Arrest records are public in Nobles County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, shall be accessible to the public for inspection and copying unless specifically classified as private or confidential. 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 Nobles County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data. Under this statute, arrest data is classified as public government data and includes information such as the name, age, sex, and address of the person arrested, the time, date, and place of the arrest, and the factual basis for the arrest.
Public access to arrest records serves multiple purposes within the county:
Residents seeking arrest records may contact:
Nobles County Sheriff's Office
1530 Airport Road, Suite 100
Worthington, MN 56187
(507) 295-5400
Nobles County Sheriff's Office
Nobles County arrest records are available online through several official channels. The Minnesota Judicial Branch, in compliance with Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, provides electronic access to certain court records, including those related to arrests. The online availability of these records is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which mandates that government entities make data accessible in an electronic format when requested.
The Nobles County Sheriff's Office inmate listing provides current information about individuals in custody. This resource is updated regularly and includes basic arrest information as required by Minnesota law. Additionally, the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system offers a comprehensive database of court cases, including those stemming from arrests in Nobles County.
Online access to arrest records is subject to certain limitations established by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, which protects confidential informants, undercover officers, and victims of certain crimes. Furthermore, juvenile records are generally not available online due to privacy protections outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171.
For complete access to arrest records, individuals may need to supplement online searches with in-person requests at:
Nobles County Government Center
315 10th Street
Worthington, MN 56187
(507) 295-5200
Nobles County Government
Multiple methods exist for obtaining Nobles County arrest records in 2025, each offering varying levels of detail and accessibility. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government entities must provide reasonable access to public data upon request. The following options are available to members of the public seeking arrest information:
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO): The Minnesota Judicial Branch's online case search system provides 24-hour access to public court records, including those related to arrests in Nobles County. Users can search by name, case number, or citation number.
Nobles County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff maintains comprehensive arrest records and booking information. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, or through their online portal.
Nobles County Sheriff's Office
1530 Airport Road, Suite 100
Worthington, MN 56187
(507) 295-5400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Sheriff's Office Records Division
Nobles County District Court: Court records related to arrests can be accessed through the Nobles County District Court. These records typically include charging documents, hearing schedules, and case dispositions.
Nobles County District Court
1530 Airport Road, Suite 400
Worthington, MN 56187
(507) 295-5170
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Nobles County District Court
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): For comprehensive criminal history information, including arrests across multiple jurisdictions, the BCA maintains the state's central repository.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-2400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
When requesting arrest records, requestors must provide sufficient identifying information about the subject, including full name and date of birth. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.05, government entities may charge reasonable fees for copies of records, with fee schedules available at each agency.
Nobles County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records serve as official documentation of law enforcement actions and typically include the following elements:
Biographical Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, and residential address. Any known aliases or previous names may also be included.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest, including address or GPS coordinates where applicable.
Arresting Agency Information: Name of the arresting agency (e.g., Nobles County Sheriff's Office, Worthington Police Department), badge numbers and names of arresting officers, and the agency's case or incident number.
Criminal Charges: Complete list of all charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Minnesota statute numbers, charge descriptions, and charge levels (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor).
Booking Information: Time and date of booking, assigned booking number, and detention facility information.
Physical Descriptors: Height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Photographic Documentation: Booking photographs (commonly known as "mugshots") taken from front and side angles.
Biometric Data: Fingerprints collected during the booking process and any other biometric identifiers.
Bail/Bond Information: Amount set, conditions of release, and whether the individual was released on their own recognizance.
Court Information: Initial appearance date, assigned court, and judge or judicial officer presiding over the case.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including details that would identify victims of certain crimes, undercover officers, or confidential informants. Additionally, medical information collected during booking is classified as private under Minnesota Statutes § 13.384.
Expungement of arrest records in Nobles County follows procedures established under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. This legal process allows for the sealing of criminal records under specific circumstances, effectively removing them from public view while maintaining them for limited law enforcement and judicial access. The Minnesota Court of Appeals has established that expungement serves the public interest by facilitating the reintegration of individuals into society.
Eligibility criteria for expungement in Nobles County include:
The expungement process requires petitioners to file a formal petition with the Nobles County District Court. The petition must include:
Upon filing, the court schedules a hearing, typically 60-90 days after submission. Notice must be served to all prosecutorial offices and law enforcement agencies named in the petition. At the hearing, a judge evaluates whether clear and convincing evidence supports the expungement request, considering factors such as:
If granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all relevant agencies to seal their records. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 8, these agencies have 60 days to comply with the order.
Nobles County District Court
1530 Airport Road, Suite 400
Worthington, MN 56187
(507) 295-5170
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Nobles County District Court