Anoka County Criminal Records
What Is Anoka County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Anoka County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which governs comprehensive documentation of criminal justice data.
Criminal records in Anoka County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Anoka County Sheriff's Office and local police departments, which may not necessarily result in charges or convictions
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing final judgments in criminal proceedings
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious offenses punishable by imprisonment exceeding one year
- Misdemeanor Records: Records of less severe offenses typically punishable by fines or imprisonment of less than one year
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 18 and older, which are generally accessible to the public
- Juvenile Records: Documentation of offenses committed by minors, which are typically sealed and subject to restricted access under Minnesota law
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by judicial authorities
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal justice interactions, including dismissed cases and acquittals
Multiple agencies maintain these records within Anoka County's criminal justice system:
Anoka County Sheriff's Office
13301 Hanson Boulevard NW
Andover, MN 55304
763-324-5000
Anoka County Sheriff's Office
Anoka County District Court
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
763-760-6700
Anoka County District Court
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
651-793-7000
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
These criminal records typically include documentation of the entire criminal justice process: initial charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial proceedings, sentencing details, and probation or parole information. The comprehensive nature of these records serves the dual purpose of maintaining public safety and ensuring transparency in the criminal justice system.
Are Criminal Records Public In Anoka County
Criminal records in Anoka County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (MGDPA), specifically under § 13.82, which classifies most criminal justice data as public information. This statute establishes Minnesota's commitment to government transparency while balancing privacy considerations.
The MGDPA states: "All government data collected, created, received, maintained or disseminated by a government entity shall be public unless classified by statute, or temporary classification pursuant to section 13.06, or federal law, as nonpublic or protected nonpublic, or with respect to data on individuals, as private or confidential."
Public criminal records in Anoka County typically include:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and calendars
- Criminal charges
- Conviction information
- Sentencing details
- Incarceration records
- Current inmate information through the Anoka County Inmate Locator
- Active warrant information
However, certain criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Ongoing criminal investigations, as protected under § 13.82, subdivision 7
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions), as governed by § 260B.171
- Records that have been sealed or expunged by court order
- Certain victim information, particularly in sensitive cases
- Records where disclosure would compromise public safety
- Information that would interfere with active prosecutions
The Anoka County District Court maintains most criminal case records, while the Anoka County Sheriff's Office manages arrest records, warrant information, and jail data. Members of the public seeking access to these records must follow established procedures for requesting data from the appropriate county agency.
It is important to note that while criminal records are generally public, the county may redact certain information to protect privacy interests or sensitive details before releasing documents to requestors.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Anoka County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Anoka County may utilize several methods to access this information. The county provides multiple pathways for obtaining criminal record data, depending on the specific information sought and the requestor's preferences.
For online criminal record searches, individuals may:
- Access the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal to search for case information by name, case number, or citation number
- Utilize the Anoka County Inmate Locator to find information about currently incarcerated individuals
- Check the Criminal Complaint Search page for accessing criminal complaints filed in Anoka County
- Search for warrant information through the Sheriff's Office portal
For in-person criminal record requests, individuals may visit:
Anoka County Sheriff's Office Records Division
13301 Hanson Boulevard NW
Andover, MN 55304
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: 763-324-5000
Anoka County District Court
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: 763-760-6700
To submit a formal request for criminal records:
- Complete the Public Data Request Form available on the Anoka County website
- Specify the exact records being requested, providing as much identifying information as possible
- Submit the completed form to the appropriate agency (Sheriff's Office for arrest records, District Court for case files)
- Pay any applicable fees as permitted under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3
- Allow for processing time, which varies based on the complexity of the request
For certified copies of court records, requestors must contact the Anoka County District Court directly and may need to pay additional certification fees. Background checks for employment or housing purposes may require specialized forms and fees in accordance with state regulations.
How To Find Criminal Records in Anoka County Online?
Anoka County provides several digital portals for accessing criminal records online, offering convenient alternatives to in-person requests. These online resources allow members of the public to search for various types of criminal justice information from any location with internet access.
The primary online resources for criminal records in Anoka County include:
-
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - This comprehensive case search portal allows users to search for criminal cases by:
- Defendant name
- Case number
- Citation number
- Date range
- Case type (criminal, traffic, etc.)
MCRO provides case summaries, hearing dates, and disposition information. Some documents may be available for download, while others require in-person requests.
-
Anoka County Inmate Locator - The inmate search tool provides information about individuals currently in custody at the Anoka County Jail, including:
- Inmate name and booking photo
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Scheduled release date (when available)
-
Criminal Complaint Search - The county's criminal complaint portal provides access to formal charging documents filed by prosecutors.
-
Warrant Information - The Jail/Warrants page provides information about active warrants issued in Anoka County.
-
Court Records and Transcripts - The Court Records/Transcripts page provides guidance on accessing various court documents.
