Sherburne County Criminal Records
What Is Sherburne County Criminal Records
Sherburne County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Sherburne County, Minnesota. These records serve as the official history of arrests, charges, court proceedings, and case dispositions maintained by various government agencies pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.82, which governs comprehensive law enforcement data.
Criminal records in Sherburne County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office and local police departments
- Court Records: Official proceedings of criminal cases heard in the Sherburne County District Court
- Incarceration Records: Information regarding detention in the Sherburne County Jail or state correctional facilities
- Probation/Parole Records: Documentation of supervision following release or as an alternative to incarceration
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document instances where individuals were taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings resulted in a finding of guilt. Under Minnesota law, both types of records are generally considered public information, though with varying levels of accessibility.
Criminal offenses in Sherburne County are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses typically punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment and/or fines up to $1,000
- Gross Misdemeanors: Intermediate offenses punishable by up to one year imprisonment and/or fines up to $3,000
Juvenile records receive special protection under Minnesota Statute § 260B.171, which generally restricts public access to criminal records of individuals under 18 years of age. These records are typically sealed and require court orders for disclosure.
The primary agencies maintaining criminal records in Sherburne County include:
Sherburne County Sheriff's Office
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-3500
Sherburne County Sheriff's Office
Sherburne County District Court
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
(763) 765-4600
Sherburne County District Court
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-7000
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Are Criminal Records Public In Sherburne County
Criminal records in Sherburne County are generally public information pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which establishes the presumption that government data is accessible to the public unless specifically classified otherwise by state or federal law. This act serves as Minnesota's primary open records statute, governing access to government information including criminal records.
Section 13.82 of the Minnesota Statutes specifically addresses law enforcement data, stating: "Data collected, created, or received by law enforcement agencies which documents any activity relating to the apprehension, arrest, detention, charging, or prosecution of an individual are public government data." This provision establishes the public nature of most criminal records in Sherburne County.
However, important exceptions and limitations exist regarding public access:
- Active Investigations: Information related to ongoing criminal investigations may be temporarily classified as confidential or protected nonpublic data
- Juvenile Records: Criminal records pertaining to minors are generally not public, with limited exceptions for serious offenses as outlined in Minnesota Statute § 260B.171
- Sealed or Expunged Records: Court-ordered sealing or expungement removes records from public access
- Certain Victim Information: Data that would identify victims of certain crimes, particularly those of a sensitive nature
- Confidential Informants: Information that would reveal the identity of confidential informants
The Minnesota Supreme Court has consistently upheld the public's right to access criminal records, most notably in Demers v. City of Minneapolis, where the court affirmed that "the public has a right to know what the government is doing."
Adult conviction records are among the most accessible criminal records, with court proceedings and outcomes available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch's online case information system. However, even with public records, certain sensitive information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain medical information is redacted to protect individual privacy while maintaining the public's right to information.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Sherburne County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Sherburne County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record searches, each providing different types of information and requiring specific procedures.
For in-person requests at the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a Public Data Request form, available at the counter or downloadable from the county website
- Provide specific information about the subject of the search, including full name and date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record searches and copies (currently $5.00 per name search plus copying fees)
- Allow processing time, which varies based on request complexity
For mail requests to the Sheriff's Office:
- Download and complete the Public Data Request form from the Sherburne County website
- Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees
- Mail the request package to:
Sherburne County Sheriff's Office
Records Division
13880 Business Center Drive NW
Elk River, MN 55330
For criminal court records through the Sherburne County District Court:
- Visit the court administration office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a Record Search Request form at the public terminal
- Provide case number or subject name and date of birth
- Pay applicable search and copying fees (currently $8.00 per 15-minute search plus copying fees)
- Review records on-site or request certified copies
For statewide criminal history information:
- Submit a request to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
- Complete the Public Criminal History Search form
- Include a $15.00 fee per name search
- Mail the request to the BCA or submit online through their website
Requestors should note that response times vary based on request volume and complexity. Additionally, certain records may require court orders or notarized authorization from the subject for release, particularly for third-party requests seeking non-conviction data.
How To Find Criminal Records in Sherburne County Online?
Sherburne County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information varies by system.
The primary online resources for criminal record searches include:
Minnesota Judicial Branch Case Information System (MNCIS) This statewide portal provides access to court case records, including criminal proceedings in Sherburne County. To utilize this system:
- Visit the Minnesota Court Records Search
- Select "Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Remote View" for public access
- Create a user account or proceed as a guest user
- Choose search parameters (name, case number, or citation number)
- Select Sherburne County from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Review search results showing case numbers, filing dates, charges, and case status
- Access non-confidential case documents for a fee
The MNCIS system contains court case information including charges, hearing dates, judgments, and sentencing information. However, it does not include complete criminal history reports or arrest records that did not result in court cases.
Sherburne County Jail Roster The Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster showing current inmates:
- Navigate to the Sherburne County Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Jail Division" and then "Inmate Search"
- Enter search criteria (last name is required)
- Review results showing booking date, charges, and custody status
This resource provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody but does not include historical incarceration records or comprehensive criminal histories.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Public Criminal History Search For statewide criminal history information:
- Visit the BCA Public Criminal History Search
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Enter subject information (full name and date of birth)
- Pay the required fee ($15.00 per search)
- Receive results showing conviction data from across Minnesota
This system provides conviction records from all Minnesota counties, including Sherburne, but does not include non-conviction data without proper authorization.
