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Virginia Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Virginia, Minnesota?

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, arrest records in Virginia, Minnesota are classified as public government data. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA) establishes that all government records, including arrest records, are presumed public unless specifically classified otherwise by state or federal law. This legislative framework ensures transparency in law enforcement operations while balancing privacy considerations for certain protected data categories.

The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records for Virginia and surrounding areas as mandated by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, which specifically designates arrest data as public information. Members of the public may access these records through formal data requests submitted to the appropriate law enforcement agency or through court records if the arrest resulted in criminal charges.

Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal functions, including:

  • Promoting accountability in law enforcement operations
  • Enabling background checks for employment and housing purposes
  • Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
  • Facilitating research on crime patterns and law enforcement practices

How to Look Up Virginia Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Virginia, Minnesota may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government agencies must provide reasonable access to public data upon request. The following methods are available for accessing arrest records:

  • Submit a public data request to the St. Louis County Sheriff's Records Division, which processes and maintains crime and arrest records, traffic accident reports, and citations.

  • Visit the Virginia Police Department in person to request arrest record information:

    Virginia Police Department
    327 1st Street South
    Virginia, MN 55792
    218-748-7510
    Official Website
    Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Access the St. Louis County Jail Roster, which is updated regularly and includes current detention information.

  • Review court records at the St. Louis County District Court - Virginia location:

    St. Louis County District Court - Virginia
    300 South 5th Avenue
    Virginia, MN 55792
    218-749-7104
    Official Website
    Public Counter Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  • Request criminal history data from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), which maintains a statewide repository of arrest and conviction information.

Requestors should note that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, government agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of public records, including arrest data.

Contents of a Virginia Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by law enforcement agencies in Virginia, Minnesota typically contain the following information as specified under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2:

  • Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
  • Date of birth and demographic information
  • Time, date, and location of the arrest
  • Factual basis for the arrest and statutory citation of alleged offense(s)
  • Booking photographs (mugshots)
  • Fingerprint data collected during processing
  • Name of the arresting agency and officer(s)
  • Detention facility information if applicable
  • Case disposition information, including:
    • Whether charges were filed
    • Court case number
    • Bail or bond amount
    • Scheduled court appearances

Certain information may be redacted or withheld from public arrest records pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, including:

  • Confidential informant identities
  • Undercover officer identities
  • Victim data in certain cases
  • Juvenile subject information (with exceptions)
  • Active investigation details that would compromise law enforcement efforts

Expungement of Arrest Records in Virginia

Minnesota law provides a statutory framework for the expungement of arrest records under certain circumstances. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, individuals may petition for expungement if their case meets specific criteria. Expungement refers to the sealing of records from public view, though the records may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies.

Eligibility criteria for expungement of arrest records in Virginia, Minnesota include:

  • Cases resolved in the petitioner's favor (dismissals, acquittals)
  • Cases where the petitioner completed a diversion program or deferred prosecution
  • Certain low-level criminal convictions after specified waiting periods
  • Juvenile records that meet statutory requirements

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the St. Louis County District Court in Virginia. Petitioners must provide:

  • Complete criminal history
  • Details of the arrest record(s) sought to be expunged
  • Reasons justifying expungement
  • Filing fee or fee waiver request

The court will schedule a hearing where a judge will consider factors including:

  • The nature and severity of the offense
  • Risk to public safety
  • Length of time since the offense
  • Steps taken toward rehabilitation
  • The purpose for which expungement is sought

If granted, an expungement order directs all agencies holding records to seal them from public view. However, pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 7a, certain agencies may still access expunged records for specific purposes, including criminal investigations and background checks for certain sensitive positions.

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