Minnesota Warrant Search

We are glad you came here. We want to help you with your Minnesota Warrant Search. Our goal is to give you the best facts. We aim to guide you well. We will show you how to check for warrants in the state.

If you want to begin a Minnesota Warrant Search now, go here: https://minnesotaofficialrecords.com/warrant-search/. This site lets you start your search right away. It is made to help find warrant info fast. Use it if you need quick results. It helps find public data tied to warrants in Minnesota.

Understanding Warrants in Minnesota

What is a Warrant?

A warrant is an order from a court. It usually tells police to arrest some one. Or it lets them search a place. Judges are the only ones who issue warrants. Police ask for a warrant. They must show they have good reason. This reason is called probable cause. It means they have facts to think a crime took place. Or that proof of a crime is at a site. Warrants are serious legal items. They must follow state rules.

In Minnesota, most warrant facts are public. This is due to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA). You can find this law in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13. This law says the public can see most government data. This includes many court and police records. But, some data may be kept private. This might be to guard a case. Or to keep some one safe. Or if the case involves a child. Court rules also affect what you can see. The Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch give more detail. They list what court data is open to all.

Types of Minnesota Warrants

There are two main kinds of warrants. They are arrest warrants and search warrants. Each type has its own use. They also have sub types.

Arrest Warrants

These warrants order the police to arrest a person. A judge issues them for a few reasons. They ensure people face charges or court orders.

• Bench Warrants: A judge issues this type. It happens when a person does not show up for court. Or if they break rules set before a trial. Or if they ignore a court order. It calls for their arrest to bring them to court.

• Complaint Warrants: These come from charges filed by a prosecutor. They start the legal case against some one accused of a crime. Police use this warrant to arrest the named person.

• Probation/Parole Violation Warrants: These are for people on probation or parole. A judge issues one if the person breaks the rules. This could be failing a drug test. Or missing a meeting with their officer. Or committing a new crime. The warrant leads to their arrest. They must face the alleged violation.

Search Warrants

A search warrant lets police search a specific place. They look for proof of a crime. It could be a home, car, or other site.

• Probable Cause Required: Police must show a judge probable cause. They need facts showing proof is likely at the location. Without this, a judge will not sign the warrant. The Fourth Amendment guards us from bad searches.

• No-Knock Warrants: Sometimes police can enter without knocking. This needs special court permission. It is allowed only in certain cases. For instance, if knocking could be unsafe. Or if proof might be destroyed fast. Minnesota Statutes § 626.14 sets rules for these. They usually must happen between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. A judge can allow a night search if needed.

• Execution Time Limits: Warrants do not last for ever. Minnesota Statutes § 626.15 states most search warrants expire. They must be used and returned to court in ten days. If not used in time, the warrant is void. Warrants for bank records last longer, for 30 days. Judges can grant extensions for bank records.

Conducting Your Minnesota Warrant Search

You can search for warrants in a few ways. Use state tools or check with local county offices. Each path has its own steps.

Statewide Official Resources

These resources cover the whole state. They offer broad access to court data.

• Minnesota Judicial Branch: MCRO The state court system runs Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). It lets you search for court cases. You can search by name or case number. You can also search by lawyer name or ticket number. MCRO shows case facts and public files. You can use MCRO online from any place. Public computers are also found at all county courthouses. The Minnesota State Law Library also has them. The MCRO search page is: https://publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us/CaseSearch. Keep in mind MCRO data is not the official court record. It is a copy for easy access. The courts do not promise it is free of flaws. For official copies, contact the court admin in that county. MCRO should not be used for job background checks.

• Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA): CHS The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) runs the Public Criminal History Search (CHS). This is better for background checks. It links records using fingerprints. This makes ID more sure. MCRO does not offer this level of check. You can use the CHS online here: https://chs.state.mn.us/. You can also visit their office. The address is 1430 Maryland Avenue East, St. Paul, MN. Or call them at (651) 793-2400. The BCA CHS is the suggested tool for formal checks.

County-Level Official Resources

Counties handle many local warrant tasks. Sheriff offices and courts are key spots.

• County Sheriff's Offices The county sheriff's office often holds and serves warrants. Judges issue warrants, but sheriffs manage them day to day. Many sheriff sites now have online tools. You can check for active warrants in that county. This varies by county.

  • Online Search Examples:

    • Anoka County: Has an online search tool. Find it here: https://www.anokacountymn.gov/3209/Warrant-Search. For warrant questions, call 763-422-7500. Note they only confirm warrants for the person named. The main office is at 13301 Hanson Blvd NW, Andover, MN 55304. Their main phone is 763-324-5000. Office hours are Monday to Friday.

    • Ramsey County: Offers an Online Warrant Search (OWS). It shows public warrants from the last ten years. Access it here: https://www.ramseycounty.us/your-government/leadership/sheriffs-office/sheriffs-office-divisions/administration/arrest-warrant-search. The Warrants Unit phone is 651-266-9320.

    • Stearns County: Provides an online search for warrants. Link: https://jailroster.stearnscountymn.gov/Outstanding.

    • Douglas County: Lists outstanding warrants online. Link: https://www.douglascountymn.gov/outstanding-warrants. Call (320) 762-8151 if you have info. The jail address is 509 3rd Ave W, Alexandria MN 56308.

