Dakota Public Records / Dakota County Arrest Records

Dakota County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Dakota County

Arrest records in Dakota County are considered public information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This statute establishes that government data is presumed public unless specifically classified otherwise by state or federal law. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies must provide access to arrest data, which is classified as public government data.

The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under Minnesota law. An arrest record documents the apprehension and booking of an individual suspected of committing a crime, while a conviction record indicates that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, arrest data that must be made public includes:

The name, age, sex, and last known address of an adult arrestee
The time, date, and place of the arrest
The arrest charge, citation, or circumstances surrounding the arrest
Whether the arrest involved resistance or pursuit
Whether weapons were used
The legal basis for the action

However, certain information within arrest records may be classified as confidential or private, particularly if it relates to ongoing investigations, juvenile offenders, or victims of certain crimes as outlined in Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivisions 7 and 17.

What's in Dakota County Arrest Records

Dakota County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (including aliases or known nicknames)
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Last known address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
State identification number or booking number

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Name and badge number of arresting officer(s)
Reason for arrest
Whether the arrest was made pursuant to a warrant

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance citations
Charge severity (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor)
Charge descriptions
Case numbers assigned

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Facility where booked
Property inventory
Medical screening information (non-private portions)

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bond was posted
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case numbers

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Projected release date (if applicable)
Transfer information between facilities (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history within the jurisdiction
Probation/parole status at time of arrest
Immigration detainer information (if applicable)
Vehicle information (if relevant to arrest)

It is important to note that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public arrest records, including confidential informant identities, victim information in certain cases, and details that might compromise an active investigation.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dakota County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Dakota County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains systems for public access to arrest data in compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. Individuals may request arrest records through the following procedures:

In-Person Requests:

Individuals may submit requests in person at the Dakota County Sheriff's Office:

Dakota County Sheriff's Office
1580 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-4700
Dakota County Sheriff's Office

The public counter is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding county holidays. Requesters should be prepared to provide:

The full name of the subject of the request
Date of birth (if known)
Approximate date of arrest (if known)
Valid government-issued photo identification

Written Requests:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted via mail to the Dakota County Sheriff's Office Records Division at the address listed above. Requests should include:

Requester's full name and contact information
Subject's full name and date of birth (if known)
Specific information being requested
Time period for the records search
Requester's signature and date

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, government entities must respond to data requests in a prompt and appropriate manner. Requests for arrest records typically require payment of fees as authorized under Minnesota law.

Electronic Requests:

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office accepts data requests via their online portal. Requesters must:

Complete the online form with all required information
Provide valid contact information
Pay applicable fees via the secure payment system
Allow for processing time as specified on the website

For arrest records related to court cases, individuals may also access information through the Minnesota Court Records Online system.

How To Find Dakota County Arrest Records Online

Dakota County provides several online resources for accessing arrest records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient access to public arrest information without requiring in-person visits to county offices. The following online methods are available:

Dakota County Jail Roster:

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster that provides information about currently incarcerated individuals. This resource is updated regularly and includes:

Inmate name
Booking date
Charges
Bond information
Next court date

The jail roster can be accessed through the Dakota County website by navigating to the Sheriff's Office section and selecting "Jail Inmate Search."

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO):

The Minnesota Court Records Online system provides access to court records associated with arrests in Dakota County. Users can search by:

Defendant name
Case number
Citation number
Date range

To access Dakota County records specifically, users should:

Visit the MCRO website
Select "Case Search"
Choose "Dakota County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
Enter search criteria
Review results for arrest-related case information

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA):

The Minnesota BCA offers a public criminal history search service that includes arrest data. This statewide system includes Dakota County arrests that have been reported to the state. To use this service:

Visit the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search
Create an account or log in
Pay the required fee
Enter the subject's information
Review the results for arrest data

When using online systems, users should note that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 4, not all arrest record details may be available electronically, and some information may be redacted to protect privacy or ongoing investigations.

How To Search Dakota County Arrest Records for Free?

Dakota County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several free resources. These no-cost options provide basic arrest data in compliance with public information laws.

