Ramsey County Warrant Search
What Is a Search Warrant In Ramsey County?
A search warrant in Ramsey County is a legal document issued by a judicial officer that authorizes law enforcement personnel to search a specifically designated location and seize particular items or evidence described within the warrant. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 626.08, a search warrant is a written order, signed by a judge, directing a peace officer to conduct a search of a designated person, place, or item for specified property or things and bring them before a court.
Search warrants are fundamentally different from other types of warrants issued in Ramsey County:
- Search Warrant: Authorizes the search of a specific location and seizure of specific items
- Arrest Warrant: Authorizes law enforcement to take a specific person into custody
- Bench Warrant: Issued by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court date
The legal foundation for search warrants in Minnesota is established in Minnesota Statute § 626.05-626.18, which outlines the requirements for warrant issuance, execution, and return. For a search warrant to be valid in Ramsey County, it must be based on probable cause as determined by a judge or magistrate after reviewing an affidavit submitted by law enforcement.
Are Warrants Public Records In Ramsey County?
The public accessibility of warrants in Ramsey County follows a nuanced framework governed by Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act § 13.82, which classifies certain law enforcement data as public. However, the public status of warrants depends on several factors including the warrant type, its status, and the stage of the investigation.
Active arrest warrants are generally considered public records in Ramsey County once they have been executed or are being actively pursued. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office maintains a searchable database of active warrants that members of the public may access. However, certain limitations apply:
- Search warrants related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily sealed by court order
- Warrants involving juvenile offenders are subject to additional privacy protections
- Warrants in sensitive cases (e.g., sexual assault investigations) may have redacted information
It is important to note that while the existence of a warrant may be public information, the supporting documentation, such as the affidavit establishing probable cause, may not be accessible until after the warrant has been executed and returned to the court.
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
425 Grove Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-266-9333
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office
How to Find Out if I Have a Warrant In Ramsey County?
Individuals seeking to determine if they have an active warrant in Ramsey County have several official methods available. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office provides an online warrant search tool that allows members of the public to verify warrant status. This service is available 24 hours a day and provides information on active warrants.
To check for warrants in Ramsey County, individuals may:
- Use the online warrant search database provided by the Sheriff's Office
- Contact the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division directly by phone
- Visit the Ramsey County Courthouse in person to inquire with the Clerk of Court
- Consult with a licensed attorney who can access court records
When checking for warrants, individuals should be prepared to provide:
- Full legal name (including any aliases or former names)
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (for in-person inquiries only)
Ramsey County Courthouse
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-266-8145
Ramsey County District Court
How To Check for Warrants in Ramsey County for Free in 2026
Members of the public can currently check for active warrants in Ramsey County at no cost through several official channels. The most efficient method is utilizing the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office online warrant search system, which provides real-time information on active warrants.
To check for warrants free of charge:
- Visit the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office warrant search portal
- Enter the required identification information (name and date of birth)
- Review the results, which will indicate if there are any active warrants
Alternatively, individuals may:
- Call the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office Warrants Division at 651-266-9320 during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Visit the public access terminals at the Ramsey County Courthouse to search court records
- Check the Minnesota Public Access Court Records system (known as MPA) for warrant information
It is important to note that while checking for warrants is free, resolving an active warrant typically involves court appearances and potentially posting bail, which may involve costs.
What Types of Warrants In Ramsey County
Ramsey County courts issue several distinct types of warrants, each serving a specific legal purpose within the criminal justice system. Understanding the differences between these warrant types is essential for individuals navigating the legal system.
The primary warrant types issued in Ramsey County include:
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Arrest Warrants: Issued when probable cause exists that an individual has committed a crime. These warrants authorize law enforcement to take the named person into custody.
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Bench Warrants: Issued directly by a judge when an individual fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing or violates court orders. These are commonly issued for:
- Failure to appear (FTA) at scheduled court dates
- Probation violations
- Failure to pay court-ordered fines or restitution
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Search Warrants: Authorize law enforcement to search specific locations for evidence related to criminal investigations, as outlined in Minnesota Statute § 626.08.
