>Douglas County Arrest Records Online

Douglas County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Douglas County, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public information in Douglas County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies arrest data as public government data, ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies must maintain and make accessible to the public certain information related to arrests, including the name, age, sex, and address of adult arrestees, as well as the date, time, and location of the arrest and the offense for which the individual was arrested.

The Douglas County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in compliance with state law. Members of the public seeking access to arrest records may obtain them through established procedures that balance the public's right to information with privacy protections afforded to certain categories of data under Minnesota law.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Douglas County?

Douglas County arrest records are available online through several official channels. The Douglas County Sheriff's Office maintains an inmate roster that is updated regularly and accessible to the public via the internet. This online resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody at the Douglas County Jail.

Additionally, case information related to arrests may be accessed through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which provides public access to court records throughout the state, including those in Douglas County. The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains this database in accordance with the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.

Online access to these records is provided to facilitate public oversight of governmental functions and to promote transparency in the criminal justice system, as mandated by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which requires government entities to keep records accessible for convenient public inspection.

How to Look Up Douglas County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Douglas County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them, as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, which outlines procedures for requesting access to government data. The following options are available:

Submit a request in person at the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, located at 216 7th Avenue West, Alexandria, MN 56308. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (320) 762-8151.
Access the Douglas County inmate roster online, which provides current information about individuals in custody.
Submit a written request for specific arrest records to the Records Division of the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought.
Visit the Douglas County District Court at 305 8th Avenue West, Alexandria, MN 56308, to request court records related to arrests. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (320) 762-3033.
Utilize the Minnesota Court Records Online system to search for case information related to arrests in Douglas County.
Submit a request for criminal history information to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, which maintains statewide criminal history records.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, government entities must provide copies of public data upon request, though reasonable fees may be charged for this service.

Contents of a Douglas County Arrest Record

Douglas County arrest records contain specific information as mandated by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, which designates certain law enforcement data as public. A standard arrest record typically includes:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description, including height, weight, eye and hair color
Residential address of the arrestee (subject to certain privacy restrictions)
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
The statute, ordinance, or regulation allegedly violated
The charge(s) for which the individual was arrested
Booking photographs ("mugshots")
Fingerprint information
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking number and facility information
Bail or bond information, if applicable
Case disposition information, when available

It is important to note that certain information may be redacted or withheld in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, which protects confidential or private data, including information about juveniles, victims of certain crimes, and undercover law enforcement officers.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Douglas County

The expungement of arrest records in Douglas County is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which provides a legal mechanism for sealing certain criminal records. Expungement is the process by which arrest and other criminal records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for specific purposes.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02, individuals may petition for expungement of their arrest records under the following circumstances:

The case was resolved in the petitioner's favor (e.g., dismissal, acquittal)
The charges were dismissed prior to a finding of probable cause
The petitioner completed a diversion program or stay of adjudication
The conviction was for certain low-level offenses and the specified waiting period has elapsed
The petitioner can demonstrate that the benefit of expungement outweighs the disadvantage to the public

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Douglas County District Court, located at 305 8th Avenue West, Alexandria, MN 56308. The petition must include specific information as outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, and a hearing will be scheduled no sooner than 60 days after filing.

If granted, an expungement order directs government agencies to seal the records and prohibits disclosure of their existence. However, certain agencies may retain access to expunged records for specific purposes as permitted by statute.