Stearns County Public Records / Stearns County Arrest Records

Stearns County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Stearns County

Arrest records in Stearns County are classified as public information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation establishes that government data, including arrest records, are presumed to be public unless specifically classified otherwise by state or federal law. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement data documenting arrests and the resulting detention of individuals are explicitly designated 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 the charged offense. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.87, criminal history data maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is public when it pertains to convictions, but access to arrest-only records (where no conviction resulted) is more restricted.

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office maintains and provides access to adult arrest records in accordance with these statutes. However, it should be noted that pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171, juvenile arrest records are subject to stricter confidentiality protections and are not generally available to the public.

Stearns County Sheriff's Office
807 Courthouse Square, Room 155
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 259-3700
Stearns County Sheriff's Office

What's in Stearns County Arrest Records

Stearns County arrest records contain standardized information documenting the apprehension and processing of individuals taken into custody. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Address of residence
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars)
State identification number (SID)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Arresting officer's name and badge number
Reason for arrest
Use of force information (if applicable)

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed
Statute or ordinance numbers violated
Charge classification (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
Charge descriptions
Case numbers

Warrant Information (if applicable):

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

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Booking photographs (mugshots)
Fingerprint records
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond status (posted or not)
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Court case numbers

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility of incarceration
Projected release date (if applicable)

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Vehicle information
Emergency contact information
Medical alerts or special needs

The specific content of arrest records may vary based on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. All information contained in these records is maintained in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and other applicable state and federal regulations governing records management and privacy.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Stearns County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Stearns County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains multiple access points for arrest record retrieval, each designed to accommodate different search needs.

To request arrest records in person, individuals may visit:

Stearns County Sheriff's Office Records Division
807 Courthouse Square, Room 155
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 259-3700
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Stearns County Sheriff's Office

When requesting records in person, requestors should:

Complete a Public Data Request Form
Provide specific information about the record sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
Present valid government-issued photo identification
Be prepared to pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying

For written requests, individuals may submit a completed Public Data Request Form via mail to the Sheriff's Office address listed above. The form should include:

Requestor's full name and contact information
Detailed description of records sought
Preferred method of record delivery
Signature and date

Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government agencies must respond to data requests in a timely manner. The Stearns County Sheriff's Office typically processes requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time.

For criminal history records that include arrests throughout Minnesota, individuals may also contact:

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-2400
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension provides public criminal history checks for a fee of $8.00 per search, which can be conducted online through their public criminal history search.

How To Find Stearns County Arrest Records Online

Stearns County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records and related information through official online portals. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests.

The primary online resource for current arrest information is the Stearns County Jail Roster, which displays adults currently in custody at the Stearns County Jail. To utilize this resource:

Navigate to the Stearns County Jail Roster website
Enter search criteria in the available fields (last name, first name, or booking number)
Review the results, which include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Custody status

For historical arrest information, the county maintains a Past Inmate Search database that includes records from the previous seven years. This resource follows the same search functionality as the current inmate roster.

To access information about active warrants in Stearns County, individuals may utilize the Inmate and Warrant Searches page on the county website. This resource provides:

Names of individuals with active warrants
Warrant types
Issuing courts
Warrant dates

For court case information related to arrests, the Criminal Case Search database provides access to:

Case numbers
Charges filed
Court dates
Case status
Disposition information

Additionally, the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system offers access to court records statewide, including those from Stearns County. This system can be accessed at Minnesota Court Records Online.

When using online resources, users should note that:

Information is updated regularly but may not reflect real-time changes
Juvenile records are not included in public online databases
Some case details may be restricted due to privacy laws
Online records should be verified through official channels for complete accuracy

How To Search Stearns County Arrest Records for Free?

