Ramsey County Criminal Records
What Is Ramsey County Criminal Records
Ramsey County criminal records are official government documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Ramsey County, Minnesota. These records are maintained pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which governs comprehensive documentation of criminal justice data.
Criminal records in Ramsey County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office and municipal police departments within the county
- Court Records: Official proceedings of criminal cases in the Second Judicial District Court
- Conviction Records: Final judgments resulting in guilty verdicts or pleas
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center or other correctional facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody based on probable cause, while conviction records indicate that legal proceedings determined guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This distinction carries important implications for privacy rights and public disclosure.
Criminal offenses in Ramsey County are categorized by severity:
- Felonies: Serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Gross Misdemeanors: Offenses punishable by up to one year imprisonment and/or fines up to $3,000
- Misdemeanors: Lesser offenses punishable by up to 90 days imprisonment and/or fines up to $1,000
- Petty Misdemeanors: Non-criminal offenses punishable by fines up to $300
Adult criminal records are generally accessible to the public, while juvenile records (individuals under 18) are typically sealed pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171 to protect the privacy and rehabilitation prospects of minors.
Multiple agencies maintain criminal records in Ramsey County:
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
425 Grove Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-266-9333
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
Second Judicial District Court
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-266-8266
Minnesota Judicial Branch - Second District
Ramsey County Attorney's Office
345 Wabasha Street North, Suite 120
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-266-3222
Ramsey County Attorney's Office
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
Saint Paul, MN 55106
651-793-7000
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
Are Criminal Records Public In Ramsey County
Criminal records in Ramsey County are generally public information, governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, which establishes the presumption that government data is public unless specifically classified otherwise by state or federal law.
According to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which specifically addresses law enforcement data: "Except for the data classified as confidential... or protected nonpublic... the following data created or collected by law enforcement agencies which document any actions taken by them are public at all times."
The following criminal record information is typically available to the public:
- Adult arrest records (after formal charging)
- Court proceedings and calendars
- Criminal complaints and indictments
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Custody status
- Court-ordered probation conditions
However, certain criminal record information remains restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations (until inactive)
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records sealed by court order
- Expunged records
- Certain domestic violence and sexual assault victim information
- Criminal history data compiled by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (requires authorized access)
- Records where disclosure would jeopardize an ongoing investigation
- Records where disclosure would reveal the identity of protected witnesses
The Minnesota Supreme Court has established rules governing public access to court records through the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch. These rules work in conjunction with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act to determine which judicial records are accessible to the public.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the use of these records for certain purposes, such as employment or housing decisions, may be restricted by state and federal laws, including the Minnesota Criminal Rehabilitation Act and the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Ramsey County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Ramsey County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains multiple access points for criminal record retrieval, each providing different types of information.
For in-person requests at the Ramsey County Courthouse:
- Visit the Second Judicial District Court Records Center during public counter hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and date of birth
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for certified copies ($10 per document) or uncertified copies ($0.25 per page)
- Wait for staff to retrieve the requested records
Second Judicial District Court Records Center
15 West Kellogg Boulevard, Room 140
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-266-8266
Minnesota Judicial Branch - Second District
For mail requests:
- Download and complete the public records request form from the Ramsey County website
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth, and case number (if known)
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order)
- Mail the request to the appropriate agency (Court Administration for court records, Sheriff's Office for arrest records)
For criminal history reports from the state:
- Submit a request to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
- Include the subject's full name, date of birth, and other identifying information
- Pay the required fee ($8 per name search)
- Specify whether the request is for public data only or requires authorized access
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
Saint Paul, MN 55106
651-793-7000
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
For criminal records related to incarceration:
- Contact the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
- Provide the subject's name and date of birth
- Specify the information being requested (booking records, mugshots, etc.)
- Pay applicable fees for copies
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office Records Unit
425 Grove Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-266-9350
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
How To Find Criminal Records in Ramsey County Online?
Ramsey County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records electronically. These digital platforms provide convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though the scope of available information may vary by system.
The primary online resource is the Minnesota Court Information System (MNCIS), accessible through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. This system provides public access to court records throughout Minnesota, including Ramsey County. To use this system:
- Navigate to the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal
- Create a free user account (requires email address)
- Select "Second Judicial District" (Ramsey County)
- Enter search criteria (name, case number, or attorney)
- Review search results showing case numbers, filing dates, case types, and parties
- Access non-confidential case documents (fees may apply for document downloads)
The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster that provides real-time information about individuals currently in custody. This resource includes:
- Inmate name and booking number
- Charges
- Bail/bond information
- Next court appearance
- Projected release date (when applicable)
For criminal case scheduling information, the Minnesota Court Calendar allows users to search upcoming court hearings by location, case type, or judicial officer.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension offers a public criminal history search for conviction records. This system:
- Requires creation of an account
- Charges $8 per name search
- Provides only conviction data (not arrests without convictions)
- Returns results immediately
For registered sex offender information, the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry maintained by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension allows searches by name, county, or zip code.