Public Access Terminals:

Dakota County provides public access computer terminals at several county facilities where individuals may search for arrest records at no charge:

Dakota County Law Library
1560 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-8080
Dakota County Law Library

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Dakota County Libraries also offer public computers where users can access the county's public records portal:

Free Online Resources:

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office provides a free online jail roster that includes current inmate information. This resource can be accessed through the county's website without any fees.

The Minnesota Case Search function of the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system offers limited free access to court cases related to arrests. Users can search by:

Defendant name
Case number
County (select Dakota County)

While basic case information is available at no cost, document access may require payment of fees.

Media Reports:

Local news outlets often report on significant arrests in Dakota County. These sources include:

Local newspaper websites
Television station websites
Radio station websites

These reports are typically available online at no cost, though they may not contain comprehensive arrest information.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, while basic arrest data must be made available to the public, government entities may charge fees for copies, certified copies, or other specialized services related to arrest records.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Dakota County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Dakota County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These remedies are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which establishes specific criteria and procedures.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Under Minnesota law, expungement refers to the process of sealing records rather than physically destroying them. When records are expunged:

They are sealed from public view
Government agencies may still access them under limited circumstances
The individual may legally state they have not been arrested (with certain exceptions)

Eligibility for Expungement:

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02, individuals may qualify for expungement in the following situations:

Cases resolved in the individual's favor (dismissals, acquittals)
Certain drug possession offenses after successful completion of diversion
Juvenile offenses prosecuted as an adult
Certain criminal convictions after waiting periods (ranging from 1-5 years depending on offense level)
Certain victims of human trafficking

Expungement Process:

Petition Preparation:
- Complete the expungement petition forms available from the Minnesota Judicial Branch
- Gather supporting documentation (court records, evidence of rehabilitation)
- Prepare a personal statement explaining why expungement should be granted
Filing the Petition:

Dakota County District Court
1560 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-8100
First Judicial District
- File the petition with the court administrator
- Pay the required filing fee (fee waivers may be available)
- Serve copies on all required agencies (prosecutor's office, law enforcement agencies)
Hearing:
- Attend the scheduled court hearing
- Present arguments for why expungement should be granted
- Respond to any objections from government agencies
Court Order:
- If granted, the court will issue an expungement order
- The order will be sent to all agencies holding records
- Agencies must comply with the order within a specified timeframe

Statutory Limitations:

It is important to note that under Minnesota Statutes § 609A.03, subdivision 5a, the court must determine that the benefit to the petitioner outweighs the disadvantage to the public and public safety. Certain serious offenses may not be eligible for expungement under any circumstances.

Individuals seeking expungement are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney familiar with Minnesota expungement law, as the process is complex and outcomes depend heavily on case-specific factors.

What Happens After Arrest in Dakota County?

Following an arrest in Dakota County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Minnesota law and local procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

Booking and Initial Detention:

After physical arrest, individuals are transported to a detention facility, typically the Dakota County Jail located at:

Dakota County Jail
1580 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-8800
Dakota County Jail

During booking, the following occurs:

Personal information collection
Fingerprinting and photographing
Property inventory
Medical screening
Initial criminal history check
Assignment to appropriate housing

Initial Appearance/Arraignment:

Within 36 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays) as required by Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, Rule 4.02, arrestees appear before a judge at the Dakota County District Court. During this hearing:

Charges are formally presented
Constitutional rights are explained
Bail or release conditions are determined
Public defender appointment occurs if eligible
Next court date is scheduled

Pretrial Release Determination:

The court considers several factors when determining pretrial release, including:

Nature and severity of charges
Criminal history
Community ties
Flight risk
Public safety concerns

Release options may include:

Release on own recognizance
Conditional release
Cash or surety bail
Pretrial supervision
Detention without bail for certain serious offenses

Case Processing:

For misdemeanors, the case may proceed directly to:

Plea negotiations
Trial setting
Diversion program referral

For felonies, additional steps include:

Rule 8 Hearing (within 14 days) - formal reading of charges
Omnibus Hearing (within 28 days) - evidence challenges
Pretrial Conference - final plea negotiations
Trial - if no resolution is reached

Case Resolution:

Cases may be resolved through:

Dismissal by prosecutor
Diversion program completion
Guilty plea through negotiation
Trial verdict (jury or bench)

Sentencing:

If convicted, sentencing follows Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines and may include:

Incarceration (jail or prison)
Probation
Fines and restitution
Community service
Treatment programs
Combination of sanctions

Throughout this process, individuals have constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a speedy trial as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 6 of the Minnesota Constitution.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dakota County?

