>Yellow Medicine County Arrest Records Online

Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota?

Arrest records are public in Yellow Medicine County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive 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 principle that criminal justice records maintain a presumption of public accessibility to ensure transparency in the judicial system.

Members of the public may access these records as part of their right to monitor government activities and ensure accountability within the criminal justice system. The Yellow Medicine County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data. This statute classifies arrest data as public information, allowing citizens to review the actions of law enforcement agencies and the subsequent judicial proceedings.

Public access to arrest records serves multiple governmental and societal purposes, including:

Ensuring transparency in law enforcement operations
Allowing citizens to monitor the activities of public officials
Providing information that may be relevant to public safety
Supporting research and statistical analysis of criminal justice trends
Facilitating background checks for employment, housing, or other legitimate purposes

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Yellow Medicine County?

Yellow Medicine County arrest records are available through several online platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The Minnesota Judicial Branch, in accordance with Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, provides electronic access to court records that include information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings.

The Yellow Medicine County Sheriff's Office maintains an online database of current inmates and recent arrests. This resource is updated regularly and provides basic information about individuals currently in custody. Additionally, the county provides access to active warrant listings through their official website, allowing the public to view information about outstanding warrants in the county.

The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, established under the authority of the Minnesota Supreme Court, offers a comprehensive case search function that includes Yellow Medicine County cases. This system allows users to search for cases by name, case number, or citation number, providing access to public court records that may include arrest information.

It should be noted that while basic arrest information is available online, more detailed records may require in-person requests at the appropriate county offices. Online records are subject to the same classification and privacy restrictions as physical records, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3.

How to Look Up Yellow Medicine County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Yellow Medicine County arrest records have multiple options available, each with specific procedures and requirements:

Yellow Medicine County Sheriff's Office
415 9th Avenue, Suite 103
Granite Falls, MN 56241
Phone: 320-564-2130
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Sheriff's Office maintains the most current arrest records and booking information. Requestors may submit written requests in person, by mail, or through designated online forms. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, the Sheriff's Office must respond to data requests in a timely manner, typically within 10 business days.

Yellow Medicine County Court Administration
818 3rd Avenue
Granite Falls, MN 56241
Phone: 320-722-7002
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The Court Administration office maintains records of all court proceedings, including those resulting from arrests. Requestors may access these records by submitting a request form in person or by utilizing the Minnesota Court Records Online system.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: 651-793-2400
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The BCA maintains a statewide repository of criminal history information, including arrest data from Yellow Medicine County. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 299C.10, the BCA collects and maintains fingerprint and arrest data from all law enforcement agencies in the state.

When requesting arrest records, individuals should be prepared to provide:

Full name of the subject
Date of birth or approximate age
Date or approximate timeframe of the arrest
Case number (if known)
Government-issued identification (for in-person requests)

Contents of a Yellow Medicine County Arrest Record

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

Subject identification information:
- Full legal name
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Address at time of arrest
- Booking photograph ("mugshot")
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
- Agency responsible for the arrest
- Legal authority for the arrest (warrant, probable cause, etc.)
Offense information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Minnesota statute citations for alleged violations
- Brief narrative of the alleged offense
- Classification of offense (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
Case processing information:
- Booking date and time
- Custody status
- Bail or bond amount
- Court appearance dates
- Case disposition (if resolved)

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, certain information in arrest records may be classified as confidential or protected, including:

Identity of juvenile offenders (in most circumstances)
Identity of victims of certain crimes
Information that would compromise an active investigation
Medical information protected under state or federal law

Expungement of Arrest Records in Yellow Medicine County

Under Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, individuals may petition for the expungement of their arrest records in Yellow Medicine County under specific circumstances. Expungement is the process by which arrest and criminal records are sealed from public view, though they remain accessible to law enforcement agencies for legitimate purposes.

The Minnesota Second Chance Law, codified in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02, establishes the eligibility criteria for expungement. Individuals may qualify for expungement if:

The charges were dismissed
The individual was found not guilty
The case was resolved through a diversion program or stay of adjudication
The conviction was for certain low-level offenses and the required waiting period has elapsed
The expungement would yield benefits to the petitioner that outweigh the disadvantages to the public and public safety

The expungement process requires filing a petition with the Yellow Medicine County District Court. Petitioners must provide:

Complete criminal history
Statement of why expungement should be granted
Details of rehabilitation efforts
Supporting documentation

Upon receipt of a petition, the court will schedule a hearing, typically within 60 days. All relevant government agencies, including the Yellow Medicine County Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Office, will receive notice of the petition and may file objections. The court will evaluate whether the petitioner has demonstrated by clear and convincing evidence that expungement would yield benefits that outweigh any disadvantages to the public.

If granted, an expungement order requires all affected agencies to seal the records and prohibits disclosure except under limited circumstances specified in Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 7.