Minnesota Warrant Search

Minnesota Warrant Search
What is a Minnesota Warrant Search?
How To Conduct a Warrant Search in Minnesota.
Are Minnesota Warrant Records Publicly Accessible?
How Are Warrants Issued in Minnesota?
Common Types of Warrants in Minnesota
How Long Are Warrants Valid in Minnesota?
How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Minnesota
FAQ

If you're looking to conduct a warrant search in Minnesota - checking on your own status or looking up information for someone else, it is important to know where to start and what to expect. These warrant searches generally reveal details like the type of warrant, when it was issued, and the issuing agency. As such, Minnesota offers several official resources to help you search safely and legally.

What is a Minnesota Warrant Search?

A warrant search is the process of checking to see if an individual has any outstanding legal warrants issued against them by the courts or law enforcement agencies. Judicial officials authorize these searches to help law enforcement officers take specific actions like arresting an individual, searching a location, or seizing an item. Be aware that Minnesota Warrant records are open to the public per state law; as such, interested parties can access these records by visiting local law enforcement, the sheriff's office, or County courthouses.

However, it is important to know that not all warrant records are considered open for interested parties. Such records are restricted, especially those involving juveniles, sealed cases, or certain sensitive investigations, which are protected to maintain privacy and uphold the rights of the individuals involved.

Keep in mind that interested parties will typically provide a full name, and in some cases, a date of birth, which helps to narrow down the results when conducting a warrant search. Likewise, many counties provide online databases where you can search for warrants by name, while others might request an in-person visit to the specific county sheriff's office.

How To Conduct a Warrant Search in Minnesota.

You can check for warrants in Minnesota in several ways:

Through Online portals: Be aware that Minnesota maintains warrant information at the county level. As such, some counties offer online search tools for public records, while others require in-person visits. Similarly, interested parties can access warrant information via the Minnesota Court Records Online portal.
Contacting local law enforcement, including Sheriff's offices and police departments, where the warrant was issued.
Using Third-party Services: Third-party websites, such as RecordsFinder, may offer warrant search services.

County Sheriff's Offices and Local Police Departments

Even though Minnesota does not have a statewide database for warrant information, some counties provide online services while others require an interested person to visit in person. Some counties in Minnesota, like the Hennepin County Sheriff's Office, the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office, Dakota County, and Anoka County, have their warrant information on their respective online platforms. This makes it easier for interested parties to access the desired warrant information. However, if you don't find information online, calling or visiting the local agency where the warrant was issued is usually your next best option.

Are Minnesota Warrant Records Publicly Accessible?

Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, warrant records are open to interested parties. This law ensures transparency of records, including warrant records, which are maintained by public agencies. To this end, interested parties may visit the local courthouse where the warrant was issued to access this information. Be aware that interested parties often need to provide their full name and date of birth to access warrant information. Likewise, some agencies may charge a small fee for printed records.

However, it is important to note that some records, such as warrants involving minors, sealed cases, mental health records, and ongoing investigations, are considered redacted. As such, interested parties cannot access these records.

How Are Warrants Issued in Minnesota?

Minnesota Statutes Chapter 626 and Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedures are the legal framework for the issuance and execution of warrants in the state. These allow law enforcement to effectively investigate and address criminal activity, as well as guarantee the protection of individual rights in the state. To this end, certain steps must be taken before a warrant is issued and executed. These include determination of probable cause, judicial authorization, and proper documentation.

Probable Cause Determination

Before a warrant is issued in Minnesota, law enforcement must show "probable cause", a reasonable basis to believe a crime has been committed by a certain individual in a specific location. This is usually done through an affidavit supported by evidence or witness statements, and other physical items collected during an investigation.

Issuance by a Judge or Magistrate

Once probable cause has been established, the next step involves obtaining approval for the warrant from an authorized judicial official. The law enforcement officer submits an affidavit to an authorized judge or magistrate, who will verify that all legal requirements have been met. If the evidence holds up, the judge signs the warrant. Be aware that in Minnesota, judges from district courts generally handle this process.

Entry into Law Enforcement Databases

Once issued, warrants are entered into local and national databases such as the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension(BCA) and Minnesota's Criminal Justice Data Communications Network (CJDN), which serve as a statewide repository for criminal justice information.

Note that information may also be entered into the national databases maintained by the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) - as such, warrant information may contain serious underlying offenses.

Note that full details of these databases are generally reserved for law enforcement use; some details may be made available to interested parties through law enforcement and court-provided online portals.

Common Types of Warrants in Minnesota

Here are several types of warrants issued in Minnesota, with each serving a distinct purpose. They include, but are not limited to:

Arrest Warrants: These allow law enforcement to apprehend and detain a person suspected of a crime. They're usually issued when charges are filed or if someone fails to show up in court after a summons.
Bench Warrants: These are issued by a judge when someone fails to follow court orders, such as missing a hearing or not paying fines. They are also known as "default warrants".
Search Warrants: These grant permission to the police to search specific locations for evidence. Officers need to specify what they're looking for and where, and they must act within a set timeframe (usually 10 days from issuance in Minnesota).
Capias Warrants: These warrants are less common but still used, typically in civil cases where someone fails to appear or respond to a court order (e.g., child support cases).
Governor's Warrants: These are issued to enable the extradition of a fugitive from another state.

