Sherburne County Court Records
What Is Sherburne County Court Records
Court records in Sherburne County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records maintained by the courts. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, court records are distinct from other public records such as property records, vital statistics, and tax documents.
The Sherburne County District Court, part of Minnesota's 10th Judicial District, maintains comprehensive records for various case types including:
- Civil litigation (personal injury, contract disputes, property matters)
- Criminal proceedings (felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors)
- Family law matters (divorce, custody, child support)
- Probate cases (wills, estates, guardianships)
- Traffic violations
- Juvenile proceedings (with specific confidentiality provisions)
- Conciliation/small claims cases
The Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch establish the framework for court record management and accessibility in Sherburne County. These rules define court records as "any recorded information that is collected, created, received, maintained, or disseminated by a court or court administrator."
Are Court Records Public In Sherburne County
Court records in Sherburne County are generally accessible to the public under Minnesota's commitment to open courts and government transparency. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, codified in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, establishes the presumption that government data, including court records, are public unless specifically classified otherwise by law.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets and registers of actions
- Hearing schedules and calendars
- Final dispositions
However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, Rule 4. These exceptions include:
- Juvenile proceedings (except when a juvenile is certified as an adult)
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Records sealed by judicial order
- Information protected by state or federal law
It is important to note that Sherburne County District Court operates under state jurisdiction, and access policies differ from federal courts. The Minnesota Supreme Court has established specific rules governing public access to court records through the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.
How To Find Court Records in Sherburne County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Sherburne County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Sherburne County District Court located at the Government Center.
- Complete a record request form available at the court administrator's office.
- Provide case number, party names, or other identifying information.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($10 for the first page, $5 for each additional page for certified copies).
Sherburne County District Court
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4600
Sherburne County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Online Access:
- Access the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal.
- Create a user account if required.
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney.
- View available documents and case information.
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the court administrator's office.
- Include specific case information and requested documents.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees.
Remote Terminal Access: Public access terminals are available at the Sherburne County Law Library located within the Government Center, providing access to court records without copy fees for viewing purposes.
For specialized records such as transcripts, interested parties must contact the court reporter directly or submit a transcript request form through the court administrator's office.
How To Look Up Court Records in Sherburne County Online?
Sherburne County court records can be accessed through several online platforms, each offering different levels of information and document access:
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO):
- Navigate to the Minnesota Court Records Online portal.
- Select "Search Court Records" option.
- Create an account or log in as a guest (guest access has limitations).
- Choose search parameters:
- Case number search (most precise)
- Party name search (first and last name required)
- Attorney search (by bar number or name)
- Review search results showing case numbers, filing dates, case types, and party names.
- Select specific cases to view available documents.
- Pay applicable viewing fees for certain documents ($8 per document for non-certified copies).
Minnesota Public Access Court Records (PA-CIS):
- Access the public terminal version at the courthouse or through participating libraries.
- Search by name or case number.
- View register of actions, hearing dates, and case outcomes.
- Note that document images are not available through this system.
Sherburne County Court Calendar:
- Visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
- Select "Court Calendar" option.
- Choose Sherburne County from the dropdown menu.
- Filter by date, case type, or judicial officer.
- View scheduled hearings and associated case information.
When using online systems, users should be aware that certain case types and documents may not be available electronically due to statutory restrictions or court rules regarding confidentiality.
How To Search Sherburne County Court Records for Free?
Minnesota law provides for free public inspection of court records, though fees may apply for copies or certain online document access. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 357.021, the courts may charge reasonable fees for copies and certified documents, but inspection itself is generally free of charge.
Free access options include:
In-Person Inspection:
- Visit the Sherburne County District Court during regular business hours.
- Request to view specific case files at the public counter.
- Examine documents without charge (copying fees apply if copies are requested).
Public Access Terminals:
- Use terminals located at the Sherburne County Law Library within the Government Center.
- Access the Minnesota Public Access Court Records system without charge.
- View case information, register of actions, and scheduling information.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - Limited Free Access:
- Basic case search and limited information are available without charge.
- View case numbers, party names, filing dates, and case types at no cost.
