Jackson County, Minnesota Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Jackson County, Minnesota?
Arrest records are public in Jackson County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, are presumed to be public unless specifically classified otherwise by state or federal law. The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records as essential to government transparency and accountability.
Jackson County arrest records typically contain information regarding the individual arrested, the nature of the alleged offense, booking details, and the law enforcement agency involved in the arrest. Members of the public seeking such records should be aware that certain information within arrest records may be redacted if it falls under statutory privacy protections, particularly information related to juvenile offenders, ongoing investigations, or victims of certain crimes as specified in Minnesota Statutes § 13.82.
The Jackson County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and processes requests in accordance with state law. Requestors should note that while the records are public, administrative fees for searching, retrieving, and copying records may apply as permitted under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3.
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Jackson County?
Jackson County arrest records are accessible online through several official platforms. The county maintains digital records systems in compliance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which requires government entities to keep records in an arrangement and condition that makes them easily accessible for convenient use.
The Jackson County Jail Roster provides current information about individuals currently in custody. This resource is updated regularly and serves as a primary source for recent arrest information. Additionally, the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides access to case records, including those related to arrests in Jackson County.
Users of these online systems should be aware that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, certain data elements may be withheld if they would:
- Reveal the identity of an informant
- Endanger an individual's safety
- Compromise an active investigation
- Reveal the identity of a victim of certain crimes
- Disclose confidential investigative techniques
The online availability of these records represents the county's commitment to public transparency while balancing privacy considerations as mandated by state law.
How to Look Up Jackson County Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist for accessing Jackson County arrest records. Individuals seeking such information may utilize any of the following methods:
Online Database Access: The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides 24-hour access to public court records, including those related to arrests in Jackson County. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers.
Jackson County Sheriff's Office: Individuals may submit record requests directly to the Sheriff's Office either in person, by mail, or via email.
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
400 Sherman Street, Suite 2
Jackson, MN 56143
Phone: (507) 847-4420
Official Website
- Jackson County District Court: Court records related to arrests may be obtained through the court administration office.
Jackson County District Court
405 4th Street
Jackson, MN 56143
Phone: (507) 847-4400
Official Website
- Bureau of Criminal Apprehension: For comprehensive criminal history information, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains the Criminal History System, which includes arrest data from all Minnesota counties, including Jackson County.
Requestors should note that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, government entities may charge fees for searching and retrieving government data. These fees are limited to the actual costs of providing copies, including employee time, materials, and any necessary special costs.
Contents of a Jackson County Arrest Record
Jackson County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These official documents typically include the following data elements:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
- Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
- Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
- Biometric data, including fingerprints when collected
- Demographic information, including:
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Last known address
- Custody status and bail/bond information
- Case disposition information, when available
- Warrant information, if applicable
It should be noted that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, certain information may be redacted from public arrest records if disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation, reveal confidential sources, or compromise victim safety. Additionally, arrest records related to juveniles are subject to heightened confidentiality protections under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171.
The Jackson County Court Administration maintains the official court records associated with arrests, while the Sheriff's Office maintains the initial arrest documentation and booking information.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Jackson County
Minnesota law provides a statutory framework for the expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, individuals may petition for expungement when:
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was found not guilty
- The case did not result in a conviction
- The conviction was for certain low-level offenses after a specified waiting period
- The conviction was for a qualifying drug offense and meets statutory requirements
The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Jackson County District Court. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings, notify all agencies holding relevant records, and attend a hearing before a district court judge. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public's interest in maintaining the record against the disadvantages to the petitioner.
If granted, an expungement order may seal records held by the court system and executive branch agencies. However, petitioners should be aware that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 7a, certain agencies may still access sealed records for specific purposes, including law enforcement investigations and background checks for certain sensitive positions.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides standardized forms and instructions for the expungement process. Due to the legal complexities involved, many petitioners seek legal assistance through the Jackson County Law Library or legal aid services.
Search Arrest Records in Jackson County
