Blue Earth County Public Records / Blue Earth County Arrest Records

Blue Earth County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Blue Earth County

Arrest records in Blue Earth County are considered public information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, specifically Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which classifies law enforcement data. Pursuant to this statute, most arrest data is presumptively public, allowing citizens to access information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county.

The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act establishes that arrest data, including the fact of an arrest, the time, date, and location of the arrest, and the name, age, and address of the arrestee, are public information. However, it is important for requestors to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement on suspicion of criminal activity, while a conviction record indicates that the individual was found guilty of a crime through the judicial process.

Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, the following arrest data is public:

The name, age, sex, and last known address of an adult arrestee
The time, date, and place of the arrest
The arrest charge, citation, or circumstances surrounding the arrest
The identities of the agencies and individual officers involved
Information about booking into a detention facility
The legal basis for the arrest, including physical evidence seized

The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office maintains these records and makes them available to the public in accordance with state law, while balancing privacy considerations for certain protected information.

What's in Blue Earth County Arrest Records

Blue Earth County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name of the arrested individual
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Home address or last known address
Gender/sex
Race/ethnicity
Identifying marks such as tattoos or scars (when documented)
Booking photograph (mugshot)

Arrest Details:

Date and time of the arrest
Location where the arrest occurred
Arresting agency (e.g., Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office, Mankato Department of Public Safety)
Names and badge numbers of arresting officers
Circumstances leading to the arrest

Charge Information:

Criminal charges filed at the time of arrest
Statute numbers of alleged violations
Classification of charges (misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony)
Description of the alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date of issuance
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Date and time of booking
Booking number or identification
Fingerprints
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Whether bail was posted
Conditions of release

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Scheduled court appearances
Case numbers

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Projected release date (if applicable)
Facility where individual is being held

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Probation/parole status
Vehicle information (if relevant to the arrest)
Victim information (though this may be redacted in public versions)
Witness information (though this may be redacted in public versions)

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the circumstances of the arrest and the policies of the arresting agency. Certain information may be redacted or withheld from public disclosure pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 7, which protects confidential or private data.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Blue Earth County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Blue Earth County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county maintains systems for public access to these records in compliance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

To obtain arrest records in person, individuals may visit:

Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4800
Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office

The Records Division is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, excluding holidays. Requestors should be prepared to:

Complete a public records request form, providing specific information about the record being sought, including the name of the arrestee and approximate date of arrest if known.
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying. Fees are established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, which allows agencies to charge the actual costs of searching for and retrieving government data.

For written requests, individuals may submit a completed records request form via:

Email to the Sheriff's Records Division
Mail to the Sheriff's Office address listed above
Fax to (507) 304-4801

When submitting written requests, include:

Full name of the person whose records are being requested
Date of birth or approximate age
Date or approximate timeframe of the arrest
Purpose of the request (optional but may help expedite processing)
Contact information for response

The Sheriff's Office typically processes requests within 10 business days, though complex requests may require additional time. Requestors should note that certain information may be redacted from arrest records to protect privacy rights or ongoing investigations as permitted under Minnesota law.

How To Find Blue Earth County Arrest Records Online

Blue Earth County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records online, offering convenient alternatives to in-person requests. These online systems allow for efficient searches while maintaining compliance with Minnesota public records laws.

The primary online resource for current arrest information is the Blue Earth County Jail Custody Roster, which is updated regularly and displays individuals currently in custody at the Blue Earth County Jail. To access this information:

Navigate to the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office website
Select the "Jail Custody Roster" option from the menu
Review the current roster, which includes names, booking dates, and charges
Note that this resource only shows current inmates, not historical arrest data

For criminal complaints and court case information related to arrests, the county maintains an Adult Criminal Complaints Viewer. This database:

Contains criminal complaints filed within the previous two years
Requires users to acknowledge terms of use before accessing
Allows searches by name or case number
Provides PDF copies of public criminal complaints

For more comprehensive court records resulting from arrests, the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system offers:

Case search capabilities for public court records
Access to documents filed in criminal cases
Information about court hearings and case outcomes
Registration options for enhanced search capabilities

When using online systems, users should be aware that:

Not all arrest records may be available online due to legal restrictions
Some information may be redacted from public view
Older records may require direct requests to the Sheriff's Office
Technical limitations may affect search functionality

Online access is governed by Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3(a), which states that "a responsible authority shall provide copies of public data upon request." The statute further provides that "if a person requests access for the purpose of inspection, the responsible authority may not assess a charge or require the requesting person to pay a fee to inspect data."

How To Search Blue Earth County Arrest Records for Free?

