Hennepin Public Records /Hennepin County Criminal Records

Hennepin County Criminal Records

What Is Hennepin County Criminal Records

Criminal records in Hennepin County constitute official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records encompass a comprehensive range of information pertaining to arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions as maintained by various law enforcement and judicial agencies throughout Hennepin County.

Criminal records are categorized according to several important distinctions:

Arrest vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document instances when an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.82, arrest data is classified as public information, though it does not necessarily indicate guilt.
Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies represent more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less severe crimes typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration. The Minnesota Hennepin County District Court maintains records of both categories.
Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records pertaining to adults (18 and older) are generally public, whereas juvenile records are typically sealed under Minnesota Statute § 260B.171 to protect minors' privacy and future opportunities.
Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions that have been resolved.

The following agencies maintain criminal records in Hennepin County:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
350 South 5th Street, Room 6
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-348-3744
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

Hennepin County District Court
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-6000
Hennepin County District Court

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-793-7000
Minnesota BCA

Criminal records typically include documentation of:

Arrests and booking information
Formal charges filed
Arraignment proceedings
Plea agreements
Trial proceedings and outcomes
Sentencing information
Probation and parole status

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, codified in Minnesota Statute § 13.03, establishes the framework for public access to government data, including criminal records, while balancing privacy concerns and public interest.

Are Criminal Records Public In Hennepin County

Criminal records in Hennepin County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act. This legislation, codified under Minnesota Statute § 13.03, establishes that "all government data shall be public unless classified by statute, or temporary classification pursuant to section 13.06, or federal law, as nonpublic or protected nonpublic, or with respect to data on individuals, as private or confidential."

The statute further stipulates that "the responsible authority in every government entity shall keep records containing government data in such an arrangement and condition as to make them easily accessible for convenient use." This provision ensures that criminal records maintained by Hennepin County agencies remain accessible to interested parties.

Public criminal records in Hennepin County typically include:

Adult conviction records
Court proceedings and case dispositions
Booking photos and arrest records
Incarceration records
Sex offender registry information

However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:

Active criminal investigations, as protected under Minnesota Statute § 13.82, Subdivision 7
Sealed or expunged records pursuant to court order
Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
Records pertaining to victims of certain crimes
Records that would compromise confidential informants

The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains that "court records are presumed to be public unless there is a court rule, court order, or statute that makes a record confidential." This presumption of openness aligns with the state's commitment to governmental transparency while acknowledging necessary privacy protections.

Members of the public seeking access to criminal records in Hennepin County may utilize various resources provided by the county, including the Hennepin County District Court Records Center, which serves as the centralized repository for court records within the jurisdiction.

It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, their use may be restricted in certain contexts, such as employment and housing decisions, under state and federal anti-discrimination laws.

How To Look Up Criminal Records In Hennepin County in 2026

Members of the public seeking to access criminal records in Hennepin County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple avenues for record retrieval, accommodating various needs and preferences.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Hennepin County District Court Records Center
Government Center, Public Service Level
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487
612-348-3991
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Hennepin County District Court Records Center

When visiting in person, requestors should:

Complete a records request form, available at the service counter
Provide specific identifying information about the case or individual
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Pay applicable fees for copies ($10 for certified copies, $8 for uncertified copies per document)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records

For mail requests, individuals should:

Download and complete the Court Records Request Form
Include a check or money order for applicable fees
Provide a self-addressed stamped envelope
Mail the request to:

Hennepin County District Court Records Center
Government Center, C-3
300 South Sixth Street
Minneapolis, MN 55487

For criminal history reports that include statewide information, requestors may contact:

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-793-7000
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Minnesota Public Criminal History

The BCA provides public criminal history information for a fee of $8.00 per name search. Requestors must provide the subject's full name and date of birth.

For active warrant information, individuals may contact:

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office
350 South 5th Street, Room 6
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-348-3744
Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.82, law enforcement agencies must provide certain public information upon request, including arrest data, request for service data, and response or incident data.

How To Find Criminal Records in Hennepin County Online?

Hennepin County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits, allowing users to search for and retrieve information remotely.

The primary online resources include:

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) This comprehensive portal provides access to case records from all 87 Minnesota counties, including Hennepin County. Users can search by:

Case number
Citation number
Party name
Attorney name

MCRO offers both a public access version (free) and a subscription service with enhanced features. The system contains:

Criminal case records
Civil case records
Family court records
Probate records

To access MCRO, users must create an account at the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.

Minnesota Public Access Court Records (PA-CRM) This legacy system remains available and provides:

Case register information
Hearing schedules
Judgment information
Party information

The system can be accessed at PA-CRM Search.

Hennepin County Jail Roster The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster that is updated daily. This resource provides:

Current inmate information
Booking date
Charges
Bail information
Scheduled release date (when applicable)

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) Public Criminal History For statewide criminal history information, the BCA offers an online search portal at BCA Public Criminal History Search. This service:

Costs $8.00 per name search
Requires the subject's full name and date of birth
Provides conviction data only
Returns results immediately

Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry For information regarding registered sex offenders, the public can access the Minnesota Predatory Offender Search, which provides:

Level 3 offender information
Photographs
Offense details
General location information

When using these online resources, users should note that:

Some records may not be available electronically and may require in-person requests
Certain case types (e.g., juvenile, sealed) are not accessible online
Document images may require additional fees to view
The most current information is available through the Hennepin County District Court Records Center

Can You Search Hennepin County Criminal Records for Free?

