Arrest records are public in Lyon County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation establishes that government data, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public unless specifically classified as nonpublic or protected nonpublic data. The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that criminal justice records are presumptively open to public inspection to ensure transparency in governmental operations and accountability of law enforcement agencies.
Members of the public may access these records through various governmental entities within Lyon County, including the Sheriff's Office, local police departments, and the District Court. The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes:
Certain portions of arrest records may be redacted or restricted if they contain confidential information as defined under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, such as details that would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or compromise victim safety.
Lyon County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by state and county agencies. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government entities are required to keep records containing government data in such an arrangement as to make them easily accessible for convenient use. In accordance with this mandate, Lyon County has implemented digital systems for public record access.
The Lyon County District Court maintains electronic records of court proceedings related to arrests. Additionally, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) provides a centralized database for criminal history information that includes arrest data from Lyon County law enforcement agencies.
Online access to these records is subject to the following conditions:
Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, complete case files or detailed reports may necessitate direct contact with the relevant agency.
Multiple official channels exist for obtaining arrest records in Lyon County. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, persons may request access to public government data by submitting a request to the responsible authority of the government entity that maintains the data. The following methods are available for accessing Lyon County arrest records:
Online Court Records: The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides public access to case records, including those related to arrests in Lyon County. Users may search by name, case number, or citation number.
Lyon County Sheriff's Office:
607 West Main Street
Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-7666
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and booking information for the county.
Marshall Police Department:
611 West Main Street
Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Local police departments maintain records of arrests conducted within their jurisdiction.
Lyon County District Court:
607 West Main Street
Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-6734
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The court maintains records of all criminal proceedings, including arrest information.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension:
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-7000
The BCA maintains the Criminal History System which includes arrest data from all Minnesota counties.
Requestors should be prepared to provide identifying information such as full name, date of birth, and case numbers if available. Fees may apply for certain record requests in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3.
Lyon County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information:
Arrest Details:
Criminal Charges:
Case Processing Information:
The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains standards for record content and accessibility. Certain information may be redacted from public versions of arrest records to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations as provided in Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7.
Under Minnesota law, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A governs the expungement process, which provides for the sealing of records relating to an arrest, indictment, trial, or verdict.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Lyon County include:
The expungement process requires:
If granted, an expungement order directs government agencies to seal records and prohibit their disclosure except under limited circumstances defined in § 609A.03, subdivision 7. The Lyon County District Court, located at 607 West Main Street, Marshall, MN 56258, processes all expungement petitions for arrests occurring within the county.
Petitioners should note that certain records, particularly those maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for serious offenses, may require a showing of "clear and convincing evidence" that sealing the record would yield a benefit to the petitioner commensurate with the disadvantages to the public.