Blue Earth County residents and other interested parties may access arrest records without incurring fees through several available channels. Minnesota law provides for public inspection of government data at no cost, though fees may apply for copies or extensive searches.

Free options for accessing Blue Earth County arrest records include:

Online Jail Roster Consultation The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office maintains a free, publicly accessible jail roster that is updated regularly. This resource allows users to view:
- Names of currently incarcerated individuals
- Booking dates
- Charges
- Expected release dates (when available)
In-Person Record Inspection Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, individuals have the right to inspect public data at no charge during normal business hours. To exercise this right:
- Visit the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office Records Division during business hours
- Specify the records you wish to review
- Present identification
- Review materials on-site without requesting copies
Public Access Terminals The Blue Earth County Justice Center provides public access terminals where visitors can search court records related to arrests at no cost:

Blue Earth County Justice Center
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4650
Blue Earth County Court Administration
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) The Minnesota Judicial Branch offers free basic searches of court records, which often contain information about arrests and subsequent court proceedings.
Public Library Resources Local public libraries in Blue Earth County often provide free internet access where residents can utilize the online resources mentioned above:

Blue Earth County Library
100 East Main Street
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4001
Blue Earth County Library

When conducting free searches, requestors should note:

Some detailed information may require formal requests and associated fees
Historical records not available in online systems may require staff assistance
Complex searches involving multiple records may not be available through free channels
Identification is typically required even for free record inspection

How To Delete Arrest Records in Blue Earth County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Blue Earth County involves either expungement (legal erasure) or sealing (restricting public access). These processes are governed by Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A, which establishes specific criteria and procedures for the expungement of criminal records.

Expungement vs. Sealing: Expungement in Minnesota can take two forms:

Statutory expungement - Records are sealed from public view but remain accessible to law enforcement agencies
Inherent authority expungement - More limited in scope, typically affecting only judicial branch records

Neither form completely destroys records, but rather restricts who may access them.

Eligibility Criteria: Under Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02, individuals may qualify for expungement if their case meets one of these conditions:

The charges were dismissed
The individual was found not guilty
The individual completed a diversion program or stay of adjudication
The conviction was for certain low-level offenses and the required waiting period has elapsed
The arrest did not result in a charge being filed within the applicable statute of limitations

Expungement Process:

Determine eligibility - Review arrest and case outcome to determine if it qualifies under Minnesota law
Prepare petition - Complete the expungement petition and supporting documentation
File petition with:

Blue Earth County Court Administration
Blue Earth County Justice Center
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4650
Blue Earth County District Court
Pay filing fee - Currently $325, though fee waivers may be available for qualifying individuals
Serve notice to all agencies with records, including:
- Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office
- Prosecuting attorney's office
- Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
- Any other agencies with records
Attend hearing - Present your case before a judge
Await decision - If granted, the court will issue an expungement order

Alternative Options: For those who may not qualify for expungement, other options include:

Seeking a pardon from the Minnesota Board of Pardons
Obtaining a Certificate of Rehabilitation
Pursuing record sealing under specific statutory provisions

Individuals seeking expungement are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney familiar with Minnesota expungement law, as the process is complex and outcomes depend heavily on specific case details and proper procedure.

What Happens After Arrest in Blue Earth County?

Following an arrest in Blue Earth County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process that includes several distinct phases. This process adheres to Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure and relevant state statutes governing criminal proceedings.

Booking Process: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Blue Earth County Jail where they undergo booking, which includes:

Photographing and fingerprinting
Collection of personal information
Medical screening
Property inventory
Assignment to appropriate housing within the facility

Initial Appearance/Arraignment: Within 36 hours of arrest (excluding Sundays and holidays) as required by Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure 4.02, arrestees appear before a judge for:

Formal reading of charges
Advisement of constitutional rights
Determination of probable cause
Bail or release conditions consideration
Appointment of public defender if eligible
Entry of initial plea

Pretrial Proceedings: Following arraignment, the case proceeds through several potential pretrial phases:

Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
Omnibus hearings to address evidentiary issues
Pretrial conferences to discuss case status
Plea negotiations between defense counsel and prosecutors
Motions hearings on constitutional or procedural issues

Case Resolution: Cases may be resolved through several mechanisms:

Dismissal of charges by prosecution or court
Diversion programs for eligible defendants
Plea agreements negotiated between parties
Trial by judge (bench trial) or jury

Trial Process: If a case proceeds to trial, the process includes:

Jury selection (for jury trials)
Opening statements
Presentation of evidence and witness testimony
Closing arguments
Jury deliberation and verdict (or judge's decision in bench trials)

Post-Conviction Proceedings: Following conviction, either by plea or trial verdict:

Pre-sentence investigation may be conducted
Sentencing hearing scheduled
Sentence imposed according to Minnesota Sentencing Guidelines
Appeal rights explained

Sentencing Options: Depending on the offense and individual circumstances, sentences may include:

Incarceration in county jail or state prison
Probation with specific conditions
Fines and restitution
Community service
Treatment programs
Combination of the above

Throughout this process, individuals maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right against self-incrimination, and the right to due process as guaranteed by both the Minnesota and United States Constitutions.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Blue Earth County?