- Document viewing fees apply ($8 per document).
Minnesota State Law Library Resources:
- Access court record information through the State Law Library.
- Utilize research assistance from law librarians at no charge.
- Access certain historical court records that have been digitized.
For individuals with financial hardship, fee waiver applications are available at the court administrator's office pursuant to Minnesota Rules of Civil Procedure, Rule 3.
What's Included in a Sherburne County Court Record?
Sherburne County court records typically contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but generally include:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers and counterclaims
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Affidavits and exhibits
- Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
- Orders and judgments
- Transcripts (if prepared)
- Financial information (filing fees, judgments, satisfaction of judgments)
Criminal Case Records:
- Complaint or indictment
- Warrant or summons
- Bail and pretrial release information
- Plea documents
- Motions and orders
- Evidence inventory lists
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (may be confidential)
- Appeal notices
- Fine and restitution payment records
Family Court Records:
- Petition for dissolution or legal separation
- Financial disclosures (may be confidential)
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Custody evaluations (may be confidential)
- Domestic abuse protection orders
- Final judgments and decrees
- Post-judgment motions and orders
Probate Records:
- Will (if testate)
- Petition for probate or administration
- Inventory of assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accountings
- Distribution plans
- Orders and final decrees
Case Register/Docket:
- Chronological list of all filings
- Hearing dates and outcomes
- Judge assignments
- Attorney appearances
- Service information
- Financial transactions
Court records also include metadata such as case numbers, filing dates, party information, attorney information, and judicial assignments.
How Long Does Sherburne County Keep Court Records?
Sherburne County District Court adheres to the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for the District Courts, established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, which governs the preservation and destruction of court records. Retention periods vary significantly based on case type and document importance:
Criminal Cases:
- Felony case files: 50 years after case closure
- Gross misdemeanor DWI: 25 years after case closure
- Other gross misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 3-10 years depending on offense type
- Petty misdemeanors: 3 years after case closure
Civil Cases:
- General civil litigation: 10 years after entry of judgment
- Conciliation/small claims: 7 years after judgment
- Judgments: 40 years (may be renewed)
- Civil commitments: 10 years after discharge
Family Cases:
- Dissolution/divorce: Permanent
- Child custody determinations: Permanent
- Child support: Until the youngest child reaches age 28
- Domestic abuse proceedings: 10 years
Probate Cases:
- Wills: Permanent
- Estate administration: Permanent
- Guardianships/conservatorships: 10 years after termination
Juvenile Cases:
- Delinquency: Until age 28 if adjudicated; 1 year if dismissed
- Child protection: Until the child reaches age 28
- Adoption: Permanent
Court Administration Records:
- Indexes: Permanent
- Registers of actions/dockets: Permanent
- Calendars: 3 years
- Financial records: 10 years
Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of the standard retention schedule. After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to proper procedures or transferred to the Minnesota State Archives for permanent preservation.
Types of Courts In Sherburne County
Sherburne County's court system operates within Minnesota's unified court structure, with the following courts serving county residents:
Sherburne County District Court
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4600
Sherburne County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The District Court is a court of general jurisdiction handling all case types. Sherburne County is part of Minnesota's 10th Judicial District, which includes Anoka, Chisago, Isanti, Kanabec, Pine, Sherburne, Washington, and Wright counties.
Conciliation Court (Small Claims)
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4600
Sherburne County Conciliation Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Conciliation Court operates as a division of the District Court, handling civil claims up to $15,000.
Minnesota Court of Appeals
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 297-1000
Minnesota Court of Appeals
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Court of Appeals reviews cases appealed from Sherburne County District Court.
Minnesota Supreme Court
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 297-7650
Minnesota Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The Supreme Court is Minnesota's highest court and has discretionary review of Court of Appeals decisions.
Minnesota's court hierarchy flows from the District Court to the Court of Appeals and finally to the Supreme Court. Unlike some states, Minnesota does not have separate municipal courts, county courts, or justice of the peace courts.
What Types of Cases Do Sherburne County Courts Hear?
