Dakota County Criminal Records
What Is Dakota County Criminal Records
Dakota County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Dakota County, Minnesota. These records are maintained pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which governs comprehensive documentation of criminal justice data. Criminal records encompass a broad spectrum of information related to alleged or proven violations of criminal law.
Criminal records in Dakota County are categorized by several distinct classifications:
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Arrest Records vs. Conviction Records: Arrest records document when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while conviction records indicate that a court has found the individual guilty of a criminal offense. It is important to note that an arrest does not necessarily lead to a conviction.
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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. Dakota County maintains records for both categories in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 609.02.
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Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for adults (18 and older) are generally public, whereas juvenile records (under 18) are typically sealed and confidential under Minnesota law, with limited exceptions for serious offenses.
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Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Multiple agencies within Dakota County maintain criminal records:
Dakota County Sheriff's Office
1580 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-4700
Dakota County Sheriff's Office
Dakota County District Court
1560 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-8100
Dakota County District Court
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-7000
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Dakota County criminal records typically include documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trials, sentencing, and probation/parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the criminal justice system within the county.
Are Criminal Records Public In Dakota County
Criminal records in Dakota County are generally accessible to the public under Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act, specifically Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. This comprehensive legislation establishes the presumption that government data, including criminal records, shall be public unless explicitly classified otherwise by state or federal law.
According to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, Subdivision 2: "Arrest data, request for service data, and response or incident data are public." This provision ensures transparency in the criminal justice system while balancing privacy concerns through specific exemptions.
The following categories of criminal records are typically available for public inspection:
- Adult arrest records
- Criminal complaints and charging documents
- Court proceedings and calendars
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations (until inactive)
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions for serious offenses)
- Records sealed by court order
- Expunged records
- Certain victim information
- Records related to vulnerable adults
- Information that would compromise public safety
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 the need for certain privacy protections.
Dakota County adheres to these state regulations when determining which criminal records may be disclosed to the public. The county's implementation of these laws ensures that citizens can access information about the criminal justice system while protecting sensitive information as required by statute.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Dakota County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Dakota County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides multiple access points for criminal record searches, each with specific procedures and limitations.
To conduct an in-person search for criminal records:
- Visit the Dakota County District Court located at the Dakota County Judicial Center.
Dakota County District Court
1560 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-8100
Dakota County District Court
Public access terminals are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Court staff cannot conduct searches but can provide guidance on using the public access terminals.
- Request criminal records from 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 Sheriff's Office maintains records of arrests, bookings, and incarcerations within the county. Requestors must complete a Data Practices Request Form and may be required to pay applicable fees.
- Submit a written request for criminal records:
Written requests must include:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth (if known)
- Specific information requested
- Requestor's contact information
- Notarized authorization (if requesting another person's records)
Mail completed requests to:
Dakota County Administration Center
Attn: Data Practices
1590 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
- For statewide criminal history information, contact:
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-7000
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
The BCA maintains the comprehensive criminal history database for Minnesota. Requestors must submit a Criminal History Search Request form with the required fee.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.87, certain criminal history data is classified as public, while other information may require authorized access. Requestors should be prepared to provide proper identification when seeking criminal records.
How To Find Criminal Records in Dakota County Online?
Dakota County provides several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms offer convenient alternatives to in-person searches, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
The primary online resources for Dakota County criminal records include:
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Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
The Minnesota Court Records Online system provides access to public court records from all 87 Minnesota counties, including Dakota County. Users can search by:- Case number
- Party name
- Attorney
- Judicial officer
MCRO contains case records, register of actions, and many court documents. No registration is required for basic searches, though document access requires creating a free account. The system operates under the authority of the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
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Dakota County Criminal Complaint Search
The Criminal Complaint Search portal provides access to criminal complaints filed in Dakota County. This resource:- Displays complaints for a 12-month period
- Excludes complaints alleging criminal sexual conduct or child pornography
- Allows searching by defendant name
- Provides PDF copies of complaint documents
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Dakota County Jail Roster
The Dakota County Sheriff's Office maintains an online Jail Roster showing:- Current inmates
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release date (when applicable)
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Minnesota Public Criminal History Search
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension offers a Public Criminal History Search that includes:- Conviction data
- Name and date of birth
- Offense information
- Court of conviction
This service requires payment of a fee per search and provides statewide conviction data, including offenses committed in Dakota County.
