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Duluth Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Duluth, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public in Duluth, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation classifies most government records, including arrest records, as public information accessible to citizens. The Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office oversees compliance with this act, which establishes the presumption that government data is public unless specifically classified otherwise by state or federal law. Public access to arrest records supports governmental transparency and accountability while allowing citizens to remain informed about law enforcement activities within their communities.

Certain arrest records may be classified as private or confidential under specific statutory provisions. Records pertaining to juvenile offenders, ongoing investigations, or cases involving certain vulnerable victims may have restricted access. Additionally, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies may temporarily withhold certain investigative data if disclosure would jeopardize an active investigation or endanger individuals.

How to Look Up Duluth Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may access arrest records in Duluth. The following methods are available to individuals seeking arrest information:

Duluth Police Department Records Division: Citizens may submit requests for arrest records in person, by mail, or through electronic submission. The department maintains records of all arrests made within city jurisdiction.

Duluth Police Department
2030 North Arlington Avenue
Duluth, MN 55811
(218) 730-5400
Duluth Police Department Official Website

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office: The Sheriff's Office maintains county-wide arrest records and provides public access to this information through formal data requests.

St. Louis County Sheriff's Office
100 North 5th Avenue West, Room 103
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 726-2340
Public Data Requests

St. Louis County Courthouse: Court records related to arrests are accessible through the district court administration office. These records include charging documents, court appearances, and case dispositions.

St. Louis County Courthouse - Duluth
100 North 5th Avenue West
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 726-2460
St. Louis County District Court - Duluth

Online Resources: The St. Louis County Jail Roster is published online and updated regularly, providing information about current inmates and recent bookings.

Requestors should note that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching and copying public records. Fees are determined by the actual costs incurred by the agency in providing the requested information.

Contents of a Duluth Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Duluth law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any documented aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying characteristics
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Booking photograph ("mugshot") and fingerprint data
Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
Agency responsible for the arrest
Booking information including case number and custody status
Bail or bond amount, if applicable
Initial court appearance information

The level of detail contained in publicly accessible versions of these records may vary based on the status of any related investigation and applicable privacy statutes. Certain information, such as the identities of sexual assault victims, confidential informants, or undercover officers, is redacted from public versions of arrest records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 17.

Legal Framework for Arrest Records in Minnesota

The management and disclosure of arrest records in Duluth operates within a comprehensive legal framework established by state statute. Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13) serves as the primary legislation governing public access to government records, including those related to arrests and criminal proceedings.

Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 2, arrest data is explicitly classified as public information. This classification includes the name, age, sex, and address of the arrested individual; the date, time, and place of the arrest; the arrest charge; and information about the circumstances of the arrest. This statutory provision ensures transparency in law enforcement operations while establishing clear parameters for public disclosure.

The Minnesota Criminal Code (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609) defines criminal offenses and establishes the legal basis for arrests. Law enforcement officers in Duluth operate under the authority granted by Minnesota Statutes § 629.34, which delineates the circumstances under which an officer may make an arrest without a warrant.

Records retention requirements are established by the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule, which mandates that arrest records be maintained for specific time periods based on the nature of the offense and case disposition. The Duluth Police Department and St. Louis County Sheriff's Office must adhere to these retention schedules in their records management practices.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Duluth

Expungement procedures for arrest records in Duluth are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. Individuals seeking to have arrest records sealed must file a petition with the St. Louis County District Court. The statutory framework establishes specific eligibility criteria that must be met before expungement may be granted.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Cases resolved in the petitioner's favor (dismissals, acquittals)
Cases where the petitioner completed a diversion program or deferred prosecution
Convictions for certain low-level offenses after specified waiting periods
Juvenile offenses that would have been petty misdemeanors or misdemeanors if committed by an adult

The expungement process requires the submission of a formal petition to the court that handled the case. Petitioners must provide notice to all agencies that maintain the records sought to be expunged. A hearing is typically scheduled, during which the court considers statutory factors including:

The nature and severity of the underlying offense
The risk posed to public safety
The length of time since the offense occurred
The petitioner's criminal record before and after the offense
The petitioner's rehabilitation efforts and current circumstances
The purpose for which expungement is sought

If expungement is granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal the records. Sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for limited purposes but are not available to the general public. The City Attorney's Criminal Division may provide guidance on the expungement process but cannot offer legal advice to individuals seeking expungement.

City of Duluth - City Attorney's Criminal Division
411 West First Street, Room 410
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 730-5490
City Attorney's Criminal Division