Carver County Court Records

What Is Carver County Court Records

Court records in Carver County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and are maintained pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.03, which governs public access to government data. Court records typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
• Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
• Sentencing information in criminal matters
• Marriage dissolution decrees and custody determinations
• Probate filings and estate settlements

Court records differ from other public records such as vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates) and property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), which are maintained by different government entities. The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains specific guidelines for court record access and retention.

In Carver County, court records are maintained by several courts within the judicial system:

• Carver County District Court (handling felonies, civil matters over $15,000, family law)
• Conciliation Court (small claims under $15,000)
• Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
• Juvenile Court (delinquency and child protection matters)

These records document proceedings across civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic matters, providing an official account of judicial actions and decisions within the county.

Are Court Records Public In Carver County

Court records in Carver County are generally public under Minnesota law. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act establishes the presumption that government data, including court records, are public unless specifically classified otherwise by state statute or federal law. Additionally, the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch specifically govern access to court records.

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.03, subdivision 1, "all government data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated by a government entity shall be public unless classified by statute, or temporary classification pursuant to section 13.06, or federal law, as nonpublic or protected nonpublic, or with respect to data on individuals, as private or confidential."

The following court records are typically accessible to the public:

• Most civil case files
• Criminal case files (post-charging)
• Judgments and orders
• Docket sheets
• Hearing schedules
• Property records related to court cases

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed, including:

• Juvenile proceedings (with exceptions)
• Adoption records
• Mental health commitment proceedings
• Certain family court matters involving child custody evaluations
• Records sealed by judicial order
• Grand jury proceedings
• Domestic abuse and harassment restraining order cases (certain information)

It's important to note that federal court records (for cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota) are governed by different access rules than state court records, though both generally maintain a presumption of public access.

How To Find Court Records in Carver County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Carver County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides multiple pathways for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

• Visit the Carver County Court Administration office during regular business hours
• Complete a record request form specifying the case number or party names
• Present valid identification if requesting non-confidential records
• Pay applicable copy fees ($10 for the first page, $5 for each additional page for certified copies)

By Mail:

• Submit a written request to the Carver County Court Administration
• Include case information, specific documents needed, and contact information
• Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment for copy fees
• Allow 5-10 business days for processing

Online Access:

• Utilize the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal
• Register for an account if requesting documents (viewing case information requires no registration)
• Search by case number, party name, or attorney
• Pay applicable online access fees ($8 per document download)

For Criminal Records:

• Access the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search provided by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
• Pay the required fee ($8 per name search)
• Receive only publicly available conviction data

For Specialized Records:

• Contact the specific court division handling the matter (Family, Probate, Housing)
• Submit targeted requests to the appropriate clerk's office
• Follow division-specific protocols for record retrieval

When requesting records, individuals should provide as much identifying information as possible, including full names of parties, approximate case dates, and case numbers if available. Pursuant to Minnesota Court Rules, certain confidential information may be redacted from publicly available documents.

How To Look Up Court Records in Carver County Online?

Carver County court records can be accessed through several online portals maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. These systems provide varying levels of access to court documents and case information:

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) This comprehensive portal allows users to search and view register of actions, calendars, and download public court documents.

1. Navigate to the MCRO website
2. Select "Search Court Records" for basic case information (no login required)
3. For document access, create an account and log in
4. Search by case number, party name, or citation number
5. Pay applicable fees for document downloads ($8 per document)
6. View or download available documents

Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Remote This system provides access to case records without document downloads.

