Arrest records are public information in Carver County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies arrest data as public government information that must be accessible to citizens unless specifically exempted by statute. The Carver County Sheriff's Office and local police departments maintain these records in accordance with state regulations to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations. Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental purposes, including promoting accountability within the criminal justice system and providing citizens with information about law enforcement activities in their communities.
Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or the privacy of victims and witnesses as provided under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. Juvenile arrest records are subject to different regulations and may have limited public accessibility as specified in Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171.
Carver County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides electronic access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which includes information about criminal cases resulting from arrests in Carver County. Additionally, the Carver County Sheriff's Office maintains an online in-custody list that is updated regularly with information about individuals currently detained in county facilities.
Online access to these records is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which requires government entities to provide convenient access to public data. The electronic availability of these records enhances governmental efficiency by reducing the administrative burden of processing in-person requests while simultaneously improving public access to information.
Users of online systems should be aware that not all arrest record information may be available electronically. Certain historical records or detailed arrest information may require direct contact with the appropriate agency. Furthermore, online records are subject to the same privacy protections and exemptions as physical records under Minnesota law.
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Carver County arrest records in 2025:
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO): Members of the public may search for criminal case records through the Minnesota Court Records Online portal, which provides information about court proceedings related to arrests.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may utilize the Criminal History Search system maintained by the BCA.
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Carver County Sheriff's Office or the Carver County Justice Center to request arrest records in person.
Carver County Sheriff's Office
606 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
Phone: (952) 361-1231
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Carver County Justice Center
604 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
Phone: (952) 361-1420
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the appropriate agency. Requests should include specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrested individual and approximate date of arrest.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, and may vary based on the type and volume of records requested.
Carver County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include:
The level of detail in arrest records may vary depending on the stage of the criminal justice process and the specific circumstances of the arrest. Records pertaining to ongoing investigations may contain redactions as permitted under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7.
Law enforcement agencies in Carver County maintain these records in accordance with state-mandated retention schedules. The Minnesota Records Retention Schedule for County Sheriff's Offices requires that arrest records be maintained for a minimum period determined by the nature of the offense and the outcome of the case.
Under Minnesota law, individuals may petition for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. The expungement process is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which provides the legal framework for sealing criminal records from public view.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Carver County include:
The expungement petition process requires filing with the Carver County District Court. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. Upon receipt of a petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate that the benefits of expungement outweigh any public safety concerns.
If granted, an expungement order directs government agencies to seal the records, making them inaccessible to the general public. However, certain government agencies may retain access to expunged records for specific purposes as outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 7a.
Individuals seeking expungement are advised that the process involves multiple legal steps and specific timing requirements. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides standardized forms for expungement petitions through the Access Case Records section of their website.