Richfield Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Richfield, Minnesota?
Arrest records are public in Richfield, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies most government records, including those pertaining to arrests, as public information accessible to citizens. The statute establishes that law enforcement agencies must maintain transparency in their operations by making arrest data available for public inspection. This accessibility serves multiple public interests, including ensuring accountability of law enforcement agencies, facilitating public safety awareness, and upholding the principle of open government.
The Minnesota Department of Administration's Information Policy Analysis Division (IPAD) provides oversight regarding compliance with public records laws. Public arrest records typically exclude certain protected information such as juvenile records, active investigation details, and data that would compromise victim safety. Individuals seeking arrest records should be aware that while the information is public, certain procedural requirements and reasonable fees may apply to record requests as permitted under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03.
How to Look Up Richfield Arrest Records in 2025
Members of the public seeking Richfield arrest records have several official channels through which they may obtain this information. The Richfield Police Department serves as the primary custodian of local arrest records and provides multiple methods for accessing these documents:
In-Person Requests: Citizens may visit the Richfield Police Department located at 6700 Portland Avenue South, Richfield, MN 55423. The Records Division is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Proper identification is required when requesting records in person.
Written Requests: Individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the Richfield Police Department Records Division. Requests must include the subject's full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, and case number if available. Written requests should be addressed to:
Richfield Police Department
Records Division
6700 Portland Avenue South
Richfield, MN 55423
(612) 861-9800
Official Website
Online Data Requests: The City of Richfield maintains a data request portal through which citizens may submit requests for public records, including arrest information. Online requests are processed according to the same statutory guidelines as in-person or written requests.
Hennepin County Court Records: For arrest records that have resulted in court proceedings, requesters may access information through the Hennepin County District Court. Court records may be accessed at:
Hennepin County Government Center
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
(612) 348-6000
Hennepin County Court Records
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records. Current fee schedules are available at the respective agencies. Standard processing time for record requests is 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.
Contents of a Richfield Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by the Richfield Police Department contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description, address, and identification photograph (mugshot)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; arresting agency and officer identification; arrest method; and whether force was used during apprehension
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed at the time of arrest, including statute numbers, offense descriptions, and charge classifications (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
Case Processing Information: Booking details, temporary detention information, bail or bond amounts established, court appearance dates, and case disposition if available
Property Information: Inventory of property seized during arrest, including potential evidence and personal effects taken for safekeeping
Public Safety Notes: Any special circumstances relevant to public safety, such as weapons involvement or flight risk assessment
It should be noted that certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 7, which protects confidential informants, undercover officers, victims of certain crimes, and active investigative data. Juvenile arrest records are generally not public information pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Richfield
The expungement of arrest records in Richfield follows Minnesota's statutory framework as outlined in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Expungement is the process by which arrest and criminal records are sealed from public view under specific circumstances. The Minnesota Legislature has established criteria under which individuals may petition for expungement:
- Cases resolved in the petitioner's favor (dismissals, acquittals)
- Cases where the petitioner completed a diversion program or deferred prosecution
- Certain low-level criminal convictions after specified waiting periods
- Juvenile records that meet statutory criteria
- Arrests not resulting in charges after a designated waiting period
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Hennepin County District Court. Petitioners must submit:
- A completed expungement petition form
- A personal statement explaining the need for expungement
- Supporting documentation regarding rehabilitation efforts
- Filing fee or fee waiver application if applicable
Hennepin County Criminal Court Division
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
(612) 348-2040
Criminal Court Division
Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing, typically within 60 days. Notice is provided to all agencies holding records subject to the expungement request. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, the court weighs several factors when considering expungement, including:
- The nature and severity of the underlying 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 current circumstances
- The purpose for which expungement is sought
It should be noted that expungement in Minnesota may be limited to judicial records in some cases, while in others it may extend to executive branch records, including those held by the Richfield Police Department. The scope of expungement is determined by the court based on statutory authority and the specific circumstances of each case.
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