Stearns County provides several no-cost options for accessing arrest records and related information. These free resources are maintained as part of the county's commitment to transparency and public information access under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

The most comprehensive free resource is the Stearns County Jail Roster, which provides information about individuals currently in custody. This database is accessible without registration or fees and includes:

Inmate name and demographic information
Booking date and time
Charges
Bond information
Next court appearance

For historical arrest information, the Past Inmate Search database allows free access to records of individuals previously in custody at the Stearns County Jail within the past seven years.

Active warrant information is available at no cost through the Inmate and Warrant Searches page on the county website. This resource allows the public to view individuals with outstanding warrants in Stearns County.

The Criminal Case Search database provides free access to court case information related to arrests, including case status and disposition.

For in-person research, individuals may visit:

Stearns County Law Library
725 Courthouse Square, Room 105
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 656-3678
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Stearns County Law Library

The Law Library provides public access computers for conducting free searches of court records and other public information. Library staff can provide guidance on navigating available resources, though they cannot provide legal advice.

While these resources provide free access to basic arrest information, users should be aware that:

More detailed records may require formal requests and associated fees
Certified copies of records typically involve processing fees
Background checks conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension require payment
Commercial background check services that aggregate public records typically charge subscription or per-search fees

How To Delete Arrest Records in Stearns County

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

Expungement is the legal process through which arrest and criminal records are sealed or, in limited cases, physically destroyed. Under Minnesota law, expungement may be available in the following circumstances:

Cases resolved in the individual's favor (dismissals, acquittals, or declined prosecutions)
Certain diversion program completions
Specific conviction types after statutory waiting periods
Juvenile adjudications
Certain controlled substance offenses

The sealing of records restricts public access while maintaining the records for limited official use. This differs from complete expungement, which may involve the actual destruction of records in certain circumstances.

To pursue expungement in Stearns County, individuals must:

Determine eligibility under Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02
Obtain and complete the Minnesota Expungement Petition Forms
File the petition with the Stearns County Court Administrator
Pay the required filing fee (approximately $285, though fee waivers may be available)
Serve copies of the petition on all relevant agencies
Attend the scheduled expungement hearing

Stearns County Court Administration
725 Courthouse Square, Room 101
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 656-3620
Stearns County District Court

The court will evaluate expungement petitions based on:

The nature and severity of the offense
The risk posed to public safety
The length of time since the offense
The petitioner's criminal record before and after the offense
The petitioner's rehabilitation efforts
The petitioner's need for expungement

If granted, an expungement order directs government agencies to seal records related to the arrest and/or conviction. However, certain agencies may retain access to sealed records for specific purposes, such as criminal investigations or background checks for certain sensitive positions.

It is important to note that expungement in Minnesota generally does not affect private databases that may have collected arrest information. Additionally, federal records and certain licensing boards may still have access to expunged records under specific circumstances.

What Happens After Arrest in Stearns County?

Following an arrest in Stearns County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by Minnesota law and local procedures. This process includes several distinct phases from initial custody through case disposition.

The post-arrest procedure typically follows this sequence:

Booking and Processing: Upon arrival at the Stearns County Jail, arrestees undergo booking, which includes:
- Photograph and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Entry into the jail management system
Initial Appearance/Arraignment: Within 36 hours of arrest (excluding weekends and holidays), arrestees appear before a judge at the Stearns County Courthouse. During this hearing:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail or release conditions are determined
- Public defender eligibility is assessed if requested
- Next court date is scheduled
Pretrial Phase: This period between arraignment and trial involves:
- Discovery of evidence between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions and hearings
- Plea negotiations
- Bail monitoring
- Pretrial release supervision (if applicable)
Plea or Trial: Cases proceed to resolution through:
- Guilty plea and sentencing
- Trial by judge (court trial)
- Trial by jury
- Dismissal of charges
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing may include:
- Incarceration in jail or prison
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Combination of these sanctions

Throughout this process, individuals are processed through the following facilities:

Stearns County Jail
807 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 259-3700
Stearns County Jail

Stearns County Courthouse
725 Courthouse Square
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 656-3620
Stearns County District Court

The Stearns County Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal cases, while the Public Defender's Office represents eligible defendants who cannot afford private counsel.

