Lake County, Minnesota Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Lake County, Minnesota?
Arrest records are public documents in Lake County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies most government data, including arrest records, as public information that must be accessible to citizens upon request. The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records as essential to maintaining transparency in the criminal justice system.
The Lake County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Minnesota Statute § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data. Under this statute, arrest data is presumptively public and includes the name, age, sex, and address of the person arrested, as well as the date, time, and place of the arrest, and the charge or alleged violation.
Members of the public seeking arrest records should note that certain information may be redacted if it pertains to:
- Ongoing investigations
- Juvenile offenders (governed by Minnesota Statute § 260B.171)
- Victims of certain crimes
- Confidential informants
Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Lake County?
Lake County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides public access to case records from all 87 Minnesota district courts, including Lake County, pursuant to Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, Rule 8.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains a comprehensive database that includes arrest and court records from Lake County. This system allows users to search by name, case number, or citation number. According to Minnesota Statute § 13.03, government entities must provide remote access to public data when feasible.
Online access to Lake County arrest records is subject to the following conditions:
- Records may not be immediately available online following an arrest
- Some older records may not be digitized
- Certain sensitive information is redacted in accordance with Minnesota Statute § 13.82, Subd. 7
- A nominal fee may apply for certain detailed reports or certified copies
How to Look Up Lake County Arrest Records in 2025
Lake County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records through multiple channels as established by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. The following methods are available for obtaining arrest record information:
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Lake County Sheriff's Office or the Lake County Courthouse to request arrest records in person. Staff will assist with locating and providing copies of public records during regular business hours.
Lake County Sheriff's Office
613 3rd Avenue
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-8385
Lake County Sheriff
Lake County Courthouse
601 3rd Avenue
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-8330
Lake County District Court
Online Access: The Minnesota Court Records Online system provides 24-hour access to public court records, including arrest information. Users may search by name, case number, or citation number.
Written Requests: Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.03, Subd. 3, written requests for arrest records may be submitted to:
Lake County Records Department
601 3rd Avenue
Two Harbors, MN 55616
Written requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), and approximate date of arrest. Requests should specify whether certified copies are required.
Contents of a Lake County Arrest Record
Lake County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Minnesota Statute § 13.82. These official documents serve as the factual account of an individual's interaction with law enforcement during an arrest procedure. A complete arrest record typically includes:
Biographical Information:
- Full legal name and any known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, identifying marks)
- Residential address at time of arrest
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Statutory violations and charges
- Booking number and facility information
- Bail or bond information
- Case disposition (if available)
Supplementary Documentation:
- Booking photographs (mugshots)
- Officer narrative reports
- Property and evidence inventory
- Miranda rights acknowledgment
- Medical screening information
The Lake County Jail maintains these records in both physical and digital formats. Pursuant to Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 4.02, these records must be maintained with accuracy and made available to authorized parties, including the arrested individual and their legal counsel.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Lake County
Minnesota law provides a legal pathway for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the process by which arrest and criminal records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies. The authority for expungement is established in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A.
Eligibility Criteria: Individuals may petition for expungement of Lake County arrest records if:
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was found not guilty
- The case was resolved in the petitioner's favor
- The individual has completed a diversion program
- The conviction was for certain low-level offenses and the required waiting period has elapsed
Petition Process: The expungement procedure requires filing a petition with the Lake County District Court. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 609A.03, the petition must include:
- Complete criminal history
- Reasons for seeking expungement
- Details of rehabilitation efforts
- Evidence of hardship caused by the record
Lake County Court Administration
601 3rd Avenue
Two Harbors, MN 55616
(218) 834-8330
The court will schedule a hearing approximately 60 days after filing, during which the petitioner must demonstrate that the benefits of expungement outweigh the disadvantages to public safety. The Lake County Recorder's Office will implement the court's expungement order if granted.
Statutory Limitations: Not all records qualify for expungement. Minnesota Statute § 609A.02 specifically excludes certain offenses, including most felonies and crimes of violence. Additionally, expunged records remain available to criminal justice agencies for certain purposes, including background checks for future criminal investigations.
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