Anoka County Court Records
What Is Anoka County Court Records
Court records in Anoka County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which establishes the public's right to access government data. Court records typically include case files, dockets, pleadings, motions, orders, judgments, transcripts, exhibits, and sentencing records.
Anoka County court records are distinct from other public records maintained by the county, such as:
- Property records (deeds, mortgages, liens)
- Vital records (birth, death, marriage certificates)
- Tax records
- Voter registration information
The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains court records across several jurisdictions within Anoka County, including:
- District Court (handling civil, criminal, family, probate, and juvenile matters)
- Conciliation Court (small claims)
- Drug Court
- Veterans Court
- Mental Health Court
These records document proceedings across civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, family law matters, probate cases, traffic violations, and specialized court programs. The Minnesota Judicial Branch serves as the central authority overseeing the maintenance and accessibility of these records throughout the state.
Are Court Records Public In Anoka County
Court records in Anoka County are generally accessible to the public pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act § 13.01, which establishes the presumption that government data is public unless specifically classified otherwise by law. Additionally, the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch governs the accessibility of court records.
The following court records are typically available for public inspection:
- Most civil case files
- Criminal case files (post-charging)
- Judgments and orders
- Docket sheets
- Hearing schedules
- Court calendars
However, certain records may be restricted from public access, including:
- Juvenile proceedings (except when a juvenile is certified as an adult)
- Adoption records
- Mental health commitment proceedings
- Certain family court matters
- Records sealed by court order
- Cases involving domestic abuse or harassment where protective orders are in effect
It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota are governed by federal access rules, which differ from state regulations. The Minnesota Supreme Court has established specific rules regarding public access to court records through Rule 4 of the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.
How To Find Court Records in Anoka County in 2026
Members of the public seeking court records in Anoka County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining court records:
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Anoka County Courthouse Court Administration Records Room located on the first floor, east wing.
- Complete a records request form, providing case number or party names.
- Present valid photo identification.
- Pay applicable copy fees ($10 for the first page, $5 for each additional page for certified copies; $0.25 per page for uncertified copies).
Anoka County Courthouse
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County Court Administration
Online Access:
- Access the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal.
- Create a user account if accessing documents (basic case information available without account).
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney.
- Pay applicable document access fees ($8 per document).
Mail Requests:
- Send written request to Court Administration specifying desired records.
- Include case number or party names, contact information, and payment for copy fees.
- Address request to Anoka County Court Administration at the courthouse address.
For certified copies of criminal complaints, individuals may contact:
Anoka County Attorney's Office
Government Center, 2100 3rd Avenue, Suite 720
Anoka, MN 55303
763-324-5550
Anoka County Attorney
Pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 357.021, fees are charged for copies of court documents, with specific fee schedules established by the State Court Administrator.
How To Look Up Court Records in Anoka County Online?
Anoka County court records are accessible through several online platforms maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. These digital resources provide varying levels of access to court documents and case information:
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO):
- Navigate to the Minnesota Court Records Online portal.
- Select either "Search without an account" (limited to basic case information) or "Login/Register" (for document access).
- For case searches: enter party name, case number, or attorney name.
- For document access: create an account, agree to terms, and pay the $8 per document fee.
- MCRO provides access to:
- Case registers
- Calendars
- Some court documents
- Financial information
Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Remote:
- Access the MPA Remote system.
- Search by case number or party name.
- View basic case information including:
- Case type
- Filing date
- Party information
- Scheduled hearings
- Case disposition
- Note that document images are not available through this system.
Criminal Complaint Search:
- Visit the Anoka County Criminal Complaint Search page.
- Follow instructions to request specific criminal complaints.
- Note that this service requires contacting the County Attorney's Office directly.
The online systems provide access to records from all courts within Anoka County, including District Court and Conciliation Court. However, as noted by the Minnesota State Law Library, not all court documents are available online, and certain sensitive or sealed records remain accessible only at courthouse terminals or through in-person requests.
How To Search Anoka County Court Records for Free?
Members of the public may access certain Anoka County court records without payment, as provided under Minnesota Statute § 13.03, Subd. 3, which guarantees the right to inspect public government data at no cost. The following methods are available for free court record searches:
Free Online Options:
- Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Remote - Provides basic case information without charge, including:
- Case numbers
- Party names
- Case types
- Filing dates
- Hearing schedules
- Case status
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - Offers free search capabilities and viewing of basic case information (document viewing requires payment).
