Blue Earth County Public Records /Blue Earth County Court Records

Blue Earth County Court Records

What Is Blue Earth County Court Records

Blue Earth County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities and are maintained pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which establishes the public's right to access government data.

Court records in Blue Earth County typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and other filed documents
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing information in criminal matters
Marriage dissolution decrees and custody determinations
Probate filings and estate settlements

These judicial records differ from other public records maintained by Blue Earth County, such as property records (deeds, mortgages, liens), vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates), and tax assessment records, which are maintained by separate county departments.

The Blue Earth County District Court maintains records for cases heard within its jurisdiction, including:

Civil litigation (contract disputes, personal injury claims, etc.)
Criminal prosecutions (felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors)
Family law matters (divorces, child custody, support)
Probate proceedings (wills, estates, guardianships)
Traffic violations and petty misdemeanors
Conciliation court (small claims) cases

As part of Minnesota's Fifth Judicial District, Blue Earth County court records are subject to the provisions of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which establish statewide standards for court record accessibility.

Are Court Records Public In Blue Earth County

Court records in Blue Earth County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13) and the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch. These legal frameworks establish the presumption that court records are public unless specifically classified as confidential by statute or court rule.

The following types of court records are typically available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed documents)
Criminal case files after formal charging
Judgments, orders, and decrees
Docket sheets and registers of actions
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Property records related to court proceedings
Marriage dissolution records (with certain privacy protections)

However, Minnesota law restricts public access to certain sensitive court records, including:

Juvenile court proceedings (pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171)
Adoption records
Mental health commitment proceedings
Certain domestic abuse and harassment matters
Records sealed by judicial order
Grand jury proceedings
Certain family court services records

The Minnesota Judicial Branch has implemented specific rules governing public access through the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, which balance transparency with privacy concerns. These rules establish uniform standards for accessing court records throughout Minnesota's court system, including Blue Earth County.

It is important to note that while federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota are also public, they are governed by different access rules and maintained in separate record systems from Blue Earth County's state court records.

How To Find Court Records in Blue Earth County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Blue Earth County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county provides multiple pathways for record retrieval, accommodating both electronic and in-person research needs.

To obtain court records in Blue Earth County, individuals may:

Access records online through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal, which provides remote access to publicly available case records.
Visit the Blue Earth County Justice Center in person to request and review physical court files:

Blue Earth County Justice Center
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
507-304-4650
Blue Earth County District Court

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding court holidays)

Submit a written request for copies of court documents by mail to the above address, including:
- Case number (if known)
- Names of parties involved
- Approximate date of case filing
- Specific documents requested
- Contact information for response
Review the Adult Criminal Complaints Viewer on the Blue Earth County website, which provides access to criminal complaints from the previous two years.
Check daily court calendars through the Blue Earth County Court Calendar to identify active cases and scheduled hearings.

For certified copies of court records, requestors must complete a Records Request Form available at the court administrator's office and pay applicable certification fees as established by Minnesota Court Rules. Standard copy fees currently apply at $0.25 per page for regular copies and $10.00 for certified documents, as authorized by Minnesota Statutes § 357.021.

How To Look Up Court Records in Blue Earth County Online?

Blue Earth County residents and interested parties can access court records through several official online portals maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. These digital resources provide convenient remote access to various court documents and case information.

The primary online resources for Blue Earth County court records include:

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - This comprehensive portal provides access to case records from all Minnesota district courts, including Blue Earth County. Users may:
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View case registers and docket entries
- Access publicly available documents
- Check hearing schedules and judgment information
- Create user accounts to save searches and receive notifications
To access MCRO, navigate to the Minnesota Court Records Online portal and follow the registration instructions if creating an account, or proceed with a guest search for basic information.
Blue Earth County Adult Criminal Complaints Viewer - This county-specific resource provides access to:
- Criminal complaints filed within the past two years
- Basic case information for adult criminal matters
- PDF versions of complaint documents
This resource can be accessed through the Blue Earth County website without registration.
Minnesota Public Access Court Records (PA-CIS) - Available at public access terminals located in the Blue Earth County Justice Center, this system provides more comprehensive access than remote online options, including:
- Complete case histories
- Additional document types not available remotely
- Historical case information
Daily Court Calendar - The Blue Earth County Court Calendar is published online, allowing users to view upcoming court proceedings, including:
- Scheduled hearings and trials
- Case numbers and party names
- Assigned courtrooms and judges
- Hearing types and times