Hennepin County provides several options for members of the public to access criminal records without charge, in accordance with Minnesota's commitment to government transparency. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, codified in Minnesota Statute § 13.03, Subdivision 3, establishes that "if a person requests access for the purpose of inspection, the responsible authority may not assess a charge or require the requesting person to pay a fee to inspect data."

Free inspection of criminal records is available at:

Visitors may use public access terminals to search and view case information at no cost. Staff assistance for locating records is also provided without charge.

Free online resources include:

Minnesota Public Access Court Records (PA-CRM) This system provides basic case information including:
- Case numbers and filing dates
- Party names
- Charge information
- Hearing dates
- Case status
- Judgment information
The system can be accessed at PA-CRM Search without registration or fees.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - Public Access The public access version of MCRO allows users to:
- Search for cases by party name, case number, or citation number
- View register of actions (case history)
- Check hearing schedules
- View judgment information
This service requires registration but is free to use for basic searches.
Hennepin County Jail Roster The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office maintains a free online jail roster that provides:
- Current inmate information
- Booking date and charges
- Bail information
- Scheduled court appearances

While inspection of records is free, fees apply for copies of documents:

$10.00 for certified copies
$8.00 for uncertified copies
Additional fees for extensive searches or large document requests

The Minnesota Judicial Branch notes that "if a person requests copies or electronic transmittal of the data to the person, the responsible authority may require the requesting person to pay the actual costs of searching for and retrieving government data, including the cost of employee time, and for making, certifying, and electronically transmitting the copies of the data."

What's Included in a Hennepin County Criminal Record?

Criminal records maintained by Hennepin County contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below.

Identifying Information:

Full legal name and known aliases
Date of birth and age
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Last known address
State Identification (SID) number
FBI number (if applicable)
Fingerprint classification

Arrest Information:

Date and time of arrest
Arresting agency
Booking number
Location of arrest
Charges filed at time of arrest
Bail or bond amount
Detention facility information
Arresting officer information

Court Case Information:

Court case number
Court of jurisdiction
Filing date
Formal charges filed by prosecutor
Statutory citations and offense classification (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
Plea entered
Defense attorney information
Prosecutor information
Judge assigned
Pre-trial motions and rulings

Disposition Information:

Verdict or outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, continued)
Conviction date (if applicable)
Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
Appeal information (if applicable)
Probation/parole status and violations
Completion of sentence information

Additional Information:

Active warrants
Protective or restraining orders
Sex offender registration requirements
DUI/DWI offenses
Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Prior criminal history references

The content and format of criminal records are governed by Minnesota Statute § 609.115, which establishes requirements for presentence investigations and reports. Additionally, the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch determine which elements of criminal records are accessible to the public.

Records maintained by the Hennepin County District Court are organized according to case number and may be retrieved using this identifier or by searching the subject's name.

How Long Does Hennepin County Keep Criminal Records?

Hennepin County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Minnesota law and judicial administration policies. These schedules vary based on the type of record, severity of offense, and final disposition of the case.

The retention of court records in Hennepin County is governed by the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for District Courts, which establishes the following retention periods:

Felony Cases:

Murder (1st degree): Permanent retention
Other felonies resulting in conviction: 50 years after case is closed
Felony cases dismissed or resulting in acquittal: 10 years after case is closed
Felony arrest records without charges filed: 10 years from date of arrest

Gross Misdemeanor Cases:

DWI/DUI cases: 10 years after case is closed
Other gross misdemeanors resulting in conviction: 10 years after case is closed
Dismissed or acquitted cases: 3 years after case is closed

Misdemeanor Cases:

DWI/DUI cases: 10 years after case is closed
Other misdemeanors resulting in conviction: 5 years after case is closed
Dismissed or acquitted cases: 3 years after case is closed

Petty Misdemeanor Cases:

Traffic violations: 5 years after case is closed
Other petty misdemeanors: 3 years after case is closed

Probation Records:

Felony probation: Retained for length of probation plus 5 years
Gross misdemeanor probation: Retained for length of probation plus 3 years
Misdemeanor probation: Retained for length of probation plus 2 years

Warrant Records:

Active warrants: Maintained until served or recalled
Served or recalled warrants: 3 years after service or recall

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 138.17, government entities including courts must adhere to approved records retention schedules. The statute states that "all records of all courts and all files and records relating to judicial proceedings shall be disposed of in accordance with rules promulgated by the supreme court."

It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after the retention period expires, electronic indices or summaries of case information may be maintained for longer periods or permanently in the Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS).

Criminal history information maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is generally retained for 15 years after discharge from sentence for gross misdemeanors and 15-50 years for felonies, depending on the offense, as specified in Minnesota Statute § 299C.11.

Lookup Criminal Records in Hennepin County

Records Center - Hennepin County District Court

Hennepin County District Court

Hennepin County Sheriff's Office

Minnesota State Law Library - Hennepin County Legal Referrals

Other Categories in Minnesota

Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records