>Faribault County Arrest Records Online

Faribault County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Faribault County, Minnesota?

Arrest records in Faribault County, Minnesota are public documents 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. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act establishes that arrest information is presumptively public unless specifically classified otherwise by statute.

Members of the public may access these records as part of their right to government transparency. The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes, including:

Maintaining accountability of law enforcement agencies
Providing information about public safety concerns
Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
Enabling background checks for employment or housing purposes

The Faribault County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data. While the records are public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations or privacy interests as permitted by statute.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Faribault County?

Arrest records for Faribault County are available through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides digital access to court records related to arrests through its online portal. Additionally, the Faribault County Sheriff's Office maintains certain arrest information on its official website.

Online access to these records is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which requires government entities to keep records accessible for convenient public inspection. The statute further mandates that when records are maintained in electronic format, public access must be provided in that format when possible.

Users should be aware that online records may not always contain complete information. Some sensitive data may be redacted in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, which protects certain investigative data. Additionally, technical limitations or updating schedules may affect the timeliness of online records.

How to Look Up Faribault County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing Faribault County arrest records. Individuals seeking this information may utilize the following methods:

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO): The Minnesota Judicial Branch's online case search system provides access to court records related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
Faribault County Sheriff's Office: Records may be requested in person at the Sheriff's Office located at: Faribault County Sheriff's Office
415 North Main Street
Blue Earth, MN 56013
(507) 526-5148
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Faribault County District Court: Court records related to arrests can be accessed at: Faribault County District Court
415 North Main Street, Room 208
Blue Earth, MN 56013
(507) 526-6273
Faribault County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): For statewide criminal history information that includes Faribault County arrests: Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-2400
Search Criminal History Records

Requests for arrest records must comply with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, which outlines procedures for requesting government data. Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3(c).

Contents of a Faribault County Arrest Record

Faribault County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Arresting agency and officer identification
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records
Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Home address (may be partially redacted for privacy)
Booking number and facility information
Bail or bond information
Court case number (if assigned)

The content of arrest records is standardized to ensure consistent documentation across law enforcement agencies in Minnesota. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, certain information in arrest records must be public, including the time, date, and place of the arrest, the name of the arresting agency, and the arrest charge.

Law enforcement agencies are required to maintain the accuracy of these records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.05, subdivision 5, which mandates that government entities ensure records are accurate, complete, and current.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Faribault County

Individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in Faribault County pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Expungement is the process by which arrest and criminal records are sealed from public view. The Minnesota Court of Appeals has defined expungement as "the sealing of records and prohibiting disclosure except under court order or statutory authority."

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Cases resolved in the individual's favor (dismissals, acquittals)
Certain diversion program completions
Convictions for petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, or specified felonies after statutory waiting periods
Juvenile adjudications that would have been petty misdemeanors or misdemeanors if committed by an adult

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Faribault County District Court. Petitioners must provide notice to all agencies that maintain the records sought to be expunged. The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate that the benefits of expungement outweigh the disadvantages to the public.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 5, the court will consider several factors when determining whether to grant expungement, including:

The nature and severity of the underlying crime
The risk, if any, the petitioner poses to individuals or society
The length of time since the crime occurred
The steps taken by the petitioner toward rehabilitation
The petitioner's criminal record
The petitioner's employment and community involvement
The recommendations of interested parties

If granted, expungement orders direct government agencies to seal records and prohibit their disclosure except as authorized by court order or statute. Individuals seeking expungement may access forms and instructions through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.