Ramsey County Criminal Records

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Understanding Ramsey County Criminal Records

What is a Criminal Record in Ramsey County?

A criminal record tracks a person's contact with law enforcement. It includes many types of data. This can be arrests. It shows charges filed by the state. Records note convictions if found guilty. Sentences are also part of the record. These details track cases through the justice system. Records cover different crime levels. This includes felonies, the most serious crimes. Gross misdemeanors are less serious than felonies. Misdemeanors are the least serious type. The data gives a history of court actions.

Public vs. Non-Public Records

Not all court data is open to everyone. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13, sets the rules. This law decides what is public data. Public data can be seen by anyone. Private data is not public. But the person the data is about can see it. Confidential data is not public. The person it is about cannot see it. Nonpublic data is about groups, not people. Protected nonpublic data is also not public. Access depends on these rules. The law aims to balance privacy and public access. Knowing these rules helps your search.

Expunged Records

Some records can be sealed. This is called expungement. Minnesota Statute Chapter 609A controls this. An expungement order seals the record. It stops most people from seeing it. Disclosure is then prohibited. Records can only be opened by court order. Or if a specific law allows it. Law enforcement might access sealed records. This requires a judge's order for investigations. Getting a record expunged involves a court process. It does not destroy the record. It just limits who can view it. This helps people move past old issues. But access is still possible in some cases.

Juvenile Records

Records for young people have special rules. Access to juvenile records is often restricted. This protects the privacy of minors. Different laws apply to these cases. They are usually not public in the same way adult records are. Access might need specific legal reasons. Or a court order may be needed. These rules aim to help youth reform.

How to Conduct a Ramsey County Criminal Records Search

Online Access via Official Portals

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)

The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers online access. Use the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal. You can search by name. You can search by case number. Attorney information can also be used. MCRO shows case details. This includes the Register of Actions. Many public documents are online. But MCRO has limits. Not all court records are there. It is not the official court record. Use it as a first step. MCRO should not be used for background checks. The state notes name searches can be tricky. People may share names or birth dates. Verify all results.

Ramsey County District Court Public Access Terminals

You can search records in person. Go to the Ramsey County Courthouse. Terminals are available for public use. This offers access to more records. Some records are only viewable on-site. This includes older case files. Check locations for access.

• Kellogg Courthouse: 15 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN 55102. Records Office in Room 72. Phone: (651) 266-8237.

• Suburban Court: 2050 White Bear Avenue, Maplewood, MN 55109. Phone: (651) 266-1999. Public terminals are available here. Staff may help guide your search. Hours are typically standard business hours. Call ahead to confirm access times. This method allows deep searches of court files. You can view full case documents. Some might not be online via MCRO. This ensures you see all public parts of a case file. It is good for complex searches. Or when online access is not enough.

Requests through Ramsey County Agencies

Ramsey County Sheriff's Office

The Sheriff's Office holds certain records. You can request incident reports. Arrest logs might be available too. Note that data release follows state law. Minnesota Statute § 13.82 guides this. Some data is private or confidential. Active cases may restrict release. Juvenile data has limits. To request reports:

• Go in person: Patrol Station, 1411 Paul Kirkwold Drive, Arden Hills, MN 55112. Hours are Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (check for holidays).

• Mail requests: Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, Records Unit, 1411 Paul Kirkwold Drive, Arden Hills, MN 55112. Include case number if known. Provide date, time, location, names involved. Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Include check or money order for fees, payable to Ramsey County.

• Criminal History Unit: 425 Grove Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101. Phone: (651) 266-9585. Email: CriminalHistory@co.ramsey.mn.us. Call for specific request steps. Check the Ramsey County Sheriff's police report page for details. Fees may apply for copies.

