>Martin County Arrest Records Online

Martin County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Martin County, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public in Martin County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies most government records, including arrest records, as public data accessible to any person upon request. The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that government records should remain open to public inspection to ensure transparency and accountability in law enforcement operations.

The Martin County Sheriff's Office maintains these records as part of their statutory obligation under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data. Members of the public seeking arrest information may access these records through established procedures maintained by county agencies. The public nature of these records serves multiple purposes, including community awareness, journalistic reporting, and background verification processes.

Certain limited exceptions to public disclosure exist under Minnesota law, particularly for juvenile records, active investigations, or cases where disclosure might compromise public safety. However, the presumption remains in favor of disclosure in accordance with the state's commitment to open government principles.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Martin County?

Martin County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Martin County Sheriff's Office Records Department provides digital access to certain arrest information through their official portal. Additionally, the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system offers a comprehensive database of court cases, including those stemming from arrests in Martin County.

Online accessibility is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which requires government entities to maintain records in an arrangement and condition that makes them easily accessible for convenient use. The Martin County government has implemented digital systems that comply with these statutory requirements while maintaining necessary security protocols to prevent unauthorized data manipulation.

Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, obtaining complete records may require additional steps or formal requests. The online systems are regularly updated but may experience occasional delays between an arrest and the appearance of the corresponding record in the digital database.

Martin County Sheriff's Office
201 Lake Avenue
Fairmont, MN 56031
Phone: 507-238-4481
Official Website

How to Look Up Martin County Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple methods exist for accessing Martin County arrest records. Individuals seeking this information may utilize any of the following procedures:

In-Person Requests: Visit the Martin County Sheriff's Office Records Department during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to submit a records request. Staff will assist with locating and providing copies of publicly available arrest records. Proper identification may be required.
Online Access: Utilize the Minnesota Court Records Online system to search for arrest-related court cases. This platform allows searches by name, case number, or other identifiers and provides 24-hour access to public court records.
Written Requests: Submit a formal written request to the Martin County Sheriff's Office Records Department. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, the request should include specific information about the records sought. Agencies must respond to data requests in a timely manner, typically within 10 business days.
Court Administrator's Office: Contact the Martin County Court Administrator's Office for arrest records that have proceeded to court action. The office maintains records of all criminal proceedings within the county jurisdiction.

Fees for record retrieval are established in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, and may vary based on the volume and format of records requested. Payment methods include cash, check, or credit card depending on the method of request.

Martin County Court Administrator's Office
201 Lake Avenue, 2nd Floor
Fairmont, MN 56031
Phone: 507-238-3205
Official Website

Contents of a Martin County Arrest Record

Martin County arrest records contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include the following elements:

Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, eye and hair color), and residential address at time of arrest.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name of the arresting agency and officer; and the legal authority under which the arrest was made.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed, including the Minnesota statute number, offense classification (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony), and brief description of the alleged criminal activity.
Booking Information: Unique booking number assigned to the case, fingerprint records, and booking photographs (commonly known as mugshots).
Custody Status: Information regarding bail or bond amounts, release conditions, or continued detention in the Martin County Jail.
Case Disposition: Ultimate resolution of the case, including dismissals, convictions, sentences imposed, or other judicial determinations.
Court Information: Case number, assigned judge, scheduled court appearances, and other procedural details if the case has entered the court system.

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary based on the stage of the criminal justice process and whether certain information has been sealed or redacted pursuant to court order or statutory exemption.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Martin County

Expungement of arrest records in Martin County follows procedures established under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Individuals may petition for expungement when their records meet specific statutory criteria. The expungement process effectively seals records from public view, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for law enforcement purposes.

Eligibility for expungement typically requires one of the following conditions:

Cases resolved in the petitioner's favor (dismissals, acquittals, or declined prosecutions)
Certain drug possession offenses after successful completion of diversion programs
Juvenile offenses that would have been petty misdemeanors or misdemeanors if committed by an adult
Convictions for specified low-level offenses after statutorily defined waiting periods

The expungement petition must be filed with the Martin County District Court and served upon all agencies possessing the relevant records. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, the court must determine whether clear and convincing evidence exists that sealing the record would yield a benefit to the petitioner commensurate with the disadvantages to the public and public safety.

Petitioners may benefit from legal assistance when navigating the expungement process. The Minnesota State Law Library provides resources regarding expungement procedures and requirements.

Martin County District Court
201 Lake Avenue
Fairmont, MN 56031
Phone: 507-238-3205
Official Website

Search Arrest Records in Martin County

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