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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I find out what is on somebody's Hennepin County court and/or criminal record?
A: Public access computers are available on the second floor of the Hennepin County Government Center free of charge. Court records are open to the public.
Printed Hennepin County adult court records are available to the public at any court location for a fee (see criminal and miscellaneous fees). To submit a record request, include the correct fee, the person's full name (first, middle, last) and date of birth to Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County), Attn: Criminal Records, PSL Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487-0419. Phone number is 612-348-4849. Fax number is 612-317-6012.
Q: How do I find out what is on my Hennepin County court and/or criminal record?
A; Public access computers are available on the second floor of the Hennepin County Government Center free of charge. Court records are open to the public.
You may obtain your Hennepin County criminal record at any court location for a fee (see criminal and miscellaneous fees). To submit a record request, include the correct fee, your full name (first, middle, last), date of birth, and time period to be searched to Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County), Attn: Criminal Records, PSL Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487-0419. Phone number is 612-348-4849. Fax number is 612-317-6012.
Q: Do I have to come in to obtain records, or can I get them through the mail?
A: Hennepin County computer case histories are available through the mail from any court location for a fee (see criminal and miscellaneous fees).
To submit a record request, include the correct fee, person's complete full name (first, middle, last), date of birth, and time period to be searched. Enclose a personal check, money order, cashier's check, certified or business check made payable to "Fourth Judicial District." Include a self addressed, stamped envelope address to Fourth Judicial District (Hennepin County), Attn: Criminal Records, PSL Government Center, 300 South Sixth Street, Minneapolis, MN 55487-0419.
Q: How long does the court retain criminal records?
A: Hennepin County maintains records according to the Minnesota District Courts Retention Schedule. Felony records and cases resulting from Domestic Violence are never destroyed.
Gross Misdemeanors 20 years
Misdemeanor - DWI 15 years
Misdemeanor - No Traffic 10 years
Misdemeanor - Traffic 5 years
Petty Misdemeanor 3 years
Q: What level of crimes can I be accused of and what are the maximum penalties?
A: The maximum penalties are:
- Felony – maximum sentence of life in prison
- Gross Misdemeanor – maximum penalty is $3,000 fine and/or one year in the Adult Correctional facility
- Misdemeanor – maximum penalty is $1000 and/or 90 days in the Adult Correctional Facility
- Petty Misdemeanor – maximum penalty is $300 fine
Q: How will I know when to appear in court?
A: You are charged with committing an offense and you will appear in court. Your court date is set by:
- A law enforcement agency
- Receiving a summons (written notice) through the mail
- Calling a court office to schedule a ticket for court
Q: Where should I appear?
A: All felony charges for Hennepin County are heard in the Hennepin County Government Center or the Public Safety Facility.
Non-felony hearing location is determined by the city where your offense occurred. Each city is assigned at one of the four court divisions.
Q: Will a public defender be appointed to my case?
A: For all offenses where jail time is a possibility, you may apply to have a public defender represent you if you cannot afford to hire your own attorney. Public Defenders are appointed based upon financial guidelines set by Minnesota Statute. A fee may be assessed for this appointment.
Q: How many times must I appear in court and what happens?
A:First appearance: This is called the arraignment hearing. Your rights will be explained and you will be told the charges against you. If you plead guilty, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include fines and/or jail time. If you plead not guilty, another hearing date will be scheduled.
Second appearance: Petty Misdemeanors are set for a court trial in front of a judge or referee. All other case types are set for a pretrial conference. In either case, if you plead guilty, a judge will impose a sentence, which may include fines and/or jail time. Unresolved cases, other than petty misdemeanors, will be set for trial.
Third appearance: This hearing is in front of a judge, unless you demand a jury. Felony cases will be assigned 12 jurors, gross misdemeanor and misdemeanor cases will be assigned six jurors. If you are found guilty, the judge will impose a sentence, which may include fines and/or jail time.
At all hearings, the prosecuting attorney is available to discuss settlement options.
Q: How do I pay my fine?
A; Cash, check, money order or credit card. You may send checks or money orders to:
Criminal Division
PSL-2nd floor HCGC
300 S. 6th Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55487
FINES ARE DUE THE DAY THEY ARE IMPOSED.
Q: What if I cannot pay my fine on the day of court?
A: A collection officer is available to discuss payment options.
Q; How do I obtain a statewide public court record?
A; The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension at 1430 Maryland Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55106, keeps statewide records on Felony and Gross Misdemeanors. See the Minnesota Department of Public Safety(http://www.dps.state.mn.us/bca/CJIS/documents/CJIS-Intro.html)
Q: How do I obtain driving records?
A: Driving records may be obtained from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, Driver and Vehicle Services Division. See the Minnesota Department of Public Safety(http://www.dps.state.mn.us/dvs/index.html)