>Washington County Arrest Records Online

Washington County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public in Washington County, 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 Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state law to ensure transparency in law enforcement operations.

Public arrest records typically include information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies operating within Washington County jurisdiction. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement data is presumptively public unless specifically classified otherwise by statute. This legal framework supports the public's right to access information while balancing privacy considerations in certain circumstances.

The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the principle that government records should remain accessible to promote accountability and public oversight of law enforcement activities. Members of the public may inspect these records during normal business hours at designated county facilities or through various online platforms maintained by Washington County agencies.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Washington County?

Washington County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Washington County Sheriff's Office provides digital access to current booking information and inmate rosters through their official website. This online accessibility is authorized under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which permits electronic dissemination of public safety data.

The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system serves as a centralized database where members of the public may search for case information related to arrests and subsequent court proceedings. This platform is maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch and provides access to public court records from all 87 Minnesota counties, including Washington County.

Digital access to these records is subject to certain limitations established by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which governs the manner and form in which government data may be accessed. While basic arrest information is typically available online, certain sensitive details may be redacted or require additional verification procedures to access in accordance with data privacy protections.

How to Look Up Washington County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Washington County arrest records may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The following methods are available for conducting arrest record searches:

Online Daily Booking Reports: The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains a regularly updated database of recent bookings and arrests. This resource provides basic information about individuals currently in custody.
Washington County Sheriff's Records Unit: Citizens may submit formal requests for specific arrest records through the Records Request portal. The Records Unit processes these requests pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which establishes procedures for accessing government data.
Minnesota Court Records Online: The MCRO system allows searches of court cases associated with arrests in Washington County. This platform provides information about charges, court dates, and case dispositions.
In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Washington County Sheriff's Office or the Washington County Courthouse to submit records requests in person during regular business hours.

Washington County Sheriff's Office
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-7600
Official Website

Washington County Courthouse
14949 62nd Street North
P.O. Box 3802
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 413-8030
Official Website

Contents of a Washington County Arrest Record

Washington County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82. These records typically include the following elements:

Full legal name and any known aliases of the arrested individual
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory citation and description of the alleged offense(s)
Arresting agency and officer identification
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint data collected during processing
Physical descriptors including height, weight, eye color, hair color, and identifying marks
Date of birth and demographic information
Custody status and bail/bond information
Case number and court reference information

The Washington County Jail Division maintains these records in accordance with state recordkeeping requirements. The Adult Inmate Roster Report provides current information about individuals in custody, including their charges and booking dates.

Certain information may be redacted from public arrest records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 17, which protects confidential informants, victims of certain crimes, and other sensitive data. Juvenile arrest records are subject to additional privacy protections under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Washington County

Under Minnesota law, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records under specific circumstances. Expungement is the process by which arrest and criminal records are sealed from public view. Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A establishes the legal framework for expungement proceedings in Washington County and throughout the state.

Eligibility criteria for expungement include:

Cases resolved in the petitioner's favor (dismissals, acquittals)
Certain diversion program completions
Convictions for specified low-level offenses after statutory waiting periods
Juvenile records that meet statutory requirements

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Washington County District Court. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings. The court evaluates whether the benefits of expungement to the petitioner outweigh the disadvantages to the public and public safety.

If granted, an expungement order may seal records maintained by the court system, the Washington County Sheriff's Office, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and other government agencies. However, certain law enforcement and licensing agencies may retain access to sealed records for specific purposes as permitted by Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, Subdivision 7.

The Minnesota Attorney General's Office provides guidance to individuals seeking information about the expungement process. Legal assistance is recommended for navigating the complex procedural requirements associated with expungement petitions.