In-Person Free Access:
- Public Access Terminals at the Anoka County Courthouse - Located in the Court Administration Records Room, these terminals provide free access to:
- Complete case registers
- More detailed case information than available online
- Some document images not available through remote access
Anoka County Courthouse
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County Court Administration
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Minnesota State Law Library:
- Public terminals provide free access to court records.
- Staff assistance available for research questions.
Minnesota State Law Library
Minnesota Judicial Center, Room G25
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-297-7651
Minnesota State Law Library
While inspection of records is free, copy fees still apply when requesting physical or certified copies of documents. Additionally, pursuant to Minnesota Court Rules on Public Access to Records, certain confidential or sealed records remain inaccessible regardless of the search method employed.
What's Included in a Anoka County Court Record?
Anoka County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type. Pursuant to Minnesota General Rules of Practice Rule 11, court records typically include the following components:
Civil Case Records:
- Complaint or petition initiating the action
- Summons and proof of service
- Answers or responses from defendants
- Motions and supporting memoranda
- Affidavits and declarations
- Court orders and judgments
- Exhibits admitted into evidence
- Transcripts of hearings (when prepared)
- Financial information (filing fees, judgments)
- Case register (chronological listing of actions)
Criminal Case Records:
- Criminal complaint or indictment
- Probable cause statement
- Bail and pretrial release information
- Plea agreements
- Trial exhibits and evidence summaries
- Sentencing documents
- Probation reports (some portions may be confidential)
- Court orders
- Hearing transcripts (when prepared)
- Case register
Family Court Records:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Parenting plans
- Child support worksheets
- Financial disclosures (may be confidential)
- Custody evaluations
- Court orders regarding custody, support, and property division
- Final judgment and decree
Probate Records:
- Will (if applicable)
- Petition for probate
- Inventory of estate assets
- Claims against the estate
- Accountings
- Orders of distribution
- Final decree
Each court record also contains a register of actions (docket sheet) that chronologically lists all proceedings and filings in the case. As specified by the Minnesota Judicial Branch, certain sensitive information is protected from public disclosure, including social security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers, which are either redacted or filed in confidential form.
How Long Does Anoka County Keep Court Records?
Anoka County retains court records according to the Minnesota Judicial Branch Records Retention Schedule, which is established pursuant to Minnesota Statute § 138.17 governing the preservation and disposal of government records. Retention periods vary based on case type and document significance:
Criminal Case Records:
- Felony cases: 50 years after case closure
- Gross misdemeanors: 10 years after case closure
- Misdemeanors: 3-10 years after case closure, depending on offense type
- Petty misdemeanors: 3 years after case closure
- Homicide and criminal sexual conduct cases: Permanent retention
Civil Case Records:
- General civil cases: 10 years after entry of judgment
- Personal injury: 20 years after entry of judgment
- Contract disputes: 10 years after entry of judgment
- Property disputes: 10 years after entry of judgment
- Civil commitments: 10 years after discharge or dismissal
Family Court Records:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce): 30 years after judgment
- Child support: 30 years after youngest child reaches majority
- Custody proceedings: 30 years after judgment
- Domestic abuse: 10 years after expiration of order
Probate Records:
- Formal probate: Permanent retention
- Informal probate: 10 years after closing
- Guardianship/Conservatorship: 10 years after termination
Conciliation Court (Small Claims):
- 3 years after judgment or dismissal
Certain historically significant cases may be designated for permanent retention regardless of case type. The Minnesota State Archives, in cooperation with the Minnesota Judicial Branch, preserves court records of historical value after their retention period expires. Digital court records are maintained according to the same schedule as paper records, though the storage medium may change over time due to technological advancements.
Types of Courts In Anoka County
Anoka County's judicial system operates as part of Minnesota's Tenth Judicial District, with courts organized according to jurisdiction and case type:
Anoka County District Court
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
The District Court serves as the primary trial court with general jurisdiction over:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil matters exceeding $15,000
- Family law proceedings
- Juvenile matters
- Probate and estate cases
Anoka County Conciliation Court (Small Claims)
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County Conciliation Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Conciliation Court handles:
- Civil claims not exceeding $15,000
- Consumer credit transactions limited to $4,000
Specialty Courts within Anoka County District Court:
Drug Court
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County Drug Court
Veterans Court
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County Veterans Court
Mental Health Court
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County Mental Health Court
The court hierarchy in Minnesota proceeds from District Courts to the Minnesota Court of Appeals and ultimately to the Minnesota Supreme Court:
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
Minnesota Supreme Court
Minnesota Judicial Center
25 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-297-7650
Minnesota Supreme Court
What Types of Cases Do Anoka County Courts Hear?