Users should note that online systems may require registration and fees for certain searches or document access. Additionally, the most comprehensive criminal record information often requires combining searches from multiple systems, as no single database contains all criminal record components.
Can You Search Sherburne County Criminal Records for Free?
Sherburne County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though limitations exist regarding the scope and depth of information available without payment. Minnesota Statute § 13.03 establishes 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 supports the public's right to inspect records without charge.
Free in-person inspection options include:
-
Sherburne County District Court Public Access Terminals
Located in the courthouse at 13880 Business Center Drive NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Allows free viewing of non-confidential court cases and registers of actions -
Sherburne County Law Library
13880 Business Center Drive NW, Elk River, MN 55330
Available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Provides access to court case information and legal research materials
Free online resources include:
-
Minnesota Judicial Branch Case Search (Guest Access)
Provides basic case information without charge, including:- Case numbers and filing dates
- Charge information and statute citations
- Hearing schedules and case status
- Party names and attorney information
-
Sherburne County Jail Roster
Offers free access to current inmate information, including:- Booking dates and charges
- Custody status and facility location
- Next court appearance dates
-
Minnesota Public Sex Offender Search
Provides free information about registered sex offenders residing in Sherburne County
While inspection of records is generally free, fees apply for copies, certified documents, and comprehensive searches. According to Minnesota Statute § 13.03, subdivision 3, "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." Current fees include:
- Court record copies: $10.00 for the first page, $5.00 for each additional page
- Certified court documents: $14.00 per document
- Criminal history searches through BCA: $15.00 per name
- Sheriff's Office record copies: $0.25 per page
Individuals seeking the most comprehensive free access should utilize the public terminals at the courthouse, where staff can provide guidance on navigating available resources.
What's Included in a Sherburne County Criminal Record?
Sherburne County criminal records typically contain comprehensive information documenting an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records are maintained in accordance with Minnesota Statute § 13.82 and include several key components:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, distinguishing features)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Driver's license number
Arrest Information:
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer identification
- Booking number and processing details
- Initial charges filed by law enforcement
- Bail or bond information
- Detention facility location
- Arrest narrative and probable cause statement
- Property/evidence seized during arrest
Court Case Information:
- Court case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction (Sherburne County District Court)
- Formal charges filed by prosecuting attorney
- Statutory citations and offense classification (felony/misdemeanor)
- Plea information and date
- Defense attorney information
- Pretrial motions and rulings
- Hearing dates and proceedings
- Trial information (if applicable)
Disposition and Sentencing:
- Case outcome (conviction, dismissal, acquittal)
- Conviction date and method (plea, trial verdict)
- Sentencing details, including:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment or program mandates
- Post-conviction proceedings
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants or pending charges
- Protection/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- Firearms restrictions
- License suspensions related to criminal activity
- Probation/parole officer assignment
- Risk assessment classifications
- Criminal history score calculations
The comprehensiveness of information varies based on the source of the record. Court records typically focus on case proceedings and outcomes, while law enforcement records contain more detailed arrest and booking information. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains the most complete criminal history records, integrating data from multiple agencies across the state.
Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public versions of criminal records, including Social Security numbers, financial account information, and certain victim details. Additionally, juvenile records, sealed cases, and expunged matters are generally excluded from standard criminal record reports.
How Long Does Sherburne County Keep Criminal Records?
Sherburne County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule for Counties. These schedules, authorized under Minnesota Statute § 138.17, establish minimum retention periods for various types of government records, including those related to criminal matters.
The retention periods for key criminal record components include:
-
Arrest Records and Booking Information
- Adult felony arrests: 15 years after arrest date
- Adult misdemeanor arrests: 10 years after arrest date
- Juvenile arrests: Until subject reaches age 19 (longer for serious offenses)
- Arrest warrants: Until executed plus applicable retention period
- Booking photographs: 10 years for misdemeanors, 15 years for felonies
-
Criminal Case Files
- Felony cases: 50 years after case closure
- Gross misdemeanor cases: 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor cases: 10 years after case closure
- Petty misdemeanor cases: 5 years after case closure
- Dismissed cases: 3 years after dismissal
-
Court Records
- Judgment and sentencing documents: Permanent retention
- Court transcripts: 10 years after case closure
- Exhibits: Returned after appeals period or retained according to evidence type
- Court calendars and dockets: 10 years
-
Incarceration Records
- Jail booking and release information: 7 years after release
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
- Jail incident reports: 10 years after creation
-
Probation/Parole Records
- Felony supervision: 15 years after discharge
- Misdemeanor supervision: 6 years after discharge
- Presentence investigation reports: 15 years after creation
Certain records receive permanent retention, including:
- Homicide case files
- Sex offender registration information
- Court judgments in felony cases
- Grand jury proceedings
- Criminal history summary data
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains criminal history records indefinitely unless expungement is ordered by a court. Digital court records in the Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS) are generally retained according to the same schedules as paper records, though technological changes may affect accessibility of older digital records.
Records that have reached their retention period may be destroyed according to proper procedures outlined in Minnesota Statute § 138.17, which requires approval from the Records Disposition Panel. However, many historical criminal records are transferred to the Minnesota State Archives for permanent preservation, particularly those with historical or research value.