Ramsey County Attorney's Office

The County Attorney prosecutes crimes. They handle felony cases. Also gross misdemeanors and some misdemeanors. Their office holds prosecution records. Access these through data practices requests. Follow rules in the MGDPA (Chapter 13). Contact their office for procedures. Find contact information on the Ramsey County Attorney's Office website. They are located at 345 Wabasha St N #120, St Paul, MN 55102. Phone: (651) 266-3222. Office hours are typically 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM weekdays. Specific forms may be needed. Inquire about fees for copies or data searches. Their role focuses on the legal case against a defendant. Records reflect charges, evidence, and outcomes.

Ramsey County Court Administration

Court Administration manages official court records. They provide certified copies. These are official versions of court documents. You need these for legal proof. Request copies in person, by mail, or phone.

• Location: Ramsey County Courthouse, 15 W Kellogg Blvd, Room 72, St Paul, MN 55102.

• Phone: (651) 266-8237.

• Hours: Check current hours, typically 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM weekdays. Fees apply for copies and certification. See the Court Fees page on the MN Courts site. They accept cash, check, money order, credit/debit cards (phone/in person). Mail requests need check or money order. Non-public documents need ID proof. Or a judge's order might be required. Call with questions about access. This office certifies only Ramsey County District Court documents. Older records might be at the Minnesota Historical Society. Contact them at (651) 259-3300 for records before 1953 (criminal) or 1902 (civil). Court Administration ensures record accuracy. They follow strict rules for access.

State-Level Searches

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)

The BCA provides statewide criminal history checks. This is often used for background checks. They offer a public search option online. Visit the BCA Public Criminal History Search (CHS). This system links records using fingerprints. This helps verify identity better than name search alone. Fingerprint-based checks are also possible. These are more thorough. They require consent and fingerprint submission. Fees apply for these services. The BCA charges for checks. Fingerprinting also has a fee. The BCA offers fingerprinting by appointment. Call (651) 793-2410 to schedule. Bring valid photo ID. Local police might offer fingerprinting too. Check with them for availability and fees.

• BCA Location: 1430 Maryland Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55106.

• BCA General Info: (651) 793-7000.

• Criminal History Unit: (651) 793-2400. Find more on the BCA Background Checks page. BCA checks are recommended for formal background screening. They provide a more complete state view.

Information Found in a Ramsey County Criminal Record

Criminal records contain key details. You will usually find personal identifiers. This includes full name. Date of birth may be listed. But sometimes it is partial for privacy. Case numbers link to court files. Arrest details show the date. The arresting agency is named. Original charges are listed. Court proceedings show hearing dates. Filings made in the case appear. The final disposition is key. This shows if found guilty (conviction). Or found not guilty (acquittal). Sometimes cases end in dismissal. Sentencing information is included. This lists fines imposed. Jail or prison time is noted. Probation terms are detailed. All this data maps the case history. It shows how the justice system handled the matter. The level of detail can vary. But these core parts are common.

Fees and Costs Associated with Searches

Searching for records may cost money. Online portals sometimes have fees. MCRO is generally free for viewing. But official copies cost money. The BCA charges for its criminal history searches. Fees vary by search type. Copying documents has costs. Court Administration charges per page. Ramsey County Sheriff may charge too. Check their current fee schedules. Getting certified copies costs extra. Certification adds an official seal. Payment methods differ by agency. Courts often take cards, cash, checks. Mail requests usually need check or money order. Plan for potential costs. Ask about fees before requesting copies. Fee waivers might be possible. This is usually for low income persons. Inquire with the specific agency.

Understanding Limitations and Accuracy

Record data needs careful review. Information might not be fully current. Databases update at different times. There could be delays. Errors or omissions are possible. Data entry mistakes can happen. Always try to verify key facts. Use multiple sources if you can. Similar names cause confusion. Be sure the record matches the right person. Check birth dates or other details. Relying on just one source can mislead. Official sources are best. But even they can have issues. Treat search results with care. Use them as a starting point. Confirm critical information always. Accuracy is key for fair use.