Arrest records in Dakota County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, which governs government records management, and the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for Counties. These schedules establish minimum retention periods for various categories of records.

Law Enforcement Records Retention:

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the following general guidelines:

Arrest reports for adults: Minimum of 10 years from date of arrest
Booking information: Minimum of 10 years from date of booking
Arrest photographs (mugshots): Minimum of 10 years from date of arrest
Fingerprint cards: Permanent retention (also forwarded to the Minnesota BCA)
Arrest warrants: 10 years after service or cancellation

For serious felonies, including homicide, criminal sexual conduct, and kidnapping, records are maintained permanently. These retention periods ensure the preservation of evidence and maintain accountability within the criminal justice system.

Court Records Retention:

The Dakota County District Court maintains records related to arrests according to the Minnesota Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule:

Felony case files: 50 years after case disposition
Gross misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case disposition
Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case disposition
Petty misdemeanor case files: 3 years after case disposition

Electronic Records:

With the transition to digital record-keeping, many Dakota County arrest records are now maintained in electronic format. Electronic records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records, though the storage medium differs. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains a statewide criminal history database that includes arrest information from Dakota County indefinitely, unless expunged by court order.

Records Destruction:

When records reach the end of their retention period, they may be destroyed according to procedures established in Minnesota Statutes § 138.17. However, records may be retained beyond minimum requirements if:

They relate to ongoing investigations
They have historical significance
They are subject to litigation holds
Agency policy requires longer retention

It is important to note that even after physical or electronic destruction of records by Dakota County agencies, information about arrests may continue to exist in private databases, news archives, or other sources not subject to government records retention laws.

How to Find Mugshots in Dakota County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Dakota County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of arrested individuals and typically include:

Front-facing (portrait) view of the arrestee
Side profile view (in some cases)
Booking information board showing name and booking number
Date of photograph

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Dakota County mugshots are primarily maintained by the Dakota County Sheriff's Office as part of the official booking records. These photographs are stored in:

The jail management system database
The arrestee's booking file
The county's records management system
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's statewide system (copies)

Finding Mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots in Dakota County have several potential avenues for access, though restrictions apply:

Direct Agency Request:

Requests may be submitted to:

Dakota County Sheriff's Office Records Division
1580 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-4700
Dakota County Sheriff's Office

Requesters must:
- Submit a written request specifying the individual's name and booking date
- Provide a reason for the request
- Pay applicable fees
- Present identification
Court Records:

If mugshots have been entered as evidence in court proceedings, they may be accessible through:

Dakota County District Court
1560 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-8100
First Judicial District Court

Can They Be Found Online

Dakota County does not maintain an official online database of mugshots accessible to the public. Unlike some jurisdictions, Dakota County does not publish current or historical booking photos on its website as a matter of policy. This approach aligns with growing concerns about the potential misuse of mugshots and their impact on individuals' privacy and reputation.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain a mugshot from Dakota County, individuals must:

Submit a formal data request under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act
Clearly identify the specific photograph being requested
Pay established fees for reproduction (currently $5 per photograph)
Allow for processing time (typically 5-10 business days)

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to mugshots in Dakota County is subject to several important restrictions:

Juvenile mugshots are classified as private data under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171
Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily classified as confidential
Mugshots that have been expunged by court order are not accessible to the public
Commercial use restrictions may apply under Minnesota law

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office evaluates mugshot requests on a case-by-case basis, balancing public information rights with privacy considerations and law enforcement needs.

Lookup Arrest Records in Dakota County

Dakota County official website

Minnesota Court Records Online case search

Minnesota Court Records Online information portal

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