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Buffalo Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Buffalo, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public in Buffalo, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation classifies most government data, including arrest records, as public information accessible to citizens. The statute establishes that law enforcement agencies must maintain transparency regarding arrests and criminal proceedings, allowing members of the public to access these records for various purposes including background checks, research, and general information.

The Wright County Sheriff's Office, which serves Buffalo and surrounding areas, maintains these records in accordance with state regulations. Public access to arrest information supports community awareness, governmental transparency, and accountability in law enforcement operations throughout Wright County. Individuals seeking arrest records should note that while the information is public, certain procedures must be followed to obtain official documentation.

How to Look Up Buffalo Arrest Records in 2025

Multiple official channels exist for accessing arrest records in Buffalo, Minnesota. Members of the public may utilize any of the following methods to obtain this information:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Wright County Sheriff's Office located at the Wright County Government Center, 3800 Braddock Avenue NE, Buffalo, MN 55313. Counter hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Staff can assist with locating and providing copies of public arrest records.
Written Requests: Citizens may submit formal written requests to the Records Division of the Wright County Sheriff's Office. Requests must include the full name of the subject, date of birth (if known), approximate date of arrest, and the requestor's contact information.
Online Access: The Wright County District Court provides electronic access to certain court records through the Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS). This system allows for searches of criminal cases resulting from arrests in Buffalo and throughout Wright County.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension: For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may contact the Minnesota BCA at 1430 Maryland Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55106. Phone: (651) 793-2400.

Requestors should be prepared to pay applicable fees for record searches and copies as established by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3. Fees are determined based on the time required to locate, retrieve, and copy the requested documents.

Contents of a Buffalo Arrest Record

Arrest records maintained by Buffalo law enforcement agencies contain standardized information as required by Minnesota state regulations. These official documents typically include:

Demographic Information: Full legal name of the arrested individual, date of birth, gender, race, height, weight, eye and hair color, and any identifying marks such as tattoos or scars.
Arrest Details: Date, time, and specific location of the arrest; the name and badge number of the arresting officer(s); and the law enforcement agency that conducted the arrest.
Criminal Charges: Complete listing of all charges filed at the time of arrest, including the Minnesota statute number for each alleged violation and the classification (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony).
Case Processing Information: Booking number, case identification number, court file number, and initial appearance date if scheduled at the time of booking.
Photographic and Biometric Data: Mugshot photographs taken during the booking process and fingerprint records collected for identification purposes.
Narrative Reports: Summary of the circumstances leading to the arrest as documented by the arresting officer(s), though portions may be redacted if they contain confidential investigative information pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82.

The Wright County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in both physical and digital formats in compliance with Minnesota records retention schedules. Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public copies in accordance with privacy provisions of the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Buffalo

The expungement process in Buffalo follows Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which provides a legal mechanism for sealing certain arrest and criminal records. Individuals may petition for expungement under specific circumstances, including:

Cases resulting in dismissal or acquittal
Proceedings resolved in the petitioner's favor
Convictions for certain low-level offenses after completion of all sentence requirements
Juvenile records that meet statutory criteria for expungement

The formal expungement process requires filing a petition with the Wright County District Court, located at the Wright County Justice Center, 3700 Braddock Avenue NE, Buffalo, MN 55313. Phone: (763) 682-7539. Petitioners must provide detailed information about the arrest and subsequent proceedings, along with a statement explaining why expungement would yield a benefit to the petitioner that outweighs any disadvantage to the public.

Minnesota law establishes a waiting period for expungement eligibility that varies based on the severity of the offense:

Petty misdemeanors and misdemeanors: Two years after discharge of the sentence
Gross misdemeanors: Four years after discharge
Certain felonies: Five years after discharge

Upon receipt of a properly filed petition, the court schedules a hearing where the petitioner, prosecutors, and any victims may present evidence regarding the expungement request. If granted, the expungement order directs all agencies holding records of the arrest to seal those records from public view, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for specific purposes as outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 7.

Search Arrest Records in Buffalo

Wright County Sheriff's Office
3800 Braddock Avenue NE
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-1162
Wright County Sheriff's Office

Wright County District Court
3700 Braddock Avenue NE
Buffalo, MN 55313
(763) 682-7539
Wright County District Court