1. Visit the MPA Remote site
2. Select Carver County from the dropdown menu
3. Search by case number, party name, or attorney
4. View register of actions, scheduled hearings, and judgment information
5. Note that document downloads are not available through this system

eFile and eServe Minnesota (eFS) For attorneys and registered users:

1. Access the eFS system
2. Log in with credentials
3. Search cases where the user is a registered party
4. View and download documents for cases where the user is a participant

Criminal History Search For public criminal conviction records:

1. Visit the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search
2. Create an account or log in
3. Enter subject name and date of birth (if known)
4. Pay the required fee ($8 per name search)
5. View publicly available conviction data

When using these online systems, users should note that:

• Not all court records are available electronically
• Certain case types (juvenile, adoption, etc.) have restricted access
• Document availability varies by case age and type
• Technical limitations may affect search functionality

The Minnesota Judicial Branch continues to expand online access capabilities while balancing privacy concerns and statutory requirements regarding court record access.

How To Search Carver County Court Records for Free?

Minnesota law provides for free public inspection of court records pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.03, subdivision 3, which states that "a person shall be permitted to inspect and copy public government data at reasonable times and places." Several options exist for accessing Carver County court records without payment:

In-Person Inspection at the Courthouse

• Visit the Carver County Court Administration office during business hours
• Request to view specific case files using public access terminals
• No fee is charged for viewing records on-site
• Bring case numbers or party names to facilitate searches

Carver County Court Administration
Justice Center
604 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1420
Carver County District Court

Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Court Records

• Access the MPA site from any internet connection
• Search case records by party name, case number, or attorney
• View register of actions and case summaries at no cost
• Note that document downloads are not available through this free service

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - Limited Free Access

• Visit the MCRO portal
• Search case information and view register of actions without charge
• Access court calendars and hearing schedules at no cost
• Document downloads require payment ($8 per document)

Law Libraries

• Visit the Carver County Law Library located in the courthouse
• Access specialized legal research tools and assistance
• Use public terminals for court record searches
• Receive guidance from law library staff on navigating court records

Carver County Law Library
Justice Center, 2nd Floor
604 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1564

When utilizing free search options, members of the public should be aware that:

• Copy fees still apply if printed copies are requested ($0.25 per page)
• Certified copies always require payment ($10 for first page, $5 for each additional)
• Complex searches may be more efficient with staff assistance
• Some older records may not be available electronically and require in-person requests

What's Included in a Carver County Court Record?

Carver County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, court records typically include:

Civil Case Records:

• Complaint or petition initiating the action
• Summons and proof of service
• Answers and responsive pleadings
• Motions and supporting memoranda
• Affidavits and declarations
• Court orders and judgments
• Hearing and trial transcripts (when prepared)
• Exhibits admitted into evidence
• Settlement agreements (if filed with the court)
• Appeal documentation

Criminal Case Records:

• Charging documents (complaints, indictments)
• Arrest warrants and returns
• Bail and bond information
• Plea agreements
• Pre-trial motions and orders
• Trial exhibits and evidence summaries
• Sentencing information
• Probation reports (non-confidential portions)
• Criminal history information used in sentencing
• Appeal documentation

Family Court Records:

• Petitions for dissolution or legal separation
• Parenting plans and custody agreements
• Child support worksheets and orders
• Financial disclosures (with certain private information redacted)
• Domestic abuse protective orders
• Paternity determinations
• Adoption records (largely confidential)
• Guardian ad litem reports (may be confidential)

Probate Records:

• Wills and codicils
• Petitions for probate or administration
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Accountings of estate administration
• Orders of distribution
• Guardianship and conservatorship documents
• Trust administration records

Case Register of Actions:

• Chronological listing of all case events
• Filing dates of all documents
• Hearing dates and outcomes
• Identity of assigned judge(s)
• Names of attorneys or representatives
• Notation of judgments entered

Court records may also contain administrative documents such as notices of appearance, certificates of representation, and court reporter logs. Certain sensitive information is typically redacted from public court records, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain identifying information for minors.

How Long Does Carver County Keep Court Records?