    • Brown County: Publishes a PDF list of warrants. Find it here: https://browncountymn.gov/323/Outstanding-Warrants. Call 507-233-6700 during work hours. Call 507-233-6720 after hours.

    • Mille Lacs County: Has an online active warrant list. Link: https://www.millelacs.mn.gov/2512/Warrant-List. 

  • Phone/In-Person Checks: If a county lacks an online tool, call or visit.

    • Hennepin County: You must get the case or warrant number first. Call the District Court at 612-348-6000. Have the full name and date of birth ready. Once you have the number, call the Sheriff's Office at 612-348-2000. You can also go in person. Visit the Hennepin County Public Safety Facility. The address is 401 South 4th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55415. It is open 24/7 for bail. You will pass through security checks.

• County Courthouses (Clerk of Court) The Clerk of Court in each county keeps case files. You can ask the clerk about active warrants. Visit the courthouse where the case might be. Or call the clerk's office. You will need the person's full name and birth date. A case number also works. Some courthouses have Public Access Terminals. You can use these to search case records yourself. For example, Stearns County Courthouse has terminals. They are in Room 134, St Cloud, MN 56303. They are open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. Using terminals is free. Staff help costs a fee.

Interpreting Warrant Information

When you find warrant data, know its limits. Be careful how you use it.

Accuracy and Updates

Online warrant lists are not always live. They get updated often, maybe daily or weekly. But a warrant shown online might already be served. Or a new warrant might not show up yet. Always try to confirm info with the sheriff or court. Do not rely only on web lists for final word. Brown County warns its PDF list is only as good as the last update. It may differ from live court or sheriff data. Ramsey County states its OWS info is from the last ten years only.

Challenges with Name Searches

Searching just by name can be tricky. Many people share the same name. Some people use false names or aliases. Always use the date of birth if you can. This helps narrow the search down. MCRO warns that even with a name and birth date match, be careful. Two people could still share these details. Wrong ID can cause big problems. Double check all facts if you can. Do not assume a name match is the right person.

Case Type vs. Final Outcome

Court records show the case type, like Felony or Misdemeanor. This reflects the charge filed at the start. It does not always show the final result. A case might start as a felony. But it could end with a lower level conviction. Or it might be dismissed. Read the full case details or Register of Actions. This gives a better picture of the case status and outcome. Do not judge based only on the initial case type listed.

Actions Regarding an Active Warrant

If you learn you have a warrant, take steps. It is best to deal with it directly. Do not just ignore it.

Confirming the Warrant

First, make sure the warrant is real and active. Use the official ways discussed before. Call the county sheriff's office. Or check with the court clerk. Provide your name and birth date. Ask them to check their system. Get the warrant number and details if possible. This ensures you act on good information. Online lists might be out of date. Direct checks are more reliable.

How to Turn Yourself In

If you confirm a warrant, you can turn yourself in. This shows you are willing to face the issue.

• Sheriff Instructions: Call the sheriff's office warrants unit first. For example, in Hennepin County, call 612-348-2000. Have the warrant number ready if you have it. A deputy will tell you how to proceed. They explain the process and any bail amount. Follow their directions with care.

• Facility Locations: They will tell you where to go. Often it is the county jail or a public safety building. For example, in Hennepin County, you go to the Public Safety Facility at 401 South 4th Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55415. Be ready for security screening when you arrive. Go to the correct window or desk as told.

Posting Bail or Bond

You might be able to post bail to get released. This depends on the warrant and judge's order.

• Getting Bail Info: The sheriff's office can give bail details. They will tell you the amount set by the court. Call them with the case or warrant number.

• Payment Methods: Rules vary by county. Hennepin County takes cash only for bail at their warrants window. You need the exact amount. They do not give change. They do not take checks or cards. There is no cash machine there. Check the rules for the specific county first. Bail can often be posted 24/7.

• Bond Agencies: If you cannot pay the full cash bail, contact a bail bond agency. They can post a bond for you for a fee. The sheriff's office does not recommend specific agencies.

Seeking Legal Counsel

Having a warrant is a serious legal matter. Think about talking to a lawyer. A criminal defense attorney can advise you. They can explain your rights. They can help you through the court process. They may help arrange turning yourself in. Or argue for lower bail. Legal advice is wise in this situation.

Key Minnesota Laws and Rules

Several laws shape how warrants work in Minnesota. Knowing them helps understand the process.

• MN Government Data Practices Act (Chapter 13): This law makes most government data public. This includes many warrant details. It defines public vs. private data. Link: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/chapter/13 

• MN Rules of Public Access to Records (Judicial Branch): These rules control access to court records. They specify what parts of case files are public. Link: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/court_rules/rule/public-access/ 

• MN Statutes Chapter 626 (Peace Officers; Searches): This chapter covers warrants in depth. It includes rules for police and courts.

  • § 626.06: Who can issue warrants.

  • § 626.08: The need for probable cause.

  • § 626.14: Rules for serving warrants, including no-knock warrants.

  • § 626.15: Time limit for using search warrants (usually 10 days).

  • Full Chapter Link: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/chapter/626 

• MN Rules of Criminal Procedure: These court rules guide criminal cases. Rule 33.04 deals with filing used or expired search warrants with the court. Link: https://www.revisor.mn.gov/court_rules/cr/ 

Helpful Resources

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