Carver County Criminal Records
What Is Carver County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Carver County, Minnesota encompass official documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records serve as a comprehensive history of a person's criminal activity as documented by law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities operating within Carver County.
Criminal records typically include several distinct categories of information:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Carver County Sheriff's Office or local police departments
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in the Carver County District Court
- Correctional Records: Information regarding incarceration, probation, or parole status
- Criminal History: Comprehensive compilation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system
It is important to distinguish between different types of criminal records:
- Arrest vs. Conviction Records: An arrest record documents that a person was taken into custody but does not indicate guilt. Conviction records confirm that a person was found guilty of a criminal offense.
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor Records: Felonies are more serious crimes punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year, while misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically punishable by less than one year of incarceration.
- Adult vs. Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 18 are generally sealed and subject to stricter confidentiality protections under Minnesota Statute § 260B.171.
- Active Warrants vs. Historical Records: Active warrants indicate current orders for arrest, while historical records document past criminal justice interactions.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Carver County:
Carver County Sheriff's Office
606 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1231
Carver County Sheriff's Office
Carver County District Court
Carver County Justice Center
604 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1420
Carver County District Court
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-7000
Minnesota BCA
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.82, criminal records are classified as government data and their accessibility is regulated by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
Are Criminal Records Public In Carver County
Criminal records in Carver County are generally considered public information under Minnesota law, with specific exceptions. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, specifically Minnesota Statute § 13.82, establishes that most criminal justice data is presumptively public. This statute states:
"The following data created or collected by law enforcement agencies which document any actions taken by them to cite, arrest, incarcerate or otherwise substantially deprive an adult individual of liberty shall be public at all times in the originating agency."
Public criminal records in Carver County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
- Active warrants
However, certain criminal records are restricted from public access or have limited availability:
- Ongoing criminal investigations (classified as confidential under Minnesota Statute § 13.82, Subd. 7)
- Juvenile records (protected under Minnesota Statute § 260B.171)
- Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
- Certain victim information
- Records that would compromise public safety if released
- Records that would interfere with an active prosecution
The Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch further govern the accessibility of court records, including criminal cases. These rules establish a presumption of public access while protecting certain sensitive information.
Law enforcement agencies and courts in Carver County must balance the public's right to access government information with privacy protections and the integrity of the criminal justice system. Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while most records are accessible, certain limitations and restrictions apply based on the nature of the information and applicable state laws.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Carver County in 2026
Members of the public may access criminal records in Carver County through several established methods. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests at the Carver County District Court:
- Visit the Carver County Justice Center during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
- Complete a record request form available at the court administrator's office.
- Provide specific information about the case or individual, including full name and date of birth when possible.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for copies of documents (currently $10 for the first page and $5 for each additional page).
Carver County District Court
Carver County Justice Center
604 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1420
Carver County District Court
Through the Carver County Sheriff's Office:
- Visit the Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).
- Complete a public information request form.
- Provide specific information about the incident or individual.
- Pay applicable fees for copies of reports or records.
Carver County Sheriff's Office
606 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1231
Carver County Sheriff's Office
By Mail:
- Submit a written request to the appropriate agency (court or sheriff's office).
- Include specific information about the case or individual.
- Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Include payment for applicable fees (check or money order).
Through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension:
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request a background check through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
- Complete a Consent for Release of Information form.
- Include a fingerprint card if requesting a full background check.
- Submit the required fee (currently $15 for public records).
- Mail or deliver in person to the BCA office.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
(651) 793-7000
Minnesota BCA
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.87, criminal history data maintained by the BCA is accessible to the public with certain restrictions.
How To Find Criminal Records in Carver County Online?
Carver County residents and interested parties may access criminal records through several online portals maintained by state and county agencies. These digital resources provide convenient access to public criminal justice information without requiring in-person visits to government offices.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO):
The primary resource for accessing Carver County court records is the Minnesota Court Records Online system. This portal provides access to:
- Criminal case records
- Case summaries
- Register of actions
- Some court documents
Users may search by:
- Party name
- Case number
- Citation number
No registration is required for basic searches, though creating an account provides access to additional features and document viewing capabilities.
Carver County Sheriff's Office Jail Roster:
The Carver County Sheriff's Office maintains an online jail roster that is updated regularly. This resource provides:
- Current inmate information
- Booking photos
- Charges
- Bond information
- Court dates
The jail roster can be accessed through the Carver County Sheriff's Office website.
Minnesota Public Criminal History Search:
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension offers an online public criminal history search that includes Carver County records. This system provides:
- Conviction data
- Name and date of birth
- Offense information
- Case disposition
Users must pay a fee of $8.00 per search and can access the system through the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search.
Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry:
Information about registered sex offenders in Carver County can be accessed through the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry. This database allows searches by:
- Name
- Zip code
- County
The registry is maintained by the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
When using these online resources, users should note that:
- Not all criminal records are available online
- Some records may require in-person requests
- Certain information may be redacted for privacy or security reasons
- Records may not be immediately updated following court proceedings
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.03, government entities must provide reasonable access to public government data, including through electronic means when feasible.
Can You Search Carver County Criminal Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Carver County criminal records at no cost through several channels. Minnesota law, specifically Minnesota Statute § 13.03, Subdivision 3, establishes that "The responsible authority in every government entity shall provide for the inspection of public government data at reasonable times and places without charge."
Free In-Person Inspection:
The following locations offer free inspection of criminal records during regular business hours:
Carver County District Court
Carver County Justice Center
604 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1420
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Carver County District Court
Carver County Sheriff's Office
606 East 4th Street
Chaska, MN 55318
(952) 361-1231
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Carver County Sheriff's Office
While inspection is free, fees may apply for copies of documents. The current fee schedule includes:
- Court documents: $10 for the first page, $5 for each additional page
- Sheriff's Office reports: $0.25 per page
Free Online Resources:
Several online portals provide free access to criminal record information:
-
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - Basic Access
- Free basic case search functionality
- Access to case summaries and register of actions
- Available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch website
-
Carver County Jail Roster
- Free access to current inmate information
- Updated daily
- Available through the Carver County Sheriff's Office website
-
Minnesota Public Access Court Records (PA-CIS)
- Free access to case information at public terminals
- Located at the Carver County Justice Center
- More comprehensive than online access
It is important to note that while basic record searches are often free, fees may apply for:
- Certified copies of documents
- Background checks through the Minnesota BCA ($15)
- Extensive record searches requiring staff time
- Access to certain documents through MCRO premium services
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 13.03, Subdivision 3, government entities may charge for copies of records but must not charge for inspection unless specifically authorized by law.
What's Included in a Carver County Criminal Record?
Criminal records maintained by Carver County agencies contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot/booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Incident report number
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statutory citations
- Classification of offenses (felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor)
- Plea entered
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Judge assigned to the case
- Court appearance dates
- Pre-trial motions and rulings
Disposition Information:
- Verdict or outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration length
- Probation terms
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution ordered
- Special conditions (treatment programs, community service)
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and conditions
- Completion or violation of sentence terms
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges
- Probation/parole violations
- Criminal history score used for sentencing
The comprehensiveness of criminal records may vary based on the age of the record, the maintaining agency, and the nature of the offense. Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 609A.03, certain records may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances, making them inaccessible through standard record searches.
Criminal records in Carver County are maintained in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and relevant court rules regarding record retention and public access.
How Long Does Carver County Keep Criminal Records?
Carver County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by Minnesota state law and administrative policies. The duration for which different types of criminal records are retained varies based on the nature of the document, the severity of the offense, and the outcome of the case.
Court Records Retention:
The Minnesota Judicial Branch, including the Carver County District Court, follows the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for court documents. Key retention periods include:
-
Felony Case Files:
- Murder cases: Permanent retention
- Other felonies: 50 years after case closure
- Appeals: Permanent retention
-
Gross Misdemeanor Case Files:
- DWI cases: 25 years after case closure
- Other gross misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
-
Misdemeanor Case Files:
- DWI cases: 25 years after case closure
- Other misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
-
Court Indexes and Registers:
- Permanent retention for all case types
Law Enforcement Records Retention:
The Carver County Sheriff's Office maintains records according to schedules established under Minnesota Statute § 138.17, which governs government records management. Typical retention periods include:
-
Arrest Records:
- Adult felony arrests: 25 years
- Adult misdemeanor arrests: 10 years
- Juvenile arrests: Until age 19 or 2 years after arrest, whichever is longer
-
Investigation Files:
- Homicide cases: Permanent retention
- Felony cases with convictions: 25 years
- Felony cases without convictions: 10 years
- Misdemeanor cases: 5 years
-
Jail Records:
- Booking information: 10 years
- Inmate medical records: 7 years
- Jail logs: 3 years
Criminal History Records:
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains criminal history records according to the following schedule:
- Conviction Data: Maintained indefinitely unless expunged by court order
- Non-conviction Data: Generally maintained for 15 years
- Juvenile Records: Generally sealed when the individual reaches age 18, with exceptions for certain serious offenses
It is important to note that even after the official retention period has expired, information about criminal cases may still exist in various databases, news archives, and private background check services. Additionally, pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 609A.02, certain records may be eligible for expungement under specific circumstances, which would remove them from public access before the standard retention period expires.
The Minnesota Records Disposition Panel periodically reviews and updates retention schedules for government records, including criminal justice records, which may result in changes to the retention periods listed above.