When using these online resources, users should note that certain case types and documents may be restricted from remote access pursuant to the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, though they may still be available for in-person inspection at the courthouse.

How To Search Blue Earth County Court Records for Free?

Blue Earth County provides several no-cost options for accessing court records, in accordance with Minnesota's commitment to public access to government information. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, Subdivision 3, the public has the right to inspect public government data at no charge.

Free access options for Blue Earth County court records include:

In-Person Inspection - Members of the public may visit the Blue Earth County Justice Center during regular business hours to review publicly available court files at no cost:

Blue Earth County Justice Center
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
507-304-4650
Blue Earth County District Court

Public counter hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding court holidays)

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) Basic Access - This statewide portal offers free basic searches and access to certain case information:
- Case party information
- Register of actions (docket entries)
- Hearing schedules
- Judgment information
The MCRO system can be accessed without creating an account for basic searches, though some features require registration.
Blue Earth County Adult Criminal Complaints Viewer - This county resource provides free access to:
- Criminal complaints from the past two years
- Basic case information for adult criminal matters
This service is available through the Blue Earth County website without any fees.
Public Access Terminals - Computer terminals at the Blue Earth County Justice Center and public libraries throughout the county provide free access to the Minnesota Public Access Court Records system (PA-CIS), offering more comprehensive information than remote online options.
Daily Court Calendar - The Blue Earth County Court Calendar is published online at no cost, allowing the public to view scheduled court proceedings.

While inspection of records is free, fees may apply for copies of documents ($0.25 per page) and certified copies ($10.00 per document) as authorized by Minnesota Statutes § 357.021. Fee waivers may be available for individuals who demonstrate financial hardship through an approved in forma pauperis petition.

What's Included in a Blue Earth County Court Record?

Blue Earth County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. These records typically include several standard components that provide a complete picture of court actions and decisions.

For civil cases, court records generally contain:

Complaint or petition initiating the action
Summons and proof of service documentation
Answers and counterclaims from responding parties
Motions and supporting memoranda
Affidavits and declarations
Discovery documents (if filed with the court)
Court orders and rulings
Final judgment or dismissal
Post-judgment motions and orders
Appeal documentation (if applicable)

Criminal case records typically include:

Criminal complaint or indictment
Probable cause statement
Bail and pretrial release documentation
Arraignment records
Plea agreements
Motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges
Trial exhibits (if admitted into evidence)
Verdict forms
Sentencing orders
Probation reports (with certain restrictions)
Restitution determinations

Family court records may contain:

Petitions for dissolution of marriage
Parenting plans and custody evaluations
Child support worksheets and orders
Property division agreements
Domestic abuse protection orders
Paternity determinations
Name change petitions and orders

Probate and estate records typically include:

Wills and codicils
Petitions for probate or administration
Inventories of estate assets
Claims against estates
Accountings of estate administration
Orders of distribution
Guardianship and conservatorship documents

Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all events and filings in the case, providing a roadmap to the case's progression through the court system.

Certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records pursuant to the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain identifying information for minors and victims.

How Long Does Blue Earth County Keep Court Records?

Blue Earth County maintains court records according to the Minnesota Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule, which establishes standardized timeframes for preserving various types of court documents. These retention periods are established pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, which governs the preservation and disposal of government records.