Anoka County courts adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with jurisdiction determined by case type and statutory authority. The following categories represent the primary case types heard within the county court system:
Anoka County District Court:
Criminal Cases:
- Felonies (murder, assault, robbery, drug offenses)
- Gross misdemeanors (DWI, domestic assault)
- Misdemeanors (theft under $500, disorderly conduct)
- Petty misdemeanors (minor traffic violations)
- Probation violations
Civil Cases:
- Personal injury claims
- Contract disputes
- Property disputes
- Evictions and landlord-tenant matters
- Consumer protection cases
- Civil commitments
- Orders for protection and harassment restraining orders
Family Law:
- Divorce (dissolution of marriage)
- Child custody and parenting time
- Child support establishment and modification
- Spousal maintenance
- Paternity determinations
- Adoption proceedings
- Domestic abuse protection matters
Probate and Estate:
- Wills and estate administration
- Guardianships and conservatorships
- Trust administration
- Commitment proceedings
- Name changes
Juvenile Matters:
- Delinquency proceedings
- Children in need of protection or services (CHIPS)
- Termination of parental rights
- Juvenile traffic offenses
Anoka County Conciliation Court:
- Small claims up to $15,000
- Landlord-tenant security deposit disputes
- Consumer credit disputes up to $4,000
- Property damage claims within jurisdictional limits
Specialty Courts:
Drug Court:
- Non-violent felony drug offenses
- Cases involving substance abuse as primary factor
Veterans Court:
- Criminal cases involving military veterans
- Cases where military service-related issues are factors
Mental Health Court:
- Cases involving defendants with diagnosed mental illness
- Non-violent offenses where mental health is a significant factor
Appeals from Anoka County District Court decisions are heard by the Minnesota Court of Appeals, with further appeal possible to the Minnesota Supreme Court. The Minnesota Supreme Court maintains original jurisdiction over attorney discipline matters and certain election disputes.
How To Find a Court Docket In Anoka County
Court dockets in Anoka County, which provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case, are accessible through multiple channels. Members of the public may locate docket information through the following methods:
Online Docket Access:
-
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - The primary portal for accessing court dockets:
- Search by case number, party name, or attorney
- View register of actions (docket)
- Access hearing schedules
- No account required for basic docket information
-
Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Remote:
- Search by case number or party name
- View basic docket information
- Check upcoming hearing dates
In-Person Docket Access:
- Visit the Court Administration Records Room at the Anoka County Courthouse:
- Request docket information from court clerks
- Use public access terminals for more detailed docket searches
- Obtain printed docket sheets for a fee
Anoka County Courthouse
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County Court Administration
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Court Calendar Information:
- Daily court calendars are available:
- Online through Minnesota Judicial Branch website
- Posted in the courthouse lobby
- Searchable by judge, courtroom, or case type
Criminal Hearing Notifications:
- For criminal cases, the Anoka County Attorney's Office provides:
- Victim notification services
- Hearing schedule information
- Case status updates
When searching for docket information, it is advisable to have the following information ready:
- Full names of parties involved
- Case number (if known)
- Approximate date of filing
- Case type
As specified by the Minnesota State Law Library, docket information is generally public record, though access to certain case types may be restricted based on confidentiality statutes or court rules.
Which Courts in Anoka County Are Not Courts of Record?
In Anoka County, as throughout Minnesota, the distinction between courts of record and courts not of record is established by Minnesota Statute § 487.08. A "court of record" maintains official transcripts and detailed documentation of all proceedings, while courts not of record typically conduct more informal proceedings without verbatim transcripts.
Conciliation Court (Small Claims Court) is the primary court not of record in Anoka County:
Anoka County Conciliation Court
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County Conciliation Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
As a court not of record, Conciliation Court has the following characteristics:
- Proceedings are not recorded verbatim
- No court reporters are present
- Formal rules of evidence are relaxed
- Parties typically represent themselves
- Decisions can be appealed to District Court for a trial de novo (new trial)
- Jurisdiction limited to civil claims not exceeding $15,000
The significance of a court not being a court of record includes:
- Appeals from Conciliation Court involve a completely new hearing in District Court rather than a review of the record
- No official transcript exists for reference or appeal purposes
- Procedures are designed to be accessible to self-represented litigants
All other courts operating in Anoka County, including District Court and its specialty divisions (Drug Court, Veterans Court, Mental Health Court), function as courts of record, with proceedings documented by court reporters or electronic recording equipment. These courts maintain official records of all testimony and evidence presented, which can be transcribed for appeal purposes.
Lookup Court Records in Anoka County
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO)
Court Records and Transcripts in Anoka County
Access Case Records through Minnesota Judicial Branch