Criminal records in St. Louis County, Minnesota, are available through several channels. StLouisMNCourt.us allows for quick access to public information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be viewed through the state court system's online portal, the county sheriff's office, and the district court clerk's office. Each of these sources covers different types of data — from current cases and warrants to arrests and incarceration history.
How to Search Criminal Records in St. Louis
Start by determining what specific information you are looking for: a court case, arrest data, or an inmate list. This will determine which tool is best suited for your needs.
Online Search
- StLouisMNCourt.us — enter the person's name or case number to view publicly available information on criminal cases in the county.
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) — the official portal of the Minnesota judicial branch. Displays records from all district courts, including St. Louis County. To search, you need: full name or case number. You can select a specific court location in the county.
- Jail Roster — online registry of inmates in St. Louis County Jail. Regularly updated.
- Active Warrant List — information is provided directly by the Sixth Judicial District Court and published by the sheriff's office.
- Public Offender Records — the sheriff's page with links to state criminal history, sex offender registry, wanted persons database, and Department of Corrections inmate search.
In-Person Visit
A public computer for accessing court records is available at the district court building in Duluth. You can also contact the court clerk's office directly.
Written Request
- To obtain reports on arrests, traffic incidents, or citations, contact the Records Division of the sheriff's office.
- To obtain an official state-level criminal history, send a request to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) in St. Paul. BCA phone: (651) 793-2400.
What you need for the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search St. Louis Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Minnesota, each court case is assigned a standardized number. It consists of several parts, each with significance.
Typical format: 69-CR-25-1234
- 69 — county code (St. Louis County has code 69)
- CR — case type (CR stands for criminal case; other codes: TR — traffic violations, CV — civil cases)
- 25 — year the case was filed (2025)
- 1234 — sequential case number
Knowing the full number will yield accurate results in the MCRO system without the need to filter out namesakes. This number is usually indicated in court summons, attorney documents, or court decisions.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in St. Louis
Criminal case records in the county contain several key data blocks. Below is what each of them means.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific paragraph of the Minnesota Criminal Code (e.g., Minn. Stat. § 609.52 — theft) |
| Severity Level | Felony (serious crime), Gross Misdemeanor (serious misdemeanor), Misdemeanor (misdemeanor), Petty Misdemeanor (minor offense) |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the case review process |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and no decision has been made yet
- Active — the court process is ongoing
- Disposed — the court has made a decision
- Closed — all procedures are completed
Types of Hearings
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the defendant learns about the charges and pleads guilty or not guilty
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed with the case
- Pre-Trial — a preparatory meeting where parties discuss procedural issues
- Sentencing — announcement of the sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — a control meeting to check compliance with the sentence conditions
Court Results
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court did not establish guilt |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Complete exoneration after trial |
| Continuance for Dismissal | The case is postponed with the possibility of dismissal if certain conditions are met |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in St. Louis
Certified copies are official documents with the court or relevant authority's seal. They are often required by employers, attorneys, or government agencies.
Where to Apply
District Court Clerk's Office (Court Administration) issues certified copies of court documents. The main office is located in Duluth:
St. Louis County District Court — Duluth
A public computer for viewing records is available in the court building. To obtain a certified copy, contact the clerk's office staff.
Sheriff's Records. The Records Division processes requests for arrest and incident reports. Requests can be submitted through the Public Data Requests page.
State-Level Criminal History. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains a centralized Criminal History System. Requests are submitted by mail or online. To check your own history, you need to provide fingerprints and identification.
What You Need for the Request
- Full name of the person for whom the request is made
- Case number (if known)
- Valid photo identification
- Completed request form (depends on the institution)
- Payment of the appropriate fee
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in St. Louis
The amount of fees depends on the type of request and the institution processing it.
| Service | Cost | Source / Note |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document (non-certified) | $0.25 per page | According to general Minnesota Court Administration rules |
| Document certification | $14.00 per document | Minnesota District Court Clerk's fee |
| Criminal history check through BCA (for individuals) | $15.00 | Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minn. Stat. § 13.87 |
| Incident / arrest report (Sheriff's Records Division) | Depends on the scope of the request | Contact Records Division for clarification |
Processing Times
- Online search through MCRO — results are displayed instantly
- Certified copies from the court clerk's office — usually ready within a few business days for in-person requests
- Requests to BCA — processing may take from a few days to several weeks, depending on the submission method
- Written requests to the Sheriff's Records Division — times vary; it is recommended to clarify when submitting the request
It is best to check current fees directly with the institution, as they may change. For court fees, refer to the Minnesota State Law Library guide.