Arrest records in Blue Earth County are maintained according to the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule as established by Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, which governs the preservation and disposal of government records. These retention periods ensure both accountability in law enforcement and preservation of important criminal justice information.

The retention of arrest records varies by record type and the outcome of the case:

Arrest Reports and Booking Information:

Adult arrest records: Typically retained for 10 years from the date of arrest
Juvenile arrest records: Generally maintained until the individual reaches age 19, or for 5 years, whichever is longer
Arrest records for serious felonies: May be retained permanently, particularly for homicides and sexual assaults

Fingerprint Records:

Adult fingerprints: Maintained by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) indefinitely unless expunged by court order
Juvenile fingerprints: Retained according to Minnesota Statutes § 299C.105, with specific provisions for destruction based on case outcome

Booking Photographs (Mugshots):

Generally follow the same retention schedule as the corresponding arrest records
May be maintained in separate databases with different retention periods
Subject to specific agency policies regarding online publication and removal

Investigation Files:

Cases resulting in charges: Typically retained for 10 years after case closure
Homicide investigations: Retained permanently
Cases without charges filed: Generally retained for 5 years

Jail Records:

Inmate files: Maintained for 10 years after release
Jail logs and booking sheets: Typically retained for 6-10 years
Medical records: Subject to separate retention requirements under health information laws

Different agencies within Blue Earth County may maintain separate records with varying retention periods:

The Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and jail records
The County Attorney's Office keeps prosecution files
Court Administration preserves court records related to criminal cases
The Minnesota BCA maintains statewide criminal history information

It is important to note that even after the standard retention period expires, information about arrests may still exist in other forms, such as court records or news archives. Additionally, serious offenses may have extended or permanent retention periods as specified in the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule.

How to Find Mugshots in Blue Earth County

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest. In Blue Earth County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the county jail system. Mugshots typically include front-facing and profile (side) views of the arrestee and are taken alongside the collection of fingerprints and other identifying information.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

Booking photographs in Blue Earth County are primarily maintained by:

Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
Phone: (507) 304-4800
Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office

These photographs are stored in the Sheriff's Office records management system and may also be maintained in the jail management system. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 26, booking photographs are classified as public criminal history data once the individual has been convicted of a crime or if the individual has been charged and court proceedings are still active.

Finding Mugshots

Individuals seeking mugshots in Blue Earth County may utilize several methods:

Submit a formal records request to the Blue Earth County Sheriff's Office Records Division:
- Complete a public data request form specifying the booking photograph sought
- Provide identifying information about the subject (full name, date of birth)
- Submit the request in person, by mail, or via email to Records@blueearthcountymn.gov
- Pay applicable fees for reproduction of records
Check the current Jail Custody Roster, which may include booking photographs of individuals currently in custody
Visit the Sheriff's Office during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM) to request assistance with locating specific booking photographs

Can They Be Found Online

Blue Earth County provides limited online access to booking photographs through the county jail roster system. However, unlike some jurisdictions, Blue Earth County does not maintain a comprehensive public database of all historical booking photographs. The online jail roster typically only displays information about currently incarcerated individuals.

Third-party websites may aggregate and publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites are not officially affiliated with Blue Earth County government and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

To officially obtain booking photographs:

Identify the specific photograph(s) being requested (name, date of booking)
Submit a formal public records request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
Pay applicable fees (typically $5-10 per photograph)
Receive copies in electronic or printed format as requested

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

Access to booking photographs in Blue Earth County is subject to certain restrictions:

Photographs of juveniles are generally not public unless the juvenile was certified to stand trial as an adult
Photographs related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Images may be withheld if release would interfere with an individual's right to a fair trial
Photographs of victims or witnesses are not publicly available
Expunged records and their associated photographs are removed from public access

Minnesota Statutes § 13.82 governs the classification and release of law enforcement data, including booking photographs, balancing public access rights with privacy considerations.

Lookup Arrest Records in Blue Earth County

Jail Custody Roster

Minnesota Court Records Online

Sheriff's Office Records

Adult Criminal Complaints Viewer

Blue Earth County Jail Roster Report