>Steele County Arrest Records Online

Steele County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Steele County, Minnesota?

Yes, arrest records are public in Steele County, Minnesota. This accessibility is in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13), which mandates the availability of government records to the public. The act aims to promote transparency and accountability in governance, allowing citizens to obtain records that document government operations and the actions of public officials, including arrest records. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies are required to make certain arrest data available to the public, including the name, age, sex, and address of an adult person arrested, as well as the date, time, and place of the arrest and the offense for which the individual was arrested.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Steele County?

Yes, arrest records can be found online in Steele County. The availability of these records online facilitates easier access for individuals seeking information without the need to visit physical record-keeping offices. The Steele County Sheriff's Office Records Department maintains various public records that can be accessed electronically. Additionally, the Minnesota Judicial Branch provides a centralized online system for accessing court records, which may include information related to arrests. Members of the public should note that while basic arrest information is typically available online, more detailed records may require formal requests or in-person visits to the appropriate county offices.

How to Look Up Steele County Arrest Records in 2025

To obtain Steele County arrest records, several options are available to members of the public. The following methods provide access to arrest information in compliance with Minnesota public records laws:

Online Search: Utilize the Minnesota Court Records Online system, which offers search tools for public court records including those related to arrests. The Steele County Sheriff's Office also maintains an online database of current county warrants.
In-Person Request: Visit the Steele County Sheriff's Office Records Department located at 204 E Pearl St, Owatonna, MN 55060. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. Alternatively, records may be requested at the Steele County Courthouse located at 111 East Main Street, Owatonna, MN 55060.
Mail Request: Send a formal written request via mail to the Steele County Sheriff's Office, specifying the details of the arrest record being sought. Include the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records.
Detention Center Inquiry: Contact the Steele County Detention Center at 2500 Alexander St, Owatonna, MN 55060 for information regarding current inmates. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., excluding holidays.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government entities must respond to requests for public data in a prompt and appropriate manner. Fees may apply for copies of records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3.

Contents of a Steele County Arrest Record

A Steele County arrest record typically contains comprehensive information about an individual's arrest and booking process. In accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, the following information is generally included in public arrest records:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
Detailed description of the charges filed, including statute numbers
Name of the arresting agency and officer identification
Booking photograph (commonly referred to as a "mugshot")
Fingerprint records collected during the booking process
Physical description including height, weight, eye and hair color, and identifying marks such as tattoos or scars
Demographic information such as date of birth, gender, and address
Case disposition information, if available
Bail or bond amount set by the court

It should be noted that certain information may be redacted or withheld if it pertains to ongoing investigations, involves juvenile offenders, or is otherwise classified as private or confidential under Minnesota law.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Steele County

In Steele County, individuals may petition for expungement of their arrest records under specific conditions established by Minnesota law. Expungement is the process by which arrest and criminal records are sealed from public view, though they may remain accessible to law enforcement agencies. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, eligibility for expungement is determined based on several factors:

The nature and severity of the offense
The time elapsed since the arrest or conviction
The individual's criminal history before and after the incident
The demonstrated rehabilitation of the petitioner
The public safety risk versus the benefit to the individual seeking expungement

To pursue expungement, individuals must file a petition with the Steele County District Court where the case was processed. The petition must include specific information as required by Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, including identification information, details of the offense, and reasons for seeking expungement. The court will schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate that the benefits of expungement outweigh any potential risks to public safety.

If granted, an expungement order may seal records held by the courts, law enforcement agencies, and in some cases, other government entities. However, certain serious offenses may not be eligible for expungement, and some records may remain accessible to specific government agencies even after expungement is granted.

Steele County District Court
111 East Main Street
Owatonna, MN 55060
(507) 444-7700
Official Website