Ramsey County Court Records

What Is Ramsey County Court Records

Ramsey County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and proceedings maintained by the courts serving Ramsey County, Minnesota. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, court records are defined as government data created, collected, stored, or maintained by a judicial branch entity.

Court records in Ramsey County typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other documents filed by parties
• Docket sheets chronicling case events and proceedings
• Court orders and judgments issued by judicial officers
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing records in criminal matters
• Marriage dissolution decrees and related family court documents
• Probate filings and estate administration records

It is important to distinguish court records from other public records maintained by Ramsey County. While property records, vital statistics (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax records are also public records, they are maintained by different county departments rather than the court system.

The Ramsey County District Court maintains records for various case types, including:

• Civil litigation (contract disputes, personal injury claims, etc.)
• Criminal prosecutions (felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors)
• Family matters (divorce, child custody, support)
• Probate proceedings (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Traffic and parking violations
• Housing court matters
• Conciliation/small claims cases

Are Court Records Public In Ramsey County

Court records in Ramsey County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the common law right of access to court records. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.90, the judiciary is explicitly excluded from the definition of "government entity" for purposes of the Data Practices Act, but the Minnesota Supreme Court has established rules governing public access to court records.

The Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch establish that court records are presumed to be open to the public unless specifically classified as confidential or otherwise restricted by court rules or statute. This presumption of openness applies to:

• Most civil case files and documents
• Criminal case files after formal charges have been filed
• Court orders, judgments, and decrees
• Docket sheets and registers of actions
• Calendars and hearing schedules
• Administrative records of the court

However, certain categories of court records are not publicly accessible, including:

• Juvenile delinquency proceedings (with limited exceptions)
• Child protection matters
• Adoption records
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Certain family court records containing sensitive personal information
• Records sealed by court order
• Documents filed under seal in accordance with court rules

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state court databases.

How To Find Court Records in Ramsey County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Ramsey County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Minnesota Judicial Branch currently provides multiple avenues for obtaining court records:

1. Online Access

   • The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides public access to case records
   • Users may search by party name, case number, or attorney
   • Registration is required for full document access, though basic case information is available without registration

2. In-Person Requests

   • Visit the Ramsey County Courthouse Records Center:

   Ramsey County Courthouse Records Center
   15 W. Kellogg Blvd., Suite 160
   St. Paul, MN 55102
   (651) 266-8266
   Ramsey County District Court

   • Public access terminals are available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
   • Court staff can assist with locating records not available online

3. Written Requests

   • Submit a written request for copies of court records to the Court Administrator's Office
   • Include case number, party names, and specific documents requested
   • Provide contact information and preferred delivery method

4. Remote Access for Attorneys and Government Agencies

   • Authorized attorneys and government agencies have expanded access through secure portals
   • Registration and verification of credentials required

When requesting court records, requestors should be prepared to provide:

• Case number (if known)
• Names of parties involved
• Approximate date of filing or case activity
• Type of case (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
• Specific documents needed

Fees for copies of court records are established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 357.021 and may include:

• $10.00 for copies of court documents (up to 50 pages)
• $0.25 per page for additional pages
• $16.00 for certified copies of documents
• Additional fees may apply for research services or expedited processing

How To Look Up Court Records in Ramsey County Online?

Ramsey County court records can be accessed through several online platforms maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. These digital resources provide convenient access to case information and, in many instances, actual court documents.

The primary online portal for accessing Ramsey County court records is the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system. This comprehensive database allows users to search for cases throughout the Minnesota court system, including Ramsey County. To utilize this resource effectively:

1. Navigate to the MCRO website
2. Select "Ramsey County" from the location dropdown menu
3. Choose a search method:
   • Case number search (most precise)
   • Party name search (first and last name required)
   • Attorney search (by bar number or name)
4. Enter the required search criteria
5. Review search results showing basic case information
6. Register for an MCRO account to view actual court documents
7. Pay applicable fees for document access ($8 per document for non-registered users)

For criminal case information specifically, the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search provides conviction records and other public criminal history data. This resource:

• Requires user registration
• Charges a fee per search
• Provides criminal history information rather than complete court files
• Includes cases from all Minnesota counties, including Ramsey

Additionally, the Minnesota Judicial Branch Case Search offers a simplified interface for basic case information:

• Provides free access to case registers (lists of case events)
• Does not include actual document images
• Covers both civil and criminal cases
• Requires exact name matching

For specialized court records, such as conciliation (small claims) court judgments, users may access the Judgment Search tool, which:

• Allows searching by debtor name
• Provides information on monetary judgments
• Includes satisfaction of judgment information
• Covers all Minnesota district courts, including Ramsey County

How To Search Ramsey County Court Records for Free?

