through various methods, including in-person requests, online databases, and written correspondence.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Blue Earth County?

Blue Earth County arrest records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office provides a Jail Custody Roster that is updated regularly and displays information about individuals currently in custody. This public resource includes basic identifying information, charges, and custody status.

For more comprehensive criminal history information, the Adult Criminal Complaints Database maintained by Blue Earth County provides access to criminal complaints filed within the past two years. Records older than two years require an in-person visit to the Justice Center for retrieval.

The Minnesota Judicial Branch also offers the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which allows users to search for case records, including criminal cases, throughout the state. This database includes information about court proceedings related to arrests in Blue Earth County.

Additionally, the county maintains an Active Arrest Warrants page that lists individuals with outstanding warrants in the jurisdiction. This resource is updated regularly and serves as a public safety tool.

Users should note that online access to these records may require:

Creation of user accounts for certain databases
Payment of nominal fees for detailed record searches
Acceptance of terms and conditions regarding proper use of information
Understanding of data retention policies that may limit historical searches

How to Look Up Blue Earth County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Blue Earth County arrest records have multiple methods available to conduct searches. Each method offers different advantages depending on the requester's specific needs and time constraints.

In-Person Requests

The most direct method for obtaining comprehensive arrest records is to visit the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office or the Blue Earth County Justice Center in person:

Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office
410 South 5th Street
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 304-4800
Official Website

Blue Earth County Justice Center
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 304-4700
Official Website

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

In-person requests typically require:

Presentation of valid government-issued photo identification
Completion of a records request form
Payment of applicable fees (cash, credit card, or money order)
Specification of the exact records being requested

Online Access

Several online resources provide access to Blue Earth County arrest records:

The Jail Custody Roster provides real-time information about current inmates
The Adult Criminal Complaints Viewer contains records of criminal complaints filed within the past two years
Minnesota Court Records Online offers searchable access to court cases, including criminal proceedings
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains a searchable database of criminal history records

Written Requests

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to:

Records Division
Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office
410 South 5th Street
Mankato, MN 56001

Written requests must include:

Full name and date of birth of the subject
Specific information being requested
Purpose of the request
Contact information of the requester
Check or money order for applicable fees

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government agencies must respond to data requests in a timely manner, generally within 10 business days.

Contents of a Blue Earth County Arrest Record

Blue Earth County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement interactions with individuals taken into custody. A typical arrest record includes the following components:

Biographical Information

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address or last known address
Gender and race (for identification purposes only)

Arrest Details

Date, time, and location of the arrest
Specific statutory violations cited (Minnesota Statute references)
Classification of offenses (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
Arresting agency and officer identification
Arrest method (warrant, probable cause, in flagrante delicto)
Use of force documentation, if applicable

Case Processing Information

Booking number and facility information
Fingerprint and photograph (mugshot) documentation
Property inventory from time of arrest
Initial appearance court date
Bail or bond amount and conditions
Detention status (released, held pending charges, etc.)
Court case number, once assigned

Additional Documentation

Narrative reports from arresting officers
Witness statements, if available for public release
Related incident reports
Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
Warrant information, if applicable

It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 7, which protects confidential informants, victims of certain crimes, and ongoing investigations.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Blue Earth County

Expungement is the legal process through which arrest and criminal records may be sealed or removed from public access in Blue Earth County. Minnesota's expungement law is codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which provides the statutory framework for the sealing of criminal records.

Eligibility Criteria

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Blue Earth County if they meet certain statutory requirements:

Cases resolved in the individual's favor (dismissals, acquittals, or declined prosecutions)
Successfully completed diversion programs without a finding of guilt
Convictions for certain petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, or gross misdemeanors after waiting periods ranging from 2-4 years
Certain non-violent felony convictions after a 5-year waiting period
Juvenile records that meet specific statutory criteria
First-time drug offenses resolved under Minnesota Statutes § 152.18

Certain serious offenses, including most violent crimes and sex offenses, are generally ineligible for expungement under Minnesota law.

Petition Process

The expungement process in Blue Earth County requires filing a petition with the Blue Earth County District Court:

Blue Earth County District Court
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
(507) 304-4650
Official Website

The petition must include:

Complete criminal history information
Specific case numbers for which expungement is sought
Reasons justifying expungement
Evidence of rehabilitation
Filing fee or fee waiver request

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, the court must schedule a hearing on the petition no sooner than 60 days after filing. Notice must be served on all prosecutorial offices and law enforcement agencies that have records subject to the petition.

Effects of Expungement

When granted by the court, expungement in Blue Earth County:

Seals records from public view at all government agencies
Prohibits disclosure of expunged records by government agencies
Allows the petitioner to legally state they were not arrested or convicted
Does not automatically destroy physical records
May not affect certain federal records or private databases that previously obtained the information

The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's right to know against the individual's privacy interests and rehabilitation efforts when determining whether to grant expungement.

Search Arrest Records in Blue Earth County

Cities

Mankato