Scott County Arrest Records

Law enforcement officers create Scott County arrest records when individuals are taken into custody for alleged criminal violations. These records typically provide:

• An account of the arrest process.
• Detailing the suspect's name.
• Physical characteristics.
• The nature of the offense.
• The location and time of the arrest.
• The holding facility.

Following an arrest, the detainee is brought before a judge for an initial hearing. During this proceeding, details of the arrest and subsequent court proceedings are documented, becoming part of Scott County's court records. Various parties can access this information, including residents of Scott County, Minnesota, lawyers, and prosecutors; they are especially relevant for posting bail, understanding the nature of the offense, as well as preparing a defense.

Are Arrest Records Public in Scott County?

Yes, arrest records in Scott County are generally public, as established by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, specifically under Minn. Stat. § 13.82, subd. 2. This law mandates that arrest information, including details of incidents leading to the arrest, be available to the public. However, the law also acknowledges that not all records are suitable for public disclosure. Thus, certain arrest details may be restricted or withheld to protect privacy and the integrity of ongoing investigations. This includes:

• Financial details such as bank account numbers.
• Personal identifiers like Social Security and driver's license numbers.
• Information related to ongoing law enforcement investigations.
• Details that could endanger victims, witnesses, or confidential sources.
• Mental health records.
• Arrests of individuals under 18 years old.
• Sealed or expunged records.
• Records are protected by federal regulations.

What Do Public Arrest Records Contain?

Under Minn. Stat. § 13.82, subd. 2, the following are considered public arrest information:

• The arrestee's biodata
• Arrest information, including its date, time and location
• Arresting agency and officers, as well as the detention facility
• The arrestee's alleged offense
• Circumstances surrounding the arrest
• Arraignment information and release date (if applicable)
• Bail/bond information

Scott County Crime Rate

According to the Minnesota National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS), Scott County law enforcement recorded 5,498 offenses in 2023. Of these offenses, 1,102 were categorized as crimes against persons, 3,710 crimes against property, and 686 crimes against society.

In the category of crimes against persons, simple assault was the most reported offense, with 530 incidents. Under crimes against society, drug/narcotic violations had the highest occurrence, with 364 reported violations. The most frequently reported crime against property was larceny/theft, with 890 recorded incidents.

Scott County Arrest Statistics

The NIBRS data for Scott County reveals that 2,742 arrests were made by local law enforcement agencies in 2023. Driving under the influence (DUI) was the leading cause of arrests, with 512 recorded cases. This was followed by shoplifting, with 426 arrests, and simple assault, with 409 arrests.

Find Scott County Arrest Records

Individuals interested in finding Scott County arrest records can use the search methods provided by the relevant law enforcement agency. If an arrest was conducted by a city police department in Scott County, such as the Savage or Shakopee Police Departments, citizens can inquire directly through the department's records unit. Each department typically allows public records requests through various means, such as mail, email, or in-person inquiries.

For instance, if an arrest occurred in Shakopee, interested parties can contact:

Shakopee Police Department Records Unit
475 Gorman St.
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: (952) 233-9400
Email: records@shakopee.org

Similarly, for records maintained by the Scott County Sheriff's Office:

Scott County Sheriff's Office Records Division
301 Fuller St. South
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: (952) 496-8300
Email: sheriff@co.scott.mn.us

Public data requests typically include the following information:

• Full name of the person involved in the arrest
• Date of birth (if known)
• Date and location of the arrest
• Description of the event, if possible

Get Scott County Criminal Records

To obtain Scott County criminal records, individuals can use the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search (CHS) System, which provides information about convictions across the state. This system, managed by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), allows the public to search for records by providing a person's name and date of birth. However, only conviction records—not arrest records—are accessible via this system, as arrests alone do not indicate guilt or criminal liability.

The Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) provides an inmate search tool for individuals convicted and sentenced to state prison following an arrest in Scott County. This tool allows members of the public to find current inmates by name or DOC number. Search results include the offender's status, location, and sentencing information.

Scott County Arrest Records Vs. Criminal Records

An arrest record indicates that law enforcement took an individual into custody under suspicion of a crime. It does not necessarily mean the person was convicted. On the other hand, a criminal record includes information about an individual's conviction and sentencing following an arrest and subsequent trial.

Criminal records are more comprehensive and can be used for background checks in employment, licensing, or housing decisions. Arrest records, while part of the broader criminal justice system, do not alone establish guilt.

How Long Do Arrests Stay on Your Record?

In Scott County, Minnesota, arrest records remain on an individual's record indefinitely unless expunged. While Minnesota law allows individuals to petition for the expungement of certain arrest records under specific conditions, law enforcement, and criminal justice agencies retain access to most records, even after expungement. Arrest records that are not expunged or sealed remain publicly accessible, making it crucial for individuals seeking to clear their records to follow the appropriate legal procedures.

Expunge Scott County Arrest Records

Minnesota law allows individuals to request the expungement of their arrest records under Minn. Stat. § 299C.11, provided specific criteria are met. These criteria may include:

• The arrest did not result in formal charges.
• Charges were dismissed before a determination of probable cause.
• A grand jury declined to issue an indictment after reviewing the case.

Individuals who meet these criteria can request the deletion of all identifying information from their records, including photographs, fingerprints, aliases, and other physical descriptions. To initiate the expungement process, applicants must submit a written petition to the arresting law enforcement agency. More detailed instructions, including sample expungement request letters, can be found on the Minnesota Judicial Branch's Expungement webpage.

If an individual is charged in court and convicted or enters into a diversion program, the expungement process must be handled through the courts. Under Minn. Stat. § 609A and Minn. Stat. § 260B.198, subd. 6, expungement petitions can be submitted to seal records from public access. It's important to note that sealed records are not destroyed—they remain accessible to criminal justice agencies for law enforcement purposes.

Scott County Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge directing law enforcement officers to apprehend and detain an individual suspected of committing a crime. In Scott County, warrants are typically issued when law enforcement submits a formal complaint to a judge proving probable cause to believe the individual has committed a crime. Warrants can also be issued for violations of court orders, such as failing to appear in court or breaching parole or probation conditions.

A Scott County arrest warrant will typically include:

• The name or identifying information of the individual.
• A description of the alleged offense.
• The judge's signature.
• Conditions for release, such as bail amounts, if applicable.

Law enforcement agencies are responsible for executing arrest warrants, and individuals who are subject to a warrant can be apprehended at any time. Arrest warrants in Scott County remain active indefinitely until the individual is either apprehended or voluntarily surrenders to law enforcement.

Scott County Arrest Warrant Search

Individuals can contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office or local law enforcement agencies to find out if an active arrest warrant exists. The Warrants Division of the Sheriff's Office often maintains a list of active felony and misdemeanor warrants. These warrant lists typically include the following:

• The name and photograph of the individual.
• The charges against the person.
• The level of the offense (felony or misdemeanor).
• The issue date and any applicable bail amounts.

Inquirers may contact the Scott County Sheriff's Office at:

Scott County Sheriff's Office
301 Fuller St. South
Shakopee, MN 55379
Phone: (952) 496-8300
Email: sheriff@co.scott.mn.us

Do Scott County Arrest Warrants Expire?

No, arrest warrants in Scott County do not expire. Once issued by a judge, they remain active until the subject is apprehended or voluntarily surrenders to law enforcement. Even if an individual relocates or avoids law enforcement for an extended period, the warrant remains in effect unless formally recalled by the court.