Minnesota law provides for public inspection of court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subd. 3, government entities must permit public data to be inspected at reasonable times and places without charge.

Free access options for Ramsey County court records include:

1. In-Person Inspection

   • Visit the Ramsey County Courthouse during regular business hours
   • Use public access terminals at no charge
   • View case files and documents on-site without fees

   Ramsey County Courthouse
   15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
   St. Paul, MN 55102
   (651) 266-8266
   Ramsey County District Court

   Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

2. Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - Basic Access

   • The MCRO system provides free access to basic case information
   • Search by case number, party name, or attorney
   • View case registers (chronological listing of case events)
   • Document images require payment, but case summaries are free

3. Minnesota Judicial Branch Case Search

   • The public access case search provides free basic case information
   • Includes case type, filing date, parties, and case status
   • Does not include document images
   • Covers all Minnesota counties, including Ramsey

4. Law Libraries

   • The Minnesota State Law Library provides public access terminals
   • Librarians can assist with navigating court record systems
   • Some specialized legal research databases available on-site

   Minnesota State Law Library
   Minnesota Judicial Center, Room G25
   25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
   St. Paul, MN 55155
   (651) 297-7651
   Minnesota State Law Library

5. Public Libraries

   • Many public libraries in Ramsey County offer free internet access
   • Library staff may provide assistance with navigating court websites
   • Some libraries maintain legal research collections

While these options provide free access to basic case information, fees may still apply for:

• Copies of court documents (paper or electronic)
• Certified copies of court records
• Research assistance from court staff
• Expedited record retrieval

What's Included in a Ramsey County Court Record?

Ramsey County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. A typical court record file includes several categories of documents and information:

1. Case Initiation Documents

   • Civil complaints or petitions
   • Criminal complaints or indictments
   • Summonses and warrants
   • Initial appearances and arraignments
   • Filing date and case number assignment

2. Party Information

   • Names and contact information for all parties
   • Attorney information and appearances
   • Service of process documentation
   • Guardian ad litem appointments (when applicable)

3. Pleadings and Motions

   • Answers and responses to complaints
   • Counterclaims and cross-claims
   • Pre-trial motions and supporting memoranda
   • Discovery-related motions and orders
   • Summary judgment requests

4. Court Orders and Judgments

   • Scheduling orders and continuances
   • Evidentiary rulings
   • Temporary and permanent injunctions
   • Final judgments and decrees
   • Post-judgment orders

5. Hearing and Trial Records

   • Hearing notices and minutes
   • Trial transcripts (when prepared)
   • Witness lists and exhibits
   • Jury selection records (in jury trials)
   • Verdict forms

6. Financial Information

   • Filing fees and payment records
   • Judgments for monetary damages
   • Restitution orders in criminal cases
   • Court costs assessments
   • Fine and fee payment history

7. Case-Specific Documents

   • In criminal cases: charging documents, bail determinations, sentencing information
   • In family cases: parenting plans, child support worksheets, property divisions
   • In probate cases: wills, inventories, accountings, distribution plans
   • In civil cases: settlement agreements, satisfaction of judgments

8. Case Register/Docket Sheet

   • Chronological listing of all case events
   • Record of documents filed
   • Hearing dates and outcomes
   • Judge assignments
   • Case status information

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records in accordance with the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, including:

• Social Security numbers
• Financial account numbers
• Certain medical information
• Names of minor victims
• Information specifically protected by court order

How Long Does Ramsey County Keep Court Records?

Ramsey County court records are retained according to the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for District Courts, which establishes mandatory retention periods for various document types. These retention schedules are established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, which governs the preservation and disposal of government records.