Carver County follows the Minnesota Judicial Branch's records retention schedule, which establishes standardized timeframes for maintaining court records. These retention periods are governed by the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for District Courts and vary by document type and case category:

Criminal Case Records:

• Felony cases: 50 years after case closure
• Gross misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
• Misdemeanors: 3-10 years depending on offense type
• Petty misdemeanors: 3 years after case closure
• Search warrants: 10 years after execution
• Expunged records: Sealed or destroyed as directed by court order

Civil Case Records:

• General civil litigation: 10 years after entry of judgment
• Personal injury: 20 years after entry of judgment
• Contract disputes: 10 years after case closure
• Property disputes: 10 years after case closure
• Civil commitments: 10 years after discharge or dismissal
• Conciliation (small claims): 10 years after judgment

Family Court Records:

• Dissolution of marriage: Permanent
• Child custody determinations: Permanent
• Child support orders: Until youngest child reaches age 28
• Domestic abuse proceedings: 10 years after expiration of order
• Paternity actions: Permanent
• Adoption records: Permanent (with restricted access)

Probate Records:

• Formal probate proceedings: Permanent
• Informal probate: Permanent
• Guardianships/Conservatorships: 10 years after termination
• Trusts: 10 years after trust termination

Court Administrative Records:

• Court calendars: 3 years
• Indexes: Permanent
• Registers of actions: Permanent
• Jury records: 4 years
• Court reporter notes: 10 years (if transcribed), 20 years (if not)

Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 138.17, records may not be destroyed except in accordance with approved retention schedules. The State Court Administrator's Office oversees compliance with these retention requirements. Certain historically significant cases may be preserved permanently regardless of standard retention periods.

Digital records are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records. As the Minnesota Judicial Branch continues its transition to electronic records management, preservation strategies for digital records are continuously updated to ensure long-term accessibility.

Types of Courts In Carver County

Carver County's court system operates within Minnesota's unified judicial structure, with courts organized by jurisdiction and case type. The following courts serve Carver County residents:

Carver County District Court
Justice Center
604 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1420
Carver County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

The District Court handles felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $15,000, family law proceedings, juvenile cases, probate matters, and appeals from lower courts. Judges in this court are elected to six-year terms.

Carver County Conciliation Court (Small Claims)
Justice Center
604 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1420
Carver County Conciliation Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Conciliation Court handles civil claims not exceeding $15,000. These proceedings are less formal than District Court, with simplified procedures designed for self-represented litigants.

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

The Court of Appeals reviews cases appealed from District Court decisions. This intermediate appellate court has statewide jurisdiction and typically hears cases in three-judge panels.

Minnesota Supreme Court
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 297-7650
Minnesota Supreme Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

As the state's highest court, the Minnesota Supreme Court has discretionary review authority over Court of Appeals decisions and mandatory review of certain cases, including first-degree murder convictions and attorney discipline matters.

The court hierarchy in Minnesota follows this progression: District Court → Court of Appeals → Supreme Court. Federal cases arising in Carver County are handled by the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, with appeals going to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals and potentially to the U.S. Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Carver County Courts Hear?

Carver County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters according to jurisdictional authority established by Minnesota law. The types of cases heard by each court include:

Carver County District Court

• Felony criminal prosecutions (murder, assault, theft over $5,000)
• Gross misdemeanors (DWI, theft $500-$5,000)
• Misdemeanors (simple assault, theft under $500)
• Civil litigation exceeding $15,000
• Real property disputes (foreclosures, quiet title actions)
• Personal injury and tort claims
• Contract disputes and business litigation
• Family law matters:
  • Divorce/dissolution of marriage
  • Child custody and parenting time
  • Child support and spousal maintenance
  • Domestic abuse orders for protection
• Probate proceedings:
  • Will validation
  • Estate administration
  • Guardianships and conservatorships
• Juvenile matters:
  • Delinquency proceedings
  • Child protection cases
  • Truancy and runaway cases
• Mental health commitments
• Implied consent hearings (DWI license revocations)
• Appeals from conciliation court judgments

Carver County Conciliation Court (Small Claims)

• Civil claims not exceeding $15,000
• Consumer disputes
• Landlord-tenant security deposit claims
• Minor property damage cases
• Breach of contract involving limited amounts
• Collection matters under the jurisdictional limit
• Mechanics' lien disputes under $15,000

