Criminal records in Hennepin County, Minnesota, can be accessed through several channels, including online tools, official court systems, law enforcement agencies, and the clerk's office. HennepinCourt.us can help find publicly available criminal case information. The Hennepin County District Court, part of Minnesota's Fourth Judicial District, maintains case records that the public can search online or request in person. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) also serve as access points for arrest and criminal history data.
How to Search Criminal Records in Hennepin
There are several ways to look up criminal records in Hennepin County. What you need to get started depends on the method you choose, but having the person's full legal name, date of birth, or a case number will make any search more productive.
Online Search
- HennepinCourt.us — Search for publicly available court record information related to criminal cases filed in Hennepin County.
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) — The statewide portal maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. MCRO provides online access to many public district court records, including criminal cases. You can search by party name or case number. Note that the Judicial Branch does not certify MCRO results, and some records may be restricted from public view.
- Hennepin County Jail Roster — View current inmates held at the Hennepin County Jail. This roster is published under Minnesota Statute 641.05 and includes booking information.
- Minnesota Department of Corrections Offender Search — Look up individuals under state correctional supervision or on the fugitive list.
In Person
Visit the Hennepin County District Court Records Center in Minneapolis. Public access terminals are available for searching case information. Staff can assist with locating records and ordering copies.
By Mail or Written Request
- Send a written request to the Records Center at the address above. Include the defendant's full name, date of birth (if known), case number (if available), and the specific documents you need.
- For a statewide criminal history check, submit a request to the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA maintains the state's official criminal history repository and processes background checks for individuals and authorized agencies.
Arrest Records
Arrest records from the Minneapolis Police Department can be requested separately. The City of Minneapolis Police Reports & Data Requests page explains how to obtain adult arrest records directly from the department.
Search Hennepin Criminal Cases by Case Number
If you already have a case number, searching is straightforward. Minnesota uses a standardized case number format across all district courts:
- Format:
27-CR-YY-XXXXX - 27 — The county code for Hennepin County
- CR — The case type code. "CR" indicates a criminal case. Other codes include "TR" for traffic and "VB" for violations.
- YY — The two-digit year the case was filed
- XXXXX — A sequential number assigned to the case
Enter the full case number into MCRO or provide it to the Records Center when requesting documents. Searching by case number returns the most precise results and avoids confusion when common names are involved.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Hennepin
Criminal case records in Hennepin County contain several key data points. Here is what each one means:
Charges
| Element | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Statute code | The specific Minnesota statute section the defendant is alleged to have violated (e.g., Minn. Stat. § 609.52 for theft) |
| Severity level | Felony, gross misdemeanor, misdemeanor, or petty misdemeanor — determines potential penalties and court procedures |
| Amended charges | Charges may be changed through plea negotiations or prosecutorial discretion; the amended charge replaces or modifies the original |
| Count number | Cases with multiple charges list each as a separate count |
Case Status
- Pending — The case is open and proceedings are ongoing
- Active — The case has activity, such as scheduled hearings or outstanding obligations
- Disposed — All charges have been resolved (by verdict, plea, or dismissal)
- Closed — The case is fully concluded, including any post-disposition requirements
Hearing Types
- First appearance / Arraignment — The defendant is formally advised of charges and enters an initial plea
- Omnibus (pre-trial) hearing — Evidentiary and legal issues are argued before trial; Minnesota uses the term "omnibus" for this stage
- Trial — Jury or bench trial where evidence is presented
- Sentencing — The court imposes penalties after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review hearing — A follow-up hearing to monitor probation compliance or other conditions
Court Results
- Guilty — Convicted by plea or verdict
- Not guilty — Acquitted at trial
- Dismissed — Charges dropped by the court or prosecution
- Stay of adjudication — The court delays entering a conviction, often conditioned on completing probation; if conditions are met, the charge may be dismissed
- Continued without prosecution (CWOP) — The case is held open without active prosecution for a set period
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Hennepin
Certified copies carry an official court seal and are accepted for legal, employment, and licensing purposes. The Hennepin County District Court Records Center handles these requests.
How to Submit a Request
- Online — Check the Records Center page for current online ordering options and instructions.
- In person — Visit the Records Center at the Hennepin County Government Center in Minneapolis. Bring a valid photo ID.
- By mail — Send a written request to the Records Center. Include the case number, defendant's name, the specific documents needed, and a return address. Enclose payment for applicable fees.
What You Need
- Full name of the individual on the record
- Case number (strongly recommended)
- Valid government-issued photo ID for in-person requests
- For juvenile records, a completed Affidavit for Access to Juvenile Court Record form is required — juvenile records are not publicly accessible without court authorization
Statewide Criminal History
For an official criminal history report covering all Minnesota jurisdictions, contact the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA processes individual background checks and provides certified criminal history reports. Requests can be submitted online through the BCA's website or by mail.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Hennepin
Fees for Hennepin County court records are set by the Minnesota Judicial Branch and may be updated periodically. Check the Hennepin County District Court website for the current fee schedule.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Certification fee (per document) | $10.00 |
| MCRO online search | Free for basic case information; fees may apply for document downloads |
| BCA criminal history check (individual) | $15.00 |
Fees are based on the Minnesota Judicial Branch fee schedule and BCA published rates. Verify current amounts before submitting payment, as fees are subject to change.
Processing Times
- In-person requests — Often fulfilled the same day or within one to two business days, depending on the volume of requests and the age of the records
- Mail requests — Typically processed within five to ten business days after receipt, plus mailing time
- Online (MCRO) — Immediate for available case information; document orders may take additional time
- BCA background checks — Processing times vary; online submissions are generally faster than mail requests
Older or archived records may take longer to retrieve. If you need records urgently, visiting the Records Center in person is usually the fastest option.