Key retention periods for common court record types include:

1. Criminal Case Records

   • Felony cases: 50 years after case closing
   • Gross misdemeanors: 10 years after case closing
   • Misdemeanors: 3 years after case closing
   • Petty misdemeanors: 1 year after case closing
   • Homicide and criminal sexual conduct cases: permanent retention

2. Civil Case Records

   • General civil litigation: 10 years after entry of judgment
   • Personal injury cases: 20 years after entry of judgment
   • Contract disputes: 10 years after entry of judgment
   • Property disputes: 10 years after entry of judgment
   • Civil commitments: 10 years after discharge or dismissal

3. Family Court Records

   • Divorce/dissolution: 30 years after entry of judgment
   • Child custody proceedings: until youngest child reaches age 28
   • Paternity cases: 30 years after entry of judgment
   • Domestic abuse proceedings: 10 years after case closing

4. Probate Records

   • Formal probate proceedings: permanent retention
   • Informal probate: 10 years after closing
   • Guardianships/conservatorships: 10 years after termination
   • Trusts: 10 years after trust termination

5. Conciliation (Small Claims) Court

   • Case files: 3 years after entry of judgment
   • Judgments: 20 years from date of entry

6. Specialized Records

   • Juvenile delinquency: until age 28 (longer for serious offenses)
   • Child protection: 10 years after child reaches age 18
   • Mental health commitments: 10 years after discharge

After the retention period expires, court records may be destroyed in accordance with the retention schedule. However, certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently or transferred to the Minnesota State Archives for long-term preservation.

Digital court records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains electronic records in accordance with the retention schedule, and electronic records may be deleted or made inaccessible after the retention period expires.

Types of Courts In Ramsey County

Ramsey County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and functions within Minnesota's unified court system. The following courts operate within Ramsey County:

Ramsey County District Court
15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8266
Ramsey County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction, handling the majority of legal matters in Ramsey County. Within the District Court structure, several specialized divisions operate:

Criminal Division
Ramsey County Courthouse
15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8266
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Civil Division
Ramsey County Courthouse
15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8266
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Family Court Division
Ramsey County Courthouse
15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8266
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Probate/Mental Health Division
Ramsey County Courthouse
15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8266
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Juvenile and Family Justice Center
25 W. 7th St.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-5200
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Conciliation Court (Small Claims)
Ramsey County Courthouse
15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8230
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Housing Court
Ramsey County Courthouse
15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8266
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

For appeals from Ramsey County District Court decisions, cases proceed to:

Minnesota Court of Appeals
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 297-1000
Minnesota Court of Appeals

The highest court in Minnesota's judicial system is:

Minnesota Supreme Court
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 297-7650
Minnesota Supreme Court

Additionally, federal cases arising in Ramsey County are heard in:

U.S. District Court - District of Minnesota
Warren E. Burger Federal Building and U.S. Courthouse
316 N. Robert St.
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 848-1100
U.S. District Court - District of Minnesota

What Types of Cases Do Ramsey County Courts Hear?

Ramsey County courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters under Minnesota law. The jurisdiction of each court division is defined by state statute and court rules, with cases distributed as follows:

Criminal Division

• Felony prosecutions (murder, assault, robbery, drug offenses)
• Gross misdemeanors (DWI, domestic assault)
• Misdemeanors (theft under $500, disorderly conduct)
• Criminal appeals from misdemeanor cases
• Extradition proceedings
• Post-conviction relief petitions

Civil Division

• General civil litigation (claims exceeding $15,000)
• Personal injury and wrongful death actions
• Contract disputes and business litigation
• Property disputes and real estate matters
• Civil rights claims
• Consumer protection cases
• Medical malpractice actions
• Product liability claims
• Employment disputes
• Appeals from administrative agency decisions

Family Court Division

• Divorce and legal separation proceedings
• Child custody and parenting time determinations
• Child support establishment and modification
• Spousal maintenance (alimony) matters
• Property division in marital dissolution
• Paternity establishment
• Domestic abuse protection orders
• Name changes
• Marriage annulments

Probate/Mental Health Division

• Formal and informal probate proceedings
• Will contests and estate administration
• Guardianships and conservatorships
• Trust administration and disputes
• Civil commitment proceedings
• Treatment for substance use disorders
• Guardianship of minors