Stearns County Attorney's Office
705 Courthouse Square, Room 448
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 656-3880
Stearns County Attorney

Public Defender's Office - Seventh Judicial District
816 West St. Germain Street, Suite 410
St. Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 255-3753
Minnesota Public Defender

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Stearns County?

Arrest records in Stearns County are maintained according to retention schedules established under Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, which governs the preservation and disposal of government records. These retention periods ensure both accountability in law enforcement and the preservation of important criminal justice information.

The Minnesota Records Retention Schedule for law enforcement agencies establishes the following retention periods for arrest-related records:

Arrest Reports: Maintained permanently by the arresting agency
Booking Records: Retained for 10 years after the date of booking
Jail Registers/Logs: Preserved permanently as historical records
Fingerprint Cards: Maintained for 10 years after the date of collection
Mugshot Photographs: Retained for 10 years after the date of booking
Warrant Records: Kept for 10 years after the warrant is served, recalled, or expires

The Stearns County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with these statutory requirements. Additionally, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains a central repository of criminal history information, including arrest data, which is retained according to the following schedule:

Felony Arrests: Maintained for 99 years
Gross Misdemeanor Arrests: Retained for 15 years
Misdemeanor Arrests: Kept for 10 years

These retention periods apply regardless of case disposition, meaning that records of arrests that did not result in conviction are still maintained for the specified periods unless expunged by court order.

Different agencies within the criminal justice system maintain separate record systems with varying retention requirements:

Court Records: The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains court records related to arrests according to the General Records Retention Schedule for District Courts
Prosecutor Records: The Stearns County Attorney's Office maintains case files according to county retention schedules
Probation Records: Stearns County Community Corrections retains supervision records for varying periods based on offense type

The retention of these records serves several important purposes:

Preserves evidence for ongoing and future investigations
Maintains documentation for potential appeals and post-conviction proceedings
Provides data for criminal history background checks
Ensures accountability in the criminal justice system
Supports statistical analysis and policy development

How to Find Mugshots in Stearns County

Mugshots, officially known as booking photographs, are created during the arrest booking process and serve as visual identification records of individuals taken into custody. In Stearns County, these photographs are maintained as part of the official arrest record.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs taken of arrestees during the booking process at the Stearns County Jail. These images are captured alongside other identifying information such as fingerprints and personal descriptors. The primary purpose of mugshots is to provide visual identification of individuals within the criminal justice system.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Stearns County, booking photographs are maintained by:

Stearns County Sheriff's Office Records Division
807 Courthouse Square, Room 155
St. Cloud, MN 56303
(320) 259-3700
Stearns County Sheriff's Office

These photographs are stored in the county's records management system and are classified as public data under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which governs comprehensive law enforcement data.

Finding Mugshots

To obtain official copies of booking photographs, individuals may:

Submit a Public Data Request Form to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office
Provide specific identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and reproduction

Can They Be Found Online

Unlike some jurisdictions, Stearns County does not currently publish mugshots on its official Jail Roster website. The online inmate search provides booking information and charges but does not display booking photographs. This policy reflects growing concerns about the potential misuse of mugshots and their impact on individuals' privacy and reputation.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

Official requests for booking photographs must be submitted to the Stearns County Sheriff's Office Records Division. Requests may be made:

In person during regular business hours
By mail with a completed request form
By email to the records division

Processing times vary based on the volume of requests and the age of the records sought. Current records are typically processed more quickly than archived materials.

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

While mugshots are classified as public data under Minnesota law, several restrictions apply:

Juvenile booking photographs are confidential under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171
Photographs related to certain sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault victims) may have restricted access
Images from cases that have been expunged are not available to the public
The Sheriff's Office may require verification of the requestor's identity for certain requests

It is important to note that commercial websites that collect and publish mugshots may not always remove images after cases are dismissed or expunged. These third-party sites operate independently of official county records systems.