Users should note several limitations of online criminal record searches:
- Some case details may be accessible only in person
- Certain sensitive cases (juvenile, sealed) will not appear in public searches
- Historical records (pre-digital) may not be fully available online
- Name-based searches may return multiple individuals with similar names
- Court records do not include arrest records that did not result in charges
Can You Search Ramsey County Criminal Records for Free?
Ramsey County provides several options for free access to criminal records, though certain specialized searches or document copies may incur fees. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act establishes that inspection of public records must be permitted at no cost, though agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies or specialized searches.
Free in-person inspection is available at:
Second Judicial District Court Records Center
15 West Kellogg Boulevard, Room 140
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-266-8266
Minnesota Judicial Branch - Second District
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Visitors may review public case files on-site without charge. Computer terminals are available for searching the court's case management system. Staff assistance for locating records is provided at no cost, though extended research assistance may incur fees.
Free online resources include:
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - Provides free case search and limited document viewing
- Ramsey County Jail Roster - Free access to current inmate information
- Minnesota Court Calendar - Free access to upcoming court hearings
- Minnesota Public Court Data - Free access to basic case information
Services that require fees include:
- Certified copies of court documents ($10 per document)
- Uncertified copies ($0.25 per page)
- Criminal history reports from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension ($8 per name)
- Specialized searches requiring extensive staff time (fees vary)
- Access to certain historical records requiring retrieval from archives (fees vary)
According to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3, "The responsible authority or designee shall provide copies of public data upon request. If a person requests copies or electronic transmittal of the data to the person, the responsible authority may require the requesting person to pay the actual costs of searching for and retrieving government data, including the cost of employee time, and for making, certifying, and electronically transmitting the copies of the data."
What's Included in a Ramsey County Criminal Record?
Ramsey County criminal records typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The specific content varies depending on the type of record and maintaining agency, but generally includes the following categories:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph (when available)
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Driver's license number (for driving-related offenses)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Arrest circumstances summary
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations
- Classification of offenses (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
- Defense attorney information
- Prosecuting attorney information
- Judge assigned to case
- Hearing dates and proceedings
- Motions filed and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Community service requirements
- Treatment programs ordered
- Appeals filed and outcomes
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective/restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history references
- Probation officer contact information (when applicable)
Criminal records maintained by the courts focus primarily on case proceedings and outcomes, while records from law enforcement agencies contain more detailed arrest and booking information. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains the most comprehensive criminal history records, integrating data from multiple agencies across the state.
How Long Does Ramsey County Keep Criminal Records?
Ramsey County retains criminal records according to schedules established by the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule and specific county policies. These retention periods vary based on the type of record, severity of offense, and maintaining agency.
Court records in Ramsey County are retained pursuant to the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for District Courts, which establishes the following retention periods:
-
Felony Case Files:
- Murder (1st degree): Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 50 years after case closure
- Appeals: 50 years after final disposition
-
Gross Misdemeanor Case Files:
- DWI/Criminal Vehicular Operation: 25 years after case closure
- Other gross misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
-
Misdemeanor Case Files:
- DWI/Criminal Vehicular Operation: 10 years after case closure
- Other misdemeanors: 3 years after case closure
-
Petty Misdemeanor Case Files: 1 year after case closure
-
Search Warrants:
- Executed warrants: Retained with associated case file
- Unexecuted warrants: 10 years
Law enforcement records maintained by the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office follow different retention schedules:
-
Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests: 15 years
- Misdemeanor arrests: 5 years
- Juvenile arrests: Until age 19 (with exceptions)
-
Investigation Files:
- Homicide/missing persons: Permanent retention
- Sexual assaults: 25 years
- Other felonies: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 3 years after case closure
-
Booking Photos/Fingerprints:
- Adult felony: 15 years
- Adult misdemeanor: 5 years
- Juvenile: Until age 19 (with exceptions)
-
Jail Records:
- Booking information: 7 years
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
- Visitor logs: 3 years
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains criminal history records according to Minnesota Statutes § 299C.11, which requires retention of conviction records for 15 years following discharge from sentence. However, certain serious offenses (murder, manslaughter, criminal sexual conduct) are retained permanently.
It is important to note that while physical records may be destroyed after their retention period expires, digital records and database entries may be maintained for longer periods. Additionally, expunged records are sealed rather than destroyed, pursuant to court orders under Minnesota Statutes § 609A.