Juvenile Court

• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Status offenses (truancy, runaway)
• Child protection/child in need of protection (CHIPS)
• Termination of parental rights
• Juvenile traffic offenses
• Adoption proceedings

Conciliation Court (Small Claims)

• Civil claims not exceeding $15,000
• Consumer disputes
• Landlord-tenant security deposit disputes
• Minor property damage claims
• Contract disputes under the monetary threshold

Housing Court

• Eviction actions (unlawful detainer)
• Rent escrow proceedings
• Tenant remedies actions
• Housing code violation cases
• Lease disputes

Cases are assigned to the appropriate division based on subject matter and monetary value. The District Court has original jurisdiction over all civil and criminal cases within Ramsey County, with specialized divisions handling particular case types to promote efficiency and expertise.

How To Find a Court Docket In Ramsey County

Court dockets in Ramsey County provide chronological listings of case events, hearings, and filed documents. Members of the public may access docket information through several methods:

1. Online Docket Access

   • The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides comprehensive docket information
   • Search by case number, party name, or attorney
   • View register of actions showing all case events
   • Access is available 24/7 for basic docket information
   • Registration is required for full document access

2. Public Access Terminals

   • Visit the Ramsey County Courthouse Records Center:

   Ramsey County Courthouse Records Center
   15 W. Kellogg Blvd., Suite 160
   St. Paul, MN 55102
   (651) 266-8266
   Ramsey County District Court Records

   • Use public terminals to search case records and dockets
   • Court staff can provide assistance with complex searches
   • No appointment necessary during regular business hours

3. Daily Court Calendars

   • Current hearing schedules are posted daily at the courthouse
   • The Minnesota Judicial Branch website provides hearing calendars
   • Calendars show scheduled hearings by courtroom and judge
   • Information typically includes case numbers, party names, and hearing types

4. Written Requests

   • Submit a written request to the Court Administrator's Office
   • Include case number, party names, and date range requested
   • Specify whether certified copies are needed
   • Include contact information for response

When searching for docket information, users should be prepared with:

• Case number (if known)
• Full names of parties involved
• Approximate date of case filing
• Case type (civil, criminal, family, etc.)

For specialized docket information, such as criminal arraignment calendars or civil motion hearings, contact:

Ramsey County Court Administration
15 W. Kellogg Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55102
(651) 266-8266
Ramsey County District Court

Pursuant to Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, Rule 8, docket information is presumptively public, though certain case types may have restricted access.

Which Courts in Ramsey County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Minnesota's judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court that creates and maintains a verbatim record of proceedings, typically through court reporters or electronic recording equipment. These records can be used for appeals and serve as official documentation of court actions. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 484.01, district courts are established as courts of record.

Within Ramsey County, the following court is not classified as a court of record:

Conciliation Court (Small Claims Court)

Conciliation Court proceedings in Ramsey County are not recorded verbatim, and no transcript of proceedings is created. As specified in Minnesota Statutes § 491A.02, Conciliation Court is designed to be an informal forum for resolving civil disputes involving claims not exceeding $15,000.

Key characteristics of Conciliation Court as a non-record court include:

• No court reporter is present during hearings
• Proceedings are not recorded electronically
• No official transcript can be produced for appeal purposes
• Simplified rules of evidence and procedure apply
• Parties typically represent themselves without attorneys
• Appeals from Conciliation Court decisions are handled as trials de novo (new trials) in District Court

When a party appeals a Conciliation Court judgment, the case is transferred to District Court (a court of record) and proceeds as if it were a new case. This process is known as "removal" to District Court and is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 491A.02, Subd. 6.

All other courts operating within Ramsey County are courts of record, including:

• District Court - Criminal Division
• District Court - Civil Division
• Family Court
• Juvenile Court
• Probate Court
• Housing Court

These courts maintain verbatim records of all proceedings, which may be transcribed for appeal purposes or other official uses.

Lookup Court Records in Ramsey County

Case Search - Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)

Case Updates from Ramsey County Attorney's Office

Ramsey County District Court Information

Court Records - Ramsey County District Court

Court Records Guide - Minnesota State Law Library