Arrest Warrants in Minnesota

In Minnesota, an arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate that authorizes law enforcement officers to arrest an individual suspected of committing a crime. To obtain an arrest warrant, the law enforcement officer must submit an affidavit that proves that probable cause has been established before an authorized judge signs the warrant. Be aware that Arrest warrants typically remain active until they are executed or recalled by the issuing court.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is a type of arrest warrant issued by a judge (or "from the bench") typically when an individual fails to appear in court as scheduled. It is an important tool for ensuring that individuals comply with legal proceedings, particularly when they fail to meet court requirements such as appearing for hearings and trials, disregarding court orders, or probation check-ins. Like arrest warrants, a bench warrant in Minnesota remains active until the individual appears before the court or the warrant is recalled.

Search Warrants

Search warrants are legal documents that authorize law enforcement officers to search specific locations for evidence related to a criminal investigation. These records are grounded in the Fourth Amendment, which ensures that searches are conducted in a manner that respects individuals' privacy rights while supporting law enforcement. Keep in mind that search warrants must be executed and returned to the issuing court within ten days.

Capias Warrants

A capias warrant is a type of bench warrant typically issued by a judge when an individual fails to follow a direct order from the court. To this end, a capias warrant remains active until the defaulting individual is either apprehended, appears in court on their own will, or the warrant is recalled by the issuing court.

How Long Are Warrants Valid in Minnesota?

If a court in Minnesota issues a warrant for your arrest or for failing to appear in court, it won't go away with time. Most warrants, including arrests and bench warrants, do not expire and remain active until the warrant is executed or resolved by the issuing court. Nonetheless, search warrants are generally valid for up to ten days after being issued and must be returned to the issuing court before the expiration of this timeframe, alongside a report of the actions taken about the warrant.

Even though arrest warrants don't expire, the underlying criminal charges may be subject to a statute of limitations provided in Minnesota Statutes, Chapter 628.26. As such, an active warrant can remain valid forever, even if the alleged crime happened many years ago. Be aware that an indictment for murder in Minnesota has no statute of limitations.

How To Find Out If You Have a Warrant in Minnesota

If you're wondering how to check if you have an outstanding warrant in Minnesota, here are a few ways you can go about it:

Check court records: Many counties in Minnesota provide online databases where you can check for outstanding warrants. These are typically available through local law enforcement or court websites. Similarly, interested parties can access these records via the Minnesota Judicial Branch website. Interested parties may need to search by name and date of birth to check if any warrants are active in your name.
Contacting Local Law Enforcement: If you're unsure or want to verify information, you can always call or visit the local police station or sheriff's department. They can inform you about any active warrants in your name. However, be aware that if an active warrant exists, there is a possibility of immediate arrest upon in-person contact.
Third-Party Websites: Some third-party websites, such as RecordsFinder, also offer the ability to search for warrants in Minnesota. Be cautious when using these services and always cross-reference with an official source.
Consult with an attorney: When conducting a warrant search in Minnesota, it is generally advisable to consult an attorney. This often saves you from legal complications if the information obtained is unclear. Hiring an attorney can help determine whether you have an outstanding warrant and can also provide legal guidance on resolving any active warrants.

FAQ

Can Police Search Your Car Without a Warrant in Minnesota

Even though the Fourth Amendment protects individuals against unreasonable searches, Law enforcement can search your car without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe a crime is occurring or has been committed. These warrantless searches can only be conducted if you legally consent to it by a law enforcement officer, as the evidence of a crime is seen in plain view or observes contraband in your vehicle.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Search Warrant in Minnesota

In Minnesota, the time it takes to obtain a search warrant can vary depending on several factors, including the type of warrant being requested and the availability of the court. The process of obtaining a search warrant can typically take a few hours to a day, depending on the circumstances. This typically requires probable cause and must be supported by an affidavit (a sworn statement by law enforcement) explaining the facts and evidence that justify the search.

If the evidence is clear and an authorized judicial official is accessible, law enforcement can get a warrant in a matter of hours. However, the procedure may take several days for more complicated cases that call for a thorough evaluation of evidence.

Nonetheless, in situations where there is an immediate risk of evidence being destroyed or a danger to public safety, emergency search warrants can be issued by an authorized judicial officer within an hour.

What Happens After a Search Warrant Is Executed?

It is important to know that a warrant protects both the individual's rights and the law enforcement's ability to gather evidence, as both sides must follow the law. Therefore, the execution of such search warrants in Minnesota generally involves law enforcement officers entering a location and conducting a search for items detailed in the warrant.

Items collected during the search are to be properly documented, and a copy of the inventory is given to the occupant of the premises or left in a noticeable spot if the occupant is not present.

Be aware that if the occupant is present, they have the legal right to see the search warrant and verify whether it is valid or not. Likewise, they have the right to legal action if the search warrant was improperly obtained.

Similarly, the law enforcement officer who executed the warrant must return it to the issuing court after the search is completed. This involves filing the original warrant alongside a detailed report of how and when it was executed and a list of items that were seized.