When using these online systems, users should note:
- Some portals may require registration or account creation
- Certain detailed records may not be available online and require in-person requests
- Online records may not include all historical cases, particularly older records
- Some sensitive case types may be restricted from online access
- Document downloads may incur fees
- Search functionality works best with accurate spelling of names and correct case numbers
For records not available through these online portals, individuals may need to submit a formal data request or visit the appropriate county office in person.
Can You Search Anoka County Criminal Records for Free?
Anoka County provides several no-cost options for accessing criminal records, in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which states that "the responsible authority in every government entity shall keep records containing government data in such an arrangement and condition as to make them easily accessible for convenient use."
Free inspection options include:
In-Person Inspection: Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no charge during regular business hours at:
Anoka County District Court
2100 3rd Avenue
Anoka, MN 55303
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: 763-760-6700
Anoka County Sheriff's Office
13301 Hanson Boulevard NW
Andover, MN 55304
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Phone: 763-324-5000
While inspection is free, agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies of records or for staff time required to process complex requests.
Free Online Resources: Anoka County offers several no-cost online portals for criminal record searches:
-
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) - This free portal provides access to case information, hearing schedules, and some court documents without registration requirements.
-
Anoka County Inmate Locator - This free service allows searches for current inmates in the Anoka County Jail system.
-
Criminal Complaint Search - This portal provides free access to criminal complaints filed in Anoka County.
-
Jail/Warrants Information - This resource provides free information about active warrants in Anoka County.
While these resources are available at no cost, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Some detailed court documents may require payment for copies
- Certified copies of records typically involve fees
- Complex or extensive searches may incur staff time charges
- Background checks for employment or housing purposes typically involve fees
- Records requiring redaction may involve processing fees
The Anoka County Sheriff's Office and District Court maintain fee schedules for various record requests in accordance with Minnesota law, which permits reasonable charges for copies and staff time while ensuring free inspection rights remain intact.
What's Included in a Anoka County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Anoka County contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information that collectively provide a complete picture of criminal proceedings.
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Initial charges filed
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility information
- Arresting officer information
Court Case Information:
- Case number and filing date
- Court of jurisdiction
- Judge assigned to the case
- Formal charges filed by prosecutor
- Statute citations and offense classifications (felony/misdemeanor)
- Attorney information (defense counsel and prosecutor)
- Hearing dates and appearances
- Motions filed and court orders
Disposition Information:
- Plea entered (guilty, not guilty, no contest)
- Trial outcome (if applicable)
- Verdict or judgment
- Conviction date
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Community service requirements
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations connected to criminal cases
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
- Prior criminal history summary
The comprehensiveness of criminal records varies based on case complexity and stage of proceedings. Records maintained by the Anoka County Sheriff's Office may differ slightly from those held by the Anoka County District Court, though both contribute to the complete criminal history of an individual within the county.
How Long Does Anoka County Keep Criminal Records?
Anoka County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established under Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, which governs the preservation and disposal of government records. These retention periods vary based on record type, offense severity, and outcome of proceedings.
Standard retention periods for criminal records in Anoka County include:
Arrest Records:
- Felony arrests resulting in conviction: Permanent retention
- Felony arrests without conviction: Retained for 10 years from date of arrest
- Misdemeanor arrests resulting in conviction: Retained for 10 years from date of conviction
- Misdemeanor arrests without conviction: Retained for 3 years from date of arrest
Court Records:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention for homicide cases; 50 years for other felonies
- Gross misdemeanor case files: Retained for 25 years after case closure
- Misdemeanor case files: Retained for 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: Retained for 5-10 years depending on severity
- Juvenile records: Generally sealed at age 18, with exceptions for serious offenses
Incarceration Records:
- Jail booking and release information: Retained for 10 years after release
- Inmate medical records: Retained for 7 years after release
- Disciplinary reports: Retained for 7 years after creation
Probation/Parole Records:
- Felony supervision: Retained for 15 years after discharge
- Misdemeanor supervision: Retained for 6 years after discharge
These retention periods represent minimum requirements, and in practice, many records—particularly those related to serious offenses—may be maintained for longer periods or permanently. Digital conversion of older paper records has extended the practical retention of many historical criminal records.
It is important to note that even after official retention periods expire, information about criminal cases may persist in third-party databases, news archives, and other sources outside county control. Additionally, expunged or sealed records follow separate retention guidelines as specified in court orders.
The Minnesota State Archives provides oversight for county record retention practices, ensuring compliance with state mandates while allowing for local administration of record management systems.
Lookup Criminal Records in Anoka County
Search for inmates in Anoka County Jail
Request public data from Anoka County
Check warrant information in Anoka County
Search criminal complaints in Anoka County
Access court records and transcripts
Search Minnesota court records online
Contact the Anoka County Sheriff's Office