> >Brainerd Arrest Records

Brainerd Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Brainerd, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public in Brainerd, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies most government records, including arrest records, as public information accessible to citizens. The Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office oversees compliance with this act, ensuring transparency in governmental operations. Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes, including maintaining accountability of law enforcement agencies and providing citizens with information about criminal activity in their communities.

Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies must make certain arrest data available to the public, including the name, age, sex, and address of adults who have been arrested, the time, date, and place of the arrest, and the factual basis for the arrest. These provisions apply to arrests made by the Brainerd Police Department and other law enforcement agencies operating within Crow Wing County.

How to Look Up Brainerd Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Brainerd have several official channels through which they may obtain this information. The Crow Wing County Records Unit processes and maintains crime and arrest records for the county, including those from the city of Brainerd. Interested parties may access these records through the following methods:

In-person requests at the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
- 304 Laurel Street, Brainerd, MN 56401
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- (218) 829-4749
Written requests submitted to the Records Unit by mail
- Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and the specific information being requested
Online access through the Crow Wing County In-Custody List, which provides real-time information about individuals currently detained in the county jail
Court records related to arrests may be accessed through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which provides case information for all Minnesota district courts

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government entities may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records. The fee schedule for copies of arrest records is established by the Crow Wing County Board of Commissioners and is subject to periodic review and adjustment.

Contents of a Brainerd Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Brainerd law enforcement agencies and the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include:

Demographic information of the arrested individual:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Residential address
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
Arrest details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory citation or ordinance violation
- Factual basis for the arrest
- Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
- Agency case number
Processing information:
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory
- Initial appearance date
- Bail or bond information
Charging information:
- Formal charges filed by the prosecuting authority
- Case disposition (if available)

The Crow Wing County District Court maintains records of subsequent court proceedings related to arrests made in Brainerd. These records include arraignments, bail hearings, trial proceedings, and case dispositions. The court is located at:

Crow Wing County Judicial Center
213 Laurel Street, Suite 11
Brainerd, MN 56401
(218) 824-1310
Official Website

Expungement of Arrest Records in Brainerd

Minnesota law provides a legal mechanism for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, individuals may petition the court for the sealing of records related to arrests that did not result in conviction or where other statutory criteria are met.

The expungement process in Brainerd requires filing a petition with the Crow Wing County District Court. Petitioners must demonstrate eligibility under one of the following conditions:

The charges were dismissed
The petitioner was found not guilty
The petitioner completed a diversion program or stay of adjudication
The conviction was for certain low-level offenses and the required waiting period has elapsed

The court evaluates expungement petitions based on several factors, including:

The nature and severity of the offense
The risk posed to public safety
The length of time since the offense occurred
The petitioner's criminal record before and after the offense
The petitioner's rehabilitation efforts and personal circumstances
The purpose for which expungement is sought

If granted, an expungement order directs government agencies to seal the records, making them inaccessible through standard public records searches. However, certain government agencies may retain limited access to expunged records for specific purposes as permitted by statute.

Individuals seeking expungement may obtain the necessary forms from the Minnesota Judicial Branch website or from the court administrator's office at the Crow Wing County Judicial Center. The filing fee for an expungement petition is established by state statute and county ordinance, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals based on financial need.

Legal Restrictions on Arrest Record Access

While arrest records are generally public in Brainerd, Minnesota law establishes certain restrictions on access to protect privacy interests and ongoing investigations. Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 7 designates specific categories of law enforcement data as confidential or protected nonpublic data, including:

Investigative data collected to prepare a case against a person for criminal charges, until the investigation becomes inactive or the person is charged
Data that would reveal the identity of confidential informants
Data that would reveal the identity of victims or witnesses who have requested confidentiality
Data that would reveal the identity of juvenile offenders (with certain exceptions)
Data that would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or prosecution

Additionally, Crow Wing County ordinances may establish supplemental procedures for the handling and dissemination of arrest records in accordance with state law. These ordinances are subject to public hearing requirements and must comply with the minimum standards established by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Law enforcement agencies in Brainerd must balance the public's right to access government data with privacy protections and the integrity of criminal investigations. The Crow Wing County Attorney's Office provides legal guidance to local agencies regarding compliance with data practices requirements.