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Minnesota Arrest Records Online >Hennepin County Arrest Records Online

Hennepin County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Hennepin County, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public in Hennepin County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest information, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically classified as private or confidential. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act operates under the presumption that government data is public to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.

Members of the public may access arrest records through various official channels established by county authorities. These records typically become available after the booking process is completed and the information is entered into the county's record management system. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligations under Minnesota law.

Public access to arrest records serves several governmental and civic purposes:

  • Promotes transparency in law enforcement operations
  • Enables community oversight of police activities
  • Assists attorneys in case preparation
  • Provides information for background checks
  • Supports journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters

Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted if they contain confidential information as defined in Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, such as details that would compromise an active investigation or reveal the identity of certain protected individuals.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Hennepin County?

Hennepin County arrest records are available online through several official digital platforms. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Jail Roster provides current information about individuals in custody, including arrest date, charges, and booking information. This online resource is updated regularly to reflect the current jail population and recent arrests.

Additionally, court records related to arrests can be accessed through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which provides public access to case information filed in Hennepin County District Court. The MCRO system allows users to search by name, case number, or citation number to locate records of court proceedings that follow an arrest.

Online access to these records is governed by the following provisions:

  • Records are available 24 hours per day, subject to system maintenance periods
  • Some information may be subject to viewing restrictions based on Minnesota Statutes § 13.82
  • Certain case types, particularly those involving juveniles or sensitive matters, may have limited online accessibility
  • Historical records may not be completely digitized and might require in-person requests

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension also maintains the Criminal History Search portal, which allows for public criminal history checks that may include arrest information, though these searches typically require payment of a statutory fee.

How to Look Up Hennepin County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods are available for obtaining Hennepin County arrest records in 2025. Individuals seeking this information may utilize any of the following official channels:

In-Person Requests:

  • Visit the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Records Division 350 South 5th Street, Room 6 Minneapolis, MN 55415 Phone: (612) 348-3744 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Request records at the Hennepin County District Court Records Center Hennepin County Government Center 300 South Sixth Street, C-3 Level Minneapolis, MN 55487 Phone: (612) 348-6000 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Online Access:

Written Requests:

  • Submit a written request via U.S. mail to the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office Records Division
  • Include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and case number (if available)
  • Enclose the applicable fee payment as established by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subd. 3

Requestors should be prepared to provide identification when requesting records in person. Fees for copies of arrest records are established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subd. 3, and may vary based on the number of pages requested and whether certification is required.

Contents of a Hennepin County Arrest Record

Hennepin County arrest records contain standardized information collected during the booking process. These official documents typically include the following elements as required by Minnesota law and departmental procedures:

  • Subject's full legal name and any known aliases
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
  • Date, time, and location of arrest
  • Statutory charges and citation numbers
  • Arresting agency and officer information
  • Booking photographs (mugshots)
  • Fingerprint information
  • Property inventory taken at booking
  • Initial court appearance information
  • Bail or bond amount, if applicable
  • Custody status

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records, including:

  • Confidential informant identities
  • Undercover officer information
  • Victim data protected by statute
  • Juvenile data subject to special classification
  • Active investigation details that would compromise law enforcement efforts
  • Medical information protected under HIPAA

The level of detail available in publicly accessible arrest records may vary depending on the status of related investigations and applicable privacy statutes. Records related to arrests that resulted in charges being filed will typically contain more comprehensive information than those where charges were not pursued.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Hennepin County

The expungement process in Hennepin County allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances prescribed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Expungement does not physically destroy records but restricts their accessibility to the public. Individuals seeking expungement must petition the Hennepin County District Court and demonstrate eligibility under statutory provisions.

Eligibility criteria for expungement of arrest records include:

  • Cases resolved in the petitioner's favor (dismissals, acquittals)
  • Certain diversion program completions
  • Convictions for specified low-level offenses after statutory waiting periods
  • Juvenile records meeting specific criteria
  • Cases where the prosecutor agrees to expungement

The petition process requires:

  1. Filing a petition with the Hennepin County District Court
  2. Payment of filing fees (currently $325, with fee waiver options available for qualifying individuals)
  3. Serving notice to all relevant agencies possessing the records
  4. Attending a scheduled court hearing
  5. Demonstrating that the benefits of expungement outweigh the disadvantages to public safety

Upon granting an expungement, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, Subd. 7, agencies must comply with expungement orders within 60 days of receiving them. Expunged records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes as specified in the statute.

Individuals with questions about expungement eligibility may contact:

Hennepin County Self-Help Center Hennepin County Government Center 300 South Sixth Street, 2nd Floor Minneapolis, MN 55487 Phone: (612) 348-9399 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 3:30 PM

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