The retention periods for common court record types include:

Felony Case Files: 50 years after case closure for serious felonies (murder, criminal sexual conduct); 20 years for other felonies
Gross Misdemeanor Case Files: 10 years after case closure
Misdemeanor Case Files: 5 years after case closure
Petty Misdemeanor and Traffic Cases: 3 years after case closure
Civil Case Files: 10 years after entry of judgment
Family Law Cases:
- Dissolution (divorce) files: 30 years after judgment
- Child support files: Until the youngest child reaches age 28
- Paternity cases: 30 years after judgment
Probate Cases:
- Formal probate: 30 years after closing
- Informal probate: 10 years after closing
Conciliation Court (Small Claims): 7 years after judgment
Juvenile Delinquency Records: Until the individual reaches age 28
Child Protection Cases: 10 years after the child reaches age 18

Certain records are designated for permanent retention, including:

Judgments and decrees
Civil and criminal registers of actions (docket sheets)
Indexes to court cases
Naturalization records
Adoption records
Mental health commitment records

The Minnesota Judicial Branch periodically reviews and updates its Records Retention Schedule to ensure compliance with statutory requirements and administrative needs. While physical documents may be destroyed after their retention period expires, many modern court records are maintained in electronic format, potentially extending their practical availability beyond the mandatory retention periods.

Historical court records that have exceeded their retention periods may be transferred to the Minnesota State Archives for permanent preservation if they are deemed to have enduring historical value.

Types of Courts In Blue Earth County

Blue Earth County's judicial system consists of several courts that operate within Minnesota's unified court structure. These courts handle various case types according to their designated jurisdiction within the state's judicial hierarchy.

The primary court in Blue Earth County is:

Blue Earth County District Court
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
507-304-4650
Blue Earth County District Court

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (excluding court holidays)

As part of Minnesota's Fifth Judicial District, the Blue Earth County District Court serves as a court of general jurisdiction handling the full spectrum of legal matters. Within this court, several specialized divisions operate:

Civil Division - Handles lawsuits involving disputes between parties seeking monetary damages or specific performance, including contract disputes, personal injury claims, and property matters.
Criminal Division - Processes all adult criminal cases, from minor misdemeanors to serious felonies, including arraignments, pretrial hearings, trials, and sentencing.
Family Division - Manages domestic relations cases including divorce, child custody, support, paternity, and domestic abuse matters.
Juvenile Division - Oversees cases involving minors, including juvenile delinquency proceedings and child protection matters.
Probate Division - Handles estate administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and civil commitments.
Conciliation Court (Small Claims) - Provides a simplified process for resolving civil disputes involving claims up to $15,000.

Appeals from Blue Earth County District Court decisions are heard by:

Minnesota Court of Appeals
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-297-1000
Minnesota Court of Appeals

The highest court in Minnesota's judicial system is:

Minnesota Supreme Court
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-297-7650
Minnesota Supreme Court

Unlike some states, Minnesota has a unified court system, meaning there are no separate municipal or justice courts operating independently within Blue Earth County. All courts function as part of the state judicial system under the administrative authority of the Minnesota Supreme Court.

What Types of Cases Do Blue Earth County Courts Hear?

The Blue Earth County District Court, as a court of general jurisdiction, adjudicates a comprehensive range of legal matters affecting county residents. The court's authority extends to virtually all case types under Minnesota law, with proceedings categorized according to their nature and severity.

Civil cases heard in Blue Earth County include:

Contract disputes between individuals, businesses, and organizations
Personal injury and property damage claims
Real estate matters, including title disputes and foreclosures
Consumer protection issues
Collections and creditor-debtor conflicts
Civil rights violations
Employment disputes
Landlord-tenant controversies
Conciliation (small claims) matters involving amounts up to $15,000

Criminal proceedings encompass:

Felonies (crimes punishable by more than one year of imprisonment)
Gross misdemeanors (offenses carrying up to one year of jail time)
Misdemeanors (violations punishable by up to 90 days in jail)
Petty misdemeanors (non-criminal offenses resulting in fines)
Traffic violations, including DWI/DUI offenses
Ordinance violations

Family law matters include:

Marriage dissolution (divorce) proceedings
Legal separation and annulment
Child custody and parenting time determinations
Child support and spousal maintenance
Paternity establishment
Adoption proceedings
Domestic abuse protection orders
Name changes

Probate and mental health cases involve:

Will validation and estate administration
Guardianships and conservatorships for vulnerable adults
Civil commitments for mental illness or chemical dependency
Trust administration disputes

Juvenile matters heard by the court include:

Delinquency proceedings for minors alleged to have violated criminal laws
Status offenses (truancy, underage consumption, curfew violations)
Child protection cases involving abuse, neglect, or abandonment
Termination of parental rights proceedings
Juvenile treatment court for eligible youth

The Blue Earth County District Court also conducts specialty court programs, including:

Drug Court, providing intensive supervision and treatment for non-violent offenders with substance use disorders
DWI Court, addressing repeat impaired driving offenders
Veterans Treatment Court, serving eligible veterans in the criminal justice system

These specialized dockets implement evidence-based practices to address underlying issues while promoting public safety and rehabilitation.

How To Find a Court Docket In Blue Earth County

Court dockets in Blue Earth County provide chronological listings of scheduled hearings, filings, and judicial actions for specific cases. These records serve as the official index of court proceedings and are accessible through several channels.

To locate court docket information in Blue Earth County, members of the public may:

Access Online Docket Information through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal, which provides:
- Case registers showing all filings and court actions
- Scheduled hearing information
- Party and attorney information
- Case type and status details
Users can search by case number, party name, or attorney to locate specific docket information.
View Daily Court Calendars through the Blue Earth County Court Calendar, which lists:
- Cases scheduled for hearing each day
- Assigned courtrooms and judges
- Hearing types and scheduled times
- Party names and case numbers
Request Docket Information In Person at:

Blue Earth County Justice Center
401 Carver Road
Mankato, MN 56001
507-304-4650
Blue Earth County District Court

Court staff can provide printed docket sheets for specific cases upon request during regular business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM).

Submit Written Requests for docket information by mail to the above address, including:
- Case number (if known)
- Party names
- Approximate case filing date
- Requestor's contact information
Use Public Access Terminals at the courthouse to access the Minnesota Public Access Court Records system (PA-CIS), which provides more detailed docket information than is available through remote access.

For criminal cases specifically, the Adult Criminal Complaints Viewer on the Blue Earth County website provides access to criminal complaints from the past two years, which include initial docket information.

When requesting docket information, it is helpful to provide as much identifying information as possible about the case, as common names may return multiple results. Court dockets are updated continuously as new filings and court actions occur, so the most current information is typically available through the online systems or in-person requests.

Which Courts in Blue Earth County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Minnesota's unified court system, all district courts, including the Blue Earth County District Court, function as courts of record. This designation, established under Minnesota Statutes § 484.01, means that these courts maintain official transcripts and documentation of all proceedings, which serve as the formal record for potential appellate review.

Unlike some states that maintain separate lower courts (such as justice of the peace or municipal courts) that do not keep verbatim records, Minnesota's judicial structure does not include any non-record courts within Blue Earth County. The elimination of non-record courts in Minnesota occurred through court unification efforts completed in the late 20th century.

Key characteristics of courts of record in Blue Earth County include:

Proceedings are recorded by certified court reporters or digital recording equipment
Verbatim transcripts can be produced for appeals or other official purposes
Formal rules of evidence and procedure apply to all proceedings
Judges must be licensed attorneys appointed or elected according to state law
Decisions may be appealed directly to the Minnesota Court of Appeals

Even Blue Earth County's Conciliation Court (small claims), which utilizes simplified procedures for claims up to $15,000, functions as a division of the District Court and maintains appropriate records of its proceedings. While conciliation court hearings are less formal and typically briefer than regular civil proceedings, they remain courts of record under Minnesota's judicial framework.

The absence of non-record courts in Blue Earth County ensures that all judicial proceedings, regardless of the case type or amount in controversy, are properly documented and subject to potential appellate review. This unified approach promotes consistency in the application of law and provides greater procedural protections for all litigants.