Sherburne County District Court has jurisdiction over a wide range of case types as established by Minnesota Statutes § 484.01. The court hears the following matters:
Criminal Cases:
- Felonies (serious crimes punishable by more than one year imprisonment)
- Gross misdemeanors (punishable by up to one year imprisonment)
- Misdemeanors (punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment)
- Petty misdemeanors (non-criminal offenses punishable by fine)
- Traffic violations
- Ordinance violations
Civil Cases:
- Personal injury claims
- Contract disputes
- Property disputes
- Consumer issues
- Collections
- Evictions/landlord-tenant matters
- Civil commitments
- Harassment restraining orders
- Tort claims
- Employment disputes
Family Law Matters:
- Divorce/dissolution of marriage
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support establishment and modification
- Spousal maintenance
- Property division
- Domestic abuse protection orders
- Paternity determinations
- Name changes
- Adoption
Probate Matters:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Trust administration
- Commitment proceedings
Juvenile Proceedings:
- Delinquency (juvenile criminal matters)
- Children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile traffic offenses
Conciliation Court (Small Claims):
- Civil disputes up to $15,000
- Consumer claims
- Security deposit disputes
- Small contract matters
Specialty Court Programs:
- Drug Court
- DWI Court
- Veterans Court
- Mental Health Court
The District Court also handles administrative appeals from local government decisions, implied consent hearings for DWI license revocations, and other specialized proceedings established by statute.
How To Find a Court Docket In Sherburne County
Court dockets, which provide a chronological listing of all proceedings and filings in a case, can be accessed through several methods in Sherburne County:
Online Docket Access:
- Visit the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal.
- Create an account or continue as a guest.
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney.
- Select the desired case from search results.
- View the register of actions/docket showing all case activity.
- Note filing dates, document titles, and hearing information.
In-Person Docket Review:
- Visit the Sherburne County District Court during business hours.
- Request the specific case file at the court administrator's office.
- Provide case number or party names to locate the file.
- Review the physical docket sheet or case file containing all entries.
Public Access Terminals:
- Use terminals at the Sherburne County Law Library.
- Access the Minnesota Public Access system.
- Search for cases by number or party name.
- View docket information showing case progression.
Upcoming Court Calendars:
- Access the Minnesota Judicial Branch website.
- Select "Court Calendar" from the menu options.
- Filter by date, judicial officer, or case type.
- View scheduled hearings for specific cases.
Written Requests:
- Submit a written request to the court administrator.
- Include case number or sufficient information to identify the case.
- Specify that docket information is being requested.
- Include payment for any applicable copy fees.
For specialized dockets such as daily court calendars, these are typically posted outside courtrooms and on the court's website. Criminal complaint indexes and judgment dockets can be searched at the court administrator's office or through the online systems.
Which Courts in Sherburne County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Minnesota's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a verbatim record of proceedings, typically through court reporters or electronic recording equipment. These records can be used for appeals and serve as the official account of what transpired during court proceedings.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 484.01, all District Courts in Minnesota, including Sherburne County District Court, are courts of record. However, certain proceedings within these courts may not be recorded in the same manner:
Conciliation Court (Small Claims): While technically part of the District Court, Conciliation Court proceedings in Sherburne County are not recorded verbatim. According to Minnesota Statutes § 491A.02, Conciliation Court is considered a division of District Court but operates under simplified procedures without court reporters or electronic recording. If a party wishes to appeal a Conciliation Court decision, they must request a trial de novo (new trial) in District Court, where proceedings will be recorded.
Administrative Hearings: Certain administrative proceedings that occur within the courthouse, such as implied consent hearings for driver's license revocations, may not be courts of record if conducted by administrative law judges rather than district court judges.
Informal Probate Proceedings: Some uncontested probate matters may be processed administratively without recorded hearings, though the resulting documents become part of the court record.
Minnesota's unified court system differs from states with separate municipal courts or justice of the peace courts that may not be courts of record. In Sherburne County, all judicial proceedings (except those noted above) are conducted as courts of record with appropriate documentation and recording of proceedings.
Lookup Court Records in Sherburne County
Case Search - Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
Sherburne County District Court