Minnesota Court of Appeals

• Appeals from final decisions of the District Court
• Challenges to administrative agency decisions
• Original actions in extraordinary writ proceedings
• Certiorari review of quasi-judicial decisions

Minnesota Supreme Court

• Discretionary review of Court of Appeals decisions
• Mandatory review of first-degree murder convictions
• Attorney discipline proceedings
• Original actions in extraordinary writ proceedings
• Constitutional questions of statewide significance

The distribution of case types ensures that matters are heard by courts with appropriate expertise and resources. Minor offenses and small civil disputes receive expedited processing in specialized venues, while more complex litigation proceeds through the District Court's comprehensive procedures. This tiered approach promotes efficient judicial administration while ensuring due process for all parties.

How To Find a Court Docket In Carver County

Court dockets in Carver County provide a chronological listing of scheduled hearings, filings, and case events. Members of the public can access docket information through several methods:

Online Access:

1. Visit the Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Remote website
2. Select "Carver County" from the county dropdown menu
3. Search by case number, party name, or attorney
4. View the register of actions showing all docket entries
5. Access hearing schedules and calendar information

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO):

1. Navigate to the MCRO portal
2. Select "Search Court Records" option
3. Enter search criteria (case number or party name)
4. View docket information and scheduled hearings
5. Access document images (fees apply for downloads)

In-Person at the Courthouse:

• Visit the Carver County Court Administration office
• Request docket information at the public service counter
• Use public access terminals to search case records
• Review daily court calendars posted in the courthouse

Carver County Court Administration
Justice Center
604 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1420
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

By Telephone:

• Contact Court Administration at (952) 361-1420
• Provide case number or party names
• Request basic docket information and hearing dates
• Note that detailed information may require in-person or online access

For Criminal Cases:

• Access the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension website
• Search public criminal history records ($8 fee per search)
• View conviction data and case status information

When searching for docket information, users should note that:

• Case numbering follows a standard format (e.g., 10-CV-22-123 for civil cases)
• Party names should be searched last name first
• Some older cases may have limited online information
• Confidential cases (juvenile, adoption) have restricted docket access
• Court calendars are typically published one week in advance

Pursuant to Minnesota Court Rules, docket information is generally public record, though access to specific documents referenced in the docket may be restricted based on case type and content.

Which Courts in Carver County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Minnesota judicial system, a "court of record" is defined as a court where proceedings are documented by an official court reporter or recording system, creating a verbatim transcript that can be used for appeals. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 484.01, District Courts are established as courts of record. By contrast, courts not of record typically do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings, limiting the basis for appeals to questions of law rather than factual determinations.

In Carver County, the following court operates as a court not of record:

Carver County Conciliation Court (Small Claims)

Conciliation Court proceedings are governed by Minnesota Statute § 491A.02, which establishes these venues as simplified forums for resolving minor civil disputes. Key characteristics of this non-record court include:

• No court reporter or electronic recording of proceedings
• Informal rules of evidence and procedure
• Limited documentation of testimony and arguments
• Decisions documented by written order only
• Appeals proceed as trials de novo (new trials) in District Court
• No transcript available to reviewing courts

The practical implications of Conciliation Court's status as a non-record court include:

• Appeals must be based on the written order rather than a transcript
• The District Court conducts a completely new hearing when appeals occur
• Parties must preserve their own notes of proceedings
• Judicial officers may rely on written submissions more heavily
• Precedential value of decisions is limited

All other courts serving Carver County residents are courts of record, including:

• Carver County District Court
• Minnesota Court of Appeals
• Minnesota Supreme Court

These courts maintain official records of all proceedings, either through court reporters or digital recording systems, creating verbatim transcripts that form the basis for appellate review. The distinction between record and non-record courts significantly impacts procedural rights and the appellate process available to litigants.

Lookup Court Records in Carver County