Criminal records in Stearns County, Minnesota, are available through several channels. StearnsCourt.us allows quick access to public information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official online court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the district court clerk's office. Below are step-by-step instructions on searching, types of available information, and the procedure for requesting certified copies of criminal records.
How to Search Criminal Records in Stearns
There are several ways to find criminal records in this county. Each is suitable for different situations — from a quick online check to obtaining official documents by mail.
Online Search
- StearnsCourt.us — enter the full name of the person to view publicly available information about court cases in Stearns County.
- Criminal Case Information Search — a tool from the Stearns County Attorney's Office. Contains information about adult criminal cases filed by the county attorney. The database is updated several times a day, but results may differ from current court records.
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) — a statewide portal providing access to district court records across Minnesota. To search, you need to know the party's name or case number. Select Stearns from the list of counties to narrow the results.
- Jail Roster — shows only adults currently in custody at the county jail. Arrest does not imply guilt.
- Past Inmate Search — archive for the past seven years. Displays individuals previously held in the county jail.
- Warrant Search — list of outstanding warrants. To report the location of a wanted person, call 320-259-3955 during business hours or 320-251-4240 after hours.
In-Person Visit
The Stearns County Courthouse houses public access terminals (MPA Courthouse) where you can view court case records from across the state. The range of documents on the terminals may be broader than what is available through MCRO online. The court clerk's office can also help find older records stored in the county court archives.
Mail Request
A written request for a criminal history can be sent to the district court clerk's office at the address above. For a statewide criminal history check, contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). Include the person's full name, date of birth, and case number, if known.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Court case number (if known)
Search Stearns Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each criminal case in Minnesota has a standardized number. The format looks like this:
73-CR-25-12345
- 73 — Stearns County code in the Minnesota court system.
- CR — case type. CR stands for Criminal. Other codes: TR (traffic violations), CV (civil cases).
- 25 — year the case was filed (2025).
- 12345 — sequential case number within that year.
With the full number, enter it in the search field of MCRO or Criminal Case Information Search on the county website. Searching by number provides an exact result without the need to filter out individuals with the same name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Stearns
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific paragraph of the Minnesota Statutes under which charges are brought |
| Severity Level | Felony, Gross Misdemeanor, Misdemeanor, Petty Misdemeanor |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or reduce charges during the case — this is reflected as an amended charge |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, proceedings are ongoing.
- Active — the case is active, hearings are scheduled, or sentence conditions are being fulfilled.
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision.
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed.
Hearings
Typical stages of criminal proceedings in district court:
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where the defendant learns about the charges and enters a plea.
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed (usually for felonies).
- Pre-Trial — parties discuss agreements, file motions.
- Trial — substantive court hearing.
- Sentencing — imposing a penalty after a guilty plea.
- Review — checking compliance with sentence conditions or probation.
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The defendant is acquitted |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict |
| Acquitted | Complete acquittal after substantive review |
| Continued for Dismissal | The case is postponed with the possibility of dismissal upon meeting certain requirements |
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Stearns
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal, accepted by other institutions as evidence. Uncertified copies obtained through online portals do not have this status.
Where to Apply
The Stearns County District Court clerk's office issues certified copies of court decisions, indictments, and other criminal case documents.
Ways to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the court clerk's office during business hours. Bring a photo ID.
- By Mail — send a written request including the full name, case number (if known), and contact information. Include payment in the form of a check or money order.
For a statewide criminal history, contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA processes criminal background check requests for both individuals and employers.
The county sheriff's office records division assists with searching for incident and accident reports but does not issue certified court documents — these must be obtained from the court clerk's office.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Stearns
Fees for copies of court documents in Minnesota are regulated according to Minnesota Statutes and local court rules. Below are approximate rates.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.25 |
| Document certification | $10.00 per document |
| Criminal history search through BCA | Depends on the type of check; contact BCA for current rates |
Processing Times
Requests submitted in person are often processed the same day — provided the document is available in the electronic system. Mail requests usually take 5 to 10 business days. Older cases stored only in paper archives may take longer to locate.
Confirm current fees and processing times directly with the court clerk's office at (320) 656-3620, as rates may change.