>Scott County Arrest Records Online

Scott County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Scott County, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public documents in Scott County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation establishes that government records, including arrest information, are presumed 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.

Law enforcement agencies in Scott County maintain arrest records as part of their official documentation. These records become available to the public after processing through the county's record management system. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies must provide access to arrest data, which is classified as public government data. This statutory framework ensures citizens can monitor law enforcement activities and maintain oversight of the criminal justice system.

Certain portions of arrest records may be temporarily classified as confidential during active investigations pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7. However, once an investigation concludes, most information returns to public status. Juvenile arrest records are subject to different regulations under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171 and may have limited public accessibility.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Scott County?

Scott County arrest records are accessible through various online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Scott County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster that provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This public resource is updated regularly and serves as an immediate source of arrest information.

For comprehensive case information following arrests, the Minnesota Judicial Branch offers the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system. This database contains court records related to arrests, charges, and case dispositions throughout Scott County and the entire state. Users may search by name, case number, or other identifiers to locate specific arrest-related court records.

The online availability of these records is governed by Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which establishes uniform standards for electronic access. While basic arrest information is available online, certain sensitive data may be redacted in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 17, which protects confidential informants, victims of certain crimes, and undercover officers.

How to Look Up Scott County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Scott County arrest records in 2025 have multiple official channels available. Each method provides different levels of detail and convenience:

Scott County Sheriff's Office Records Division: Citizens may request arrest records in person from the Records Division. Scott County Sheriff's Office 301 Fuller Street South Shakopee, MN 55379 Phone: (952) 496-8300 Sheriff's Office Records Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Minnesota Court Records Online: The judicial system maintains comprehensive case records that include arrest information. This platform allows 24/7 access to public court documents. Minnesota Court Records Online
Scott County Justice Center: For complete criminal history information, individuals may visit the courthouse records department. Scott County Justice Center 200 4th Avenue West Shakopee, MN 55379 Phone: (952) 496-8200 Scott County District Court Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Written Requests: Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, citizens may submit written requests for arrest records. Requests must include sufficient information to identify the specific records sought, including the individual's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest if known.

Requestors should note that fees may apply for record searches and copies in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3. The current fee schedule is available on the Scott County website or by contacting the Sheriff's Office Records Division directly.

Contents of a Scott County Arrest Record

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

Biographical Information: Full legal name, date of birth, physical description, address, and identification numbers (driver's license, state ID)
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; officer identification; and legal authority for the arrest (warrant number or probable cause)
Criminal Charges: Specific statute violations, charge severity (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor), and charge descriptions
Booking Information: Booking number, fingerprint classification, and photographic identification (mugshot)
Custody Status: Detention facility, bail or bond amount, release conditions, and next scheduled court appearance
Case Disposition: Court case number, assigned judge, plea information, and case outcome when available

The Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch govern which elements of these records are publicly accessible. Certain information may be redacted to protect privacy interests, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain victim information pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 17.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Scott 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 the court to seal arrest records 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 expungement process requires filing a petition with the Scott County District Court. Under Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, the petition must include:

The petitioner's full name and all legal aliases
Address history for the previous five years
Reasons for seeking expungement
Details of the offense including case number and date
Criminal record history

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing, typically 60-90 days after filing. The burden rests with the petitioner to demonstrate that the benefits of expungement outweigh any public safety concerns. If granted, the expungement order directs all government agencies to seal the records, making them inaccessible to the public.

It should be noted that certain serious offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement under Minnesota law. Additionally, even when records are expunged, certain government agencies may retain limited access for law enforcement purposes pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 7.