Sartell Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Sartell, Minnesota?
Arrest records in Sartell, Minnesota are classified as public information pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout the state, including those maintained by law enforcement agencies in Sartell. The statute specifically designates arrest data as public information under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which governs comprehensive law enforcement data.
Members of the public may access these records as part of their right to government transparency and accountability. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act stipulates that government entities must keep records containing government data in such an arrangement and condition as to make them easily accessible for convenient use. This statutory requirement ensures that citizens can effectively monitor law enforcement activities and judicial processes within their communities.
The Sartell Police Department, as the primary law enforcement agency for the city, maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules. While most arrest information is public, certain data elements may be classified as private or confidential under specific statutory provisions, particularly in cases involving juveniles, active investigations, or matters of public safety.
How to Look Up Sartell Arrest Records in 2025
Multiple official channels exist through which members of the public may obtain arrest records in Sartell. The following procedures have been established to facilitate public access to these documents:
In-Person Requests:
The Sartell Police Department maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within city limits. Individuals seeking these records may visit the department during regular business hours.
Sartell Police Department
501 Riverside Avenue N
Sartell, MN 56377
(320) 251-8186
Sartell Police Department Official WebsiteThe Stearns County Sheriff's Office also maintains arrest records for incidents occurring within their jurisdiction, including Sartell. Their records division processes public requests during normal business hours.
Stearns County Sheriff's Office
807 Courthouse Square, Room S-100
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 259-3700
Online Access:
The Stearns County Jail Roster provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This resource is updated continuously and includes basic arrest information.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains a statewide database that includes arrest records from Sartell and other jurisdictions.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-7000
Written Requests:
- Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, individuals may submit written requests for arrest records to the appropriate agency. These requests must reasonably describe the data being sought.
- Agencies must respond to these requests within a reasonable time period as specified in the statute.
Contents of a Sartell Arrest Record
Arrest records maintained by Sartell law enforcement agencies typically contain standardized information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records serve as official documentation of an individual's interaction with law enforcement and generally include the following elements:
Demographic Information:
- Full legal name of the arrested individual
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Home address (may be redacted in certain public copies)
- Identifying numbers (may include driver's license number or state ID)
Arrest Details:
- Date, time, and location of the arrest
- Statutory citation of alleged offense(s)
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing information
- Detention facility information
Case Processing Information:
- Court case number (if formally charged)
- Bail or bond amount established
- Court appearance dates
- Disposition of charges (if available)
Supplementary Documentation:
- Booking photographs ("mugshots")
- Fingerprint records
- Property inventory lists
- Initial incident reports related to the arrest
It should be noted that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 7, certain information may be withheld if its release would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or endanger individuals involved in the case. Additionally, juvenile arrest records are subject to different disclosure standards under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171.
Expungement of Arrest Records in Sartell
The expungement process for arrest records in Sartell is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which provides a legal mechanism for sealing certain criminal records under specific circumstances. Expungement does not physically destroy records but rather seals them from public view, limiting access to authorized government agencies under specific circumstances.
Statutory Eligibility Requirements:
- Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02, individuals may petition for expungement if:
- The charges were dismissed
- The petitioner was found not guilty
- The petitioner completed a diversion program or stay of adjudication
- The conviction was for certain low-level offenses and specified waiting periods have elapsed
- The case involved a juvenile who was prosecuted as an adult
Petition Process:
- Petitioners must file a formal expungement petition with the Stearns County District Court where the case was adjudicated
- The petition must include specific information as outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03
- Filing fees apply unless the court grants a fee waiver based on financial hardship
Judicial Consideration:
- The court evaluates expungement petitions based on statutory factors including:
- The nature and severity of the offense
- The risk posed to public safety
- The length of time since the offense occurred
- The petitioner's criminal record and rehabilitation efforts
- The purpose for which expungement is sought
Effect of Expungement:
- When granted, expungement seals records held by the courts, prosecuting authority, and law enforcement agencies
- Expunged records remain accessible to criminal justice agencies for limited purposes as specified in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, Subdivision 7
- Individuals with expunged records may legally state they have not been arrested or convicted of the expunged offense in most circumstances
The expungement process typically takes several months to complete and may require legal representation to navigate effectively. The Stearns County Court Administration provides standardized forms for individuals seeking to petition for expungement without attorney representation.
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