COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Information
Hennepin County has implemented additional requirements for entry to all county buildings, which include all Hennepin County District Court courthouses. All visitors will be required to:
- Wear a face covering
- Maintain 6 feet of social distance.
Do not enter the building if you have had any COVID-19 symptoms.
To continue operations consistent with public health guidance and in a manner that prioritizes health and safety, the Minnesota Judicial Branch is extending its limitation of in-person activities in court facilities for 45 days effective February 1, 2021:
- Criminal Jury Trials: No new jury trials will begin before March 15, 2021, unless the Chief Judge grants an exception. Exceptions shall be granted for criminal cases that meet three criteria - speedy trial, in-custody defendant, and felony or non-felony person crime - unless a trial cannot be held safely due to local conditions.
- Civil Jury Trials: No in-person civil jury trials will be held before March 15, 2021. Exceptions may be granted in limited circumstances. A civil jury trial may take place remotely if all parties and the judge are in agreement.
- Remote Hearings: All hearings will be conducted remotely to the extent possible. Exceptions may be granted for in-person proceedings under limited circumstances.
- Public Service Counters: The following public service counters are open:
- Hennepin County Government Center, Hearing Office, Skyway Level in C-Tower (limited general service available)
- Public Safety Facility
- Please see the COVID-19 Information Guide for service options or call (612) 348-6000 with any questions
- Self-Help Center services are available by phone and email.
If you have a court case scheduled in Hennepin County District Court call (612) 348-6000 to determine if your case will be heard or scheduled to a future date. You may also contact the court by email and use the dropdown menu to select the appropriate county.
You will be required to follow Minnesota Department of Health social distancing guidelines while in the courthouse. Learn more about safety measures all courthouses are following to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by visiting the Reopening webpage.
Learn more about how courts have responded to COVID-19 by the Emergency webpage.
Local court operations changes are available on the COVID-19 Information Guide. Instead of coming to court with your questions about Hennepin County cases, please call the phone numbers in the Information Guide so we can avoid all unnecessary traffic at our courthouse facilities. Additional details are available in the COVID-19-related Courtroom Practices Guide.
Court launches webpage for State vs. Derek Chauvin
Hennepin County District Court has launched a webpage for the case State of Minnesota v Derek Chauvin, case number 27-CR-20-12646. The page includes all public documents filed in the case, and other information that will be helpful to parties interested in the case. You may sign up to receive an email notice whenever the webpage is updated, by clicking on the “Sign up to receive updates” link at the top of the page.
District Court initiatives to reduce pretrial detention
Hennepin County District Court, in collaboration with justice partners, has and continues to work to manage the pretrial detention of people appropriately at the Adult Detention Center (Hennepin County jail). A document outlining these efforts is available here
Criminal Court launches warrant hotline
Hennepin County Criminal Court has a new warrant hotline where you can call to get information about your warrant and schedule a court hearing to take care of your case. Your warrant will stay active until you go to court, which means you could still be arrested even though you have scheduled court over the phone. This new service gives you an opportunity to schedule a date to take care of it. Visit the Criminal court homepage for more information.
Video: Responding for jury duty in Hennepin County
Responding for jury duty? Watch a new video (5:08 minutes) to help you prepare. Please note, this video does not reflect changes to facilities and protocols that were put in place to meet social distancing and safety needs, due to COVID-19.

Self-Help Center has new phone number
The Statewide Self-Help Center has a new phone number: (651) 435-6535. If you call the old number, you’ll hear a message telling you the new number. For more information visit the Self-Help Center webpage.
Video: Going to Criminal Court in Hennepin County
Going to Court? Watch a video (4:31 minutes) to help you prepare.

Video: Get Tips on How to Handle a Ticket in Hennepin County
Got a ticket or citation? Watch our new video (5 min.) to learn about your options.

Tickets & Fines
Got a ticket? Learn how to resolve it at the Violations Bureau & Hearing Office.
Judicial Branch News | Notices