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Civil Warrants: Issued in non-criminal matters, such as:
- Child support enforcement
- Civil contempt proceedings
- Judgment enforcement
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No-Knock Warrants: Special search warrants that allow law enforcement to enter premises without prior notification. These are strictly regulated under Minnesota law and require specific judicial authorization.
Each warrant type follows distinct procedural requirements for issuance, execution, and resolution as established by Minnesota statutes and court rules.
What Warrants in Ramsey County Contain
Warrants issued in Ramsey County contain specific information as required by Minnesota Statute § 626.05, which establishes the mandatory elements of valid warrants. The content varies slightly depending on the warrant type, but all warrants must include certain fundamental components.
A typical Ramsey County warrant contains:
- Case Identification: Court case number and jurisdiction information
- Subject Information: Full legal name of the individual, date of birth, physical description, and last known address
- Legal Authority: Citation of the relevant Minnesota statutes authorizing the warrant
- Judicial Authorization: Name and signature of the issuing judge or judicial officer
- Date of Issuance: When the warrant was signed and became effective
- Offense Details: For arrest warrants, the specific criminal charges and statutory violations
- Bond Information: The bail amount, if applicable, and conditions for release
- Search Parameters: For search warrants, the specific location to be searched and items to be seized
Search warrants contain additional detailed information including:
- Precise description of the premises, vehicles, or persons to be searched
- Itemized list of property or evidence to be seized
- Time constraints for execution (typically within 10 days of issuance)
- Requirements for daytime or nighttime execution
All warrants must be supported by sworn affidavits establishing probable cause, though these supporting documents may not be attached to the publicly accessible warrant.
Who Issues Warrants In Ramsey County
In Ramsey County, the authority to issue warrants is vested exclusively in judicial officers as prescribed by Minnesota Statute § 626.06. This statutory provision limits warrant-issuing authority to specific judicial positions within the county's court system.
The following judicial officers have the authority to issue warrants in Ramsey County:
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District Court Judges: Full-time judges who preside over the Second Judicial District Court have comprehensive authority to issue all types of warrants.
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Judicial Magistrates: In limited circumstances, court-appointed magistrates may issue certain types of warrants, particularly in after-hours emergency situations.
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Referees: Court-appointed referees may issue warrants in specific case types where they have been granted judicial authority.
The warrant issuance process typically begins with a law enforcement officer or prosecutor presenting an affidavit establishing probable cause to the judicial officer. The judge then reviews the affidavit to determine if it meets the constitutional standard of probable cause before signing the warrant.
For search warrants specifically, the judge must find that the affidavit demonstrates:
- Probable cause that a crime has been committed
- Likelihood that specified evidence related to that crime will be found at the location to be searched
Ramsey County District Court
15 West Kellogg Boulevard
Saint Paul, MN 55102
651-266-8266
Ramsey County District Court
How To Find for Outstanding Warrants In Ramsey County
Individuals seeking information about outstanding warrants in Ramsey County can access this information through several official channels. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office maintains comprehensive records of active warrants and provides multiple methods for public access to this information.
To search for outstanding warrants in Ramsey County:
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Online Search: The most efficient method is using the Ramsey County warrant search tool, which provides real-time information on active warrants. Users must enter the individual's name and date of birth.
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In-Person Inquiry: Visit the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours:
Ramsey County Sheriff's Office Records Division
425 Grove Street
Saint Paul, MN 55101
651-266-9350
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM -
Telephone Inquiry: Contact the Warrants Division directly at 651-266-9320 during business hours.
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Court Records Search: Access the Minnesota Judicial Branch's public court records online or at public terminals at the courthouse.
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Adult Detention Center Roster: Check the Ramsey County Adult Detention Center Roster for information about individuals currently in custody, which may indicate an executed warrant.
When searching for warrant information, it is advisable to check multiple sources, as different databases may contain varying information depending on the warrant type and when it was issued.
