>Winona County Arrest Records Online

Winona County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Winona County, Minnesota?

Arrest records in Winona County, Minnesota are public documents pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This legislation establishes that government records, including arrest records, are presumed to be accessible to the public unless specifically classified as private or confidential by state or federal law. The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access these records as essential to maintaining governmental transparency and accountability.

Members of the public may inspect arrest records maintained by the Winona County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county. These records document official actions taken by government entities and serve multiple public interests, including:

Enabling citizens to monitor law enforcement activities
Providing information about potential public safety concerns
Supporting journalistic reporting on criminal justice matters
Facilitating research on crime patterns and law enforcement practices

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act specifically addresses criminal justice data in Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which classifies most arrest data as public information. However, certain information may be withheld if its release would jeopardize an ongoing investigation or compromise the safety of individuals involved.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Winona County?

Winona County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides digital access to court records through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which includes information about criminal cases resulting from arrests in Winona County.

The Winona County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster that provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This database is updated regularly and includes booking information, charges, and custody status. Additionally, the Sheriff's Office publishes an active warrant listing on their official website.

Online access to these records is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which requires government entities to maintain records in an arrangement and condition that makes them easily accessible for convenient use. The statute further mandates that:

Records must be kept in a manner that facilitates access
Reasonable measures must be taken to prevent unauthorized access
Fees for accessing records must not exceed actual costs of providing copies

While comprehensive arrest records are available online, certain detailed information may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices. The Winona County Sheriff's Office provides guidance on accessing records not available through their online systems.

How to Look Up Winona County Arrest Records in 2025

Individuals seeking Winona County arrest records in 2025 have multiple methods available to them. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act establishes procedures for requesting government data, including arrest records, which must be responded to in a timely manner.

To obtain arrest records, members of the public may:

Visit the Winona County Sheriff's Office located at 201 West 3rd Street, Winona, MN 55987. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (507) 457-6368.
Access the Winona County District Court at 171 West 3rd Street, Winona, MN 55987. Court hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Telephone: (507) 615-5160.
Submit requests through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension for comprehensive criminal history information. The BCA is located at 1430 Maryland Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55106. Telephone: (651) 793-2400.
Utilize public access terminals available at the Winona County Courthouse to search court records related to arrests and subsequent legal proceedings.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, government entities must provide copies of public data upon request. Requestors may be required to pay the actual costs of searching for and retrieving government data, including the cost of employee time, and for making, certifying, and compiling copies. The Winona County Sheriff's Office charges nominal fees for copies of arrest records in accordance with the county fee schedule.

Contents of a Winona County Arrest Record

Winona County arrest records contain standardized information as prescribed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, which designates specific data elements as public. A typical arrest record includes:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Date, time, and precise location of the arrest
Factual basis for the arrest, including the alleged offense and statutory citation
Identity of the arresting agency and officer(s)
Booking information, including photographs and fingerprints
Custody status and bail or bond information
Incident report number and other administrative identifiers

These records may also contain information about property seized during the arrest, vehicles involved, and witness statements that are not classified as confidential or protected. The records are maintained in accordance with the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule, which requires law enforcement agencies to preserve arrest records for specified periods based on the nature of the offense and case disposition.

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act establishes that certain information within arrest records may be classified as private or confidential, including:

Identity of juvenile offenders (except under circumstances specified in Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171)
Identity of victims of sexual assault or other crimes where identity protection is warranted
Information that would compromise an active investigation
Medical information about the arrested individual

Expungement of Arrest Records in Winona County

The expungement of arrest records in Winona County is governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which provides a legal mechanism for sealing certain criminal records. Expungement means the court seals the record and prohibits disclosure of its existence or its opening except under court order or statutory authority.

Individuals may petition for expungement of their arrest records under the following circumstances:

The charges were dismissed
The individual was found not guilty
The individual successfully completed a diversion program or stay of adjudication
The conviction was for certain low-level offenses after specified waiting periods
The case meets other statutory criteria outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Winona County District Court. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings, and must demonstrate that the benefits of expungement outweigh the disadvantages to the public and public safety.

The Winona County Attorney's Office offers assistance with certain expungement applications. According to county policy, individuals applying through the Winona County Attorney's Office are not required to pay the standard $300 filing fee that typically applies to expungement petitions.

Upon granting an expungement, the court issues an order directing all state and local agencies to seal their records relating to the arrest. However, expunged records may still be accessed by law enforcement agencies, prosecution offices, and judicial officers under limited circumstances as specified in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 7.