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Minnesota Court Payment Center
The Minnesota Court Payment Center allows users to:- Search for cases with financial obligations
- View case status
- Make payments
- Access limited case information
When using these online resources, users should note that:
- Not all criminal records are available online
- Some systems may have delayed updates
- Certain sensitive or sealed records are excluded
- Document access may require fees or registration
- Official certified copies typically require in-person requests
Can You Search Dakota County Criminal Records for Free?
Dakota County residents and members of the public may access certain criminal records without charge, in accordance with Minnesota's commitment to government transparency. Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3 establishes that "The responsible authority in every government entity shall provide for the inspection of public government data at reasonable times and places without charge."
Free inspection options include:
In-Person Inspection at Public Terminals
The Dakota County District Court provides public access terminals where individuals may search court records at no cost. These terminals are available during regular business hours:
Dakota County District Court
1560 Highway 55
Hastings, MN 55033
Phone: (651) 438-8100
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Dakota County District Court
Free Online Resources
Several online platforms provide free access to Dakota County criminal records:
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Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - Basic case information searches are free, though document access may require registration.
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Dakota County Criminal Complaint Search - Provides free access to criminal complaints filed within the past 12 months.
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Dakota County Jail Roster - Offers free access to current inmate information.
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Minnesota Judicial Branch Case Search - Provides free access to basic case information.
While inspection of records is generally free, fees may apply for:
- Copies of documents (paper or electronic)
- Certified copies
- Extensive search requests requiring staff time
- Background checks through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
- Records requiring redaction or special processing
The Dakota County Sheriff's Office and Court Administration set fees in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3, which states: "The responsible authority may charge a reasonable fee for providing copies. The fee may include only 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 Dakota County Criminal Record?
Dakota County criminal records 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
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at arrest
- Bail/bond amount
- Detention facility location
- Arresting officer information
- Incident report number
Court Case Information:
- Court case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and corresponding Minnesota statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor)
- Plea entered
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecutor information
- Judge assigned
- Court appearance dates
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, continued)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information
- Probation/parole status and violations
- Completion of sentence
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges
- Probation status reports
- Criminal history score under Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the specific agency maintaining the record and the nature of the offense. Records maintained by the Dakota County District Court may contain different elements than those kept by the Sheriff's Office or the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension.
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, certain sensitive information may be redacted from publicly available criminal records, including confidential informant identities, sexual assault victim information, and details that might compromise ongoing investigations.
How Long Does Dakota County Keep Criminal Records?
Dakota County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Minnesota law. The Minnesota Government Records Act, codified in Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, provides the legal framework for records retention throughout the state. This statute requires government entities to establish retention schedules for various record types, including criminal records.
The retention periods for criminal records in Dakota County vary based on record type and severity of offense:
Court Records:
- Felony case files: 50 years after case closure
- Gross misdemeanor case files: 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Petty misdemeanor case files: 3 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3-5 years after case closure
- Expunged records: Sealed according to court order, but not destroyed
- Court registers and indexes: Permanent retention
Law Enforcement Records:
- Homicide investigation files: Permanent retention
- Felony investigation files: 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor investigation files: 7 years after case closure
- Arrest records without charges: 3 years
- Jail booking and custody records: 6 years after release
- Incident reports: 5-10 years depending on classification
Prosecution Records:
- Felony prosecution files: 25 years after case closure
- Gross misdemeanor prosecution files: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor prosecution files: 3 years after case closure
- Declined prosecution files: 3 years
Probation/Corrections Records:
- Felony probation files: 15 years after discharge
- Misdemeanor probation files: 6 years after discharge
- Pre-sentence investigation reports: 15 years
These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, many records are maintained for longer periods, particularly those with historical significance or those related to serious offenses. Additionally, the implementation of digital record-keeping systems has enabled longer retention of electronic records compared to their paper predecessors.
The Minnesota State Archives, operating under the authority of the Minnesota Historical Society, provides oversight for records retention throughout the state. The Minnesota Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule governs court records specifically, while law enforcement agencies follow schedules approved by the Records Disposition Panel established under Minnesota Statutes § 138.17.
Criminal history data maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is retained according to separate schedules, with conviction data generally maintained for the life of the individual.
Lookup Criminal Records in Dakota County
Minnesota Court Records Online