How To Check Federal Warrants In Ramsey County
Federal warrants operate under a separate legal system from county or state warrants and follow different procedures for issuance and execution. These warrants are issued by federal judges or magistrates for violations of federal law and are executed by federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI, U.S. Marshals Service, or other federal agencies.
To check for federal warrants that may be active in Ramsey County:
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Contact the U.S. Marshals Service: The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency responsible for executing federal arrest warrants.
U.S. Marshals Service - District of Minnesota
U.S. Courthouse
300 South Fourth Street, Suite 1104
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-664-5900
U.S. Marshals Service -
Federal Court Records: Search the federal court's Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, which requires registration and may involve fees: PACER - Public Access to Court Electronic Records
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Federal Defender's Office: Consult with the Federal Defender's Office, which may be able to assist with determining if federal warrants exist:
Federal Defender's Office - District of Minnesota
300 South Fourth Street, Suite 107
Minneapolis, MN 55415
612-664-5858
Federal Defender Minnesota -
Private Attorney: Consult with an attorney who practices federal criminal law, as they have access to federal court records and can make appropriate inquiries.
It is important to note that unlike some county and state warrants, federal warrants are not typically searchable through public online databases due to security and law enforcement concerns. Information about federal warrants is generally more restricted than state or county warrants.
How Long Do Warrants Last In Ramsey County?
Warrants issued in Ramsey County remain active until they are executed, recalled by the court, or otherwise resolved through legal processes. Unlike some legal documents, warrants in Minnesota do not have an automatic expiration date or statute of limitations, as established by Minnesota case law and statutory provisions.
The duration of different warrant types follows these general principles:
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Arrest Warrants: Remain active indefinitely until the named individual is apprehended or the warrant is recalled by judicial order. This includes warrants for felonies, gross misdemeanors, and misdemeanors.
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Bench Warrants: Continue in effect until the subject appears before the court or the issuing judge recalls the warrant.
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Search Warrants: Under Minnesota Statute § 626.15, search warrants must be executed and returned within ten days after issuance. However, this refers to the execution timeframe, not the validity of the warrant itself.
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Civil Warrants: Typically remain active until the underlying civil matter is resolved or the warrant is specifically withdrawn by court order.
It is important to note that while warrants do not expire, the underlying charges may be subject to statutes of limitations that could affect prosecution once the warrant is executed. However, in many cases, the issuance of a warrant "tolls" (pauses) the statute of limitations period.
Individuals with long-standing warrants should be aware that these warrants remain in law enforcement databases indefinitely and can result in arrest many years after issuance.
How Long Does It Take To Get a Search Warrant In Ramsey County?
The timeframe for obtaining a search warrant in Ramsey County varies based on several factors, including case urgency, judicial availability, and the complexity of the investigation. Under normal circumstances, the process follows a structured timeline governed by Minnesota court procedures.
The typical search warrant process in Ramsey County includes:
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Preparation Phase: Law enforcement officers prepare an affidavit establishing probable cause, which typically takes 1-3 hours depending on case complexity.
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Judicial Review: Once submitted, a judge reviews the affidavit and supporting documentation. This review may take:
- 30 minutes to 2 hours during regular court hours
- 1-3 hours during non-business hours when on-call judges must be contacted
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Warrant Issuance: If probable cause is established, the judge signs the warrant immediately upon completion of review.
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Emergency Situations: In exigent circumstances involving imminent danger or risk of evidence destruction, expedited procedures allow for warrants to be obtained in as little as 1-2 hours through the on-call judge system.
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Electronic Warrants: Ramsey County utilizes electronic warrant systems that allow for faster processing in urgent situations, as authorized under Minnesota Statute § 626.09.
The entire process from initiation to issuance typically ranges from 2-6 hours for standard cases, though complex investigations may require additional time to prepare thorough documentation. In contrast, emergency situations with clear probable cause may result in warrant issuance in under 2 hours.
Once issued, search warrants must be executed within 10 days according to Minnesota Statute § 626.15.
Search Warrant Records in Ramsey County
Ramsey County District Court Records