Carlton County Criminal Court Records
Carlton County criminal court records are filed and maintained at the District Court located at 1780 Justice Drive in the city of Carlton. The 6th Judicial District handles all felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor cases for this county. You can search records through the free Minnesota Court Records Online system or visit the courthouse in person. The Court Administrator's office is on the second floor and handles copy requests, case lookups, and other records needs.
Carlton County Overview
Carlton County District Court
The Carlton County District Court operates under the 6th Judicial District of Minnesota. The courthouse sits at 1780 Justice Drive, Suite 2700, Carlton, MN 55718. You enter through the main door and take the stairs or elevator to the second floor where court administration is located. The interim Court Administrator is Kathy McFarlane.
| Address | 1780 Justice Drive, Suite 2700, Carlton, MN 55718 |
|---|---|
| Phone | (218) 673-5065 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Court Administrator | Kathy McFarlane (Interim) |
| Judicial District | 6th District |
| Parking | Free surface lot and on-street parking |
The office handles criminal filings, case records, and copy requests for all criminal matters in the county. If you need to speak with a staff member, call ahead to confirm availability. The phone line is open during regular business hours.
Search Carlton County Court Records Online
The Minnesota Court Records Online system, known as MCRO, gives the public free access to most criminal case records. You can search by name, case number, or date range. The system covers all Minnesota district courts, including Carlton County. Go to publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us to run a search. You can also access MCRO through the main Minnesota Courts website.
MCRO shows case numbers, charges, filing dates, hearing schedules, and case dispositions. Some records are sealed or restricted. Juvenile files, certain domestic cases, and records subject to expungement orders do not appear in the public view. If a case does not show up, it may be confidential under state law.
Public access terminals are also available inside the courthouse on the second floor. These terminals let you view case records at no cost during regular court hours. Staff can point you to the terminal when you arrive.
Note: The weekly court calendar is posted online at 7:00 AM each day and updated hourly. Confidential cases are not listed in the public calendar. Hearing times and dates can change, so check the calendar close to the hearing date.
Getting Copies of Criminal Court Records
You can request copies of Carlton County criminal court records in person at the courthouse or by mail. Uncertified copies are free as of July 1, 2023. Certified copies cost $14 per document. Bring a case number or the full name of the person you are searching for when you visit.
Written copy requests can be mailed to the court administrator's office at 1780 Justice Drive, Suite 2700, Carlton, MN 55718. Include the case number, the type of document you need, and your contact information. For certified copies, include a check payable to the District Court. Full details on how to submit a copy request are available on the Minnesota Courts copy request page.
Processing time varies. Simple requests are often filled the same day if you come in person. Mail requests can take longer depending on volume. Call the office at (218) 673-5065 before mailing a request if you have questions about what to include.
BCA Criminal History Records
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension keeps a statewide criminal history database separate from the court system. You can search it at dps.mn.gov. The fee is $8 per search. Results show conviction data going back 15 years. This database covers records from all Minnesota counties, including Carlton.
BCA records are useful when you need a broader look at a person's history across the state. Court records from MCRO focus on specific cases and filings. BCA results are formatted as a summary of convictions. They do not include pending charges or cases that ended in dismissal or acquittal.
Carlton County Sheriff
The Carlton County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement across the county. The sheriff keeps arrest records and booking information separate from the court system. If you need arrest reports or jail records, contact the sheriff's office directly at co.carlton.mn.us. Jail information is available at co.carlton.mn.us/departments/jail.
Arrest records and incident reports from the sheriff are public records in most cases. Some records may be withheld if an investigation is active. The sheriff's office and the court system are separate. An arrest record does not mean a case has been filed in court. Check MCRO to see if charges were formally filed.
Self-Help and Legal Resources
Carlton County residents who need help with court procedures can reach the Self-Help Center remotely. The line is (651) 435-6535, open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Staff can answer questions about court forms, procedures, and how to file documents. They do not provide legal advice, but they can help you understand what to do next.
The Self-Help Center can also help with expungement questions. Under Minnesota law, some criminal records can be sealed through the expungement process. Details on eligibility and how to file are on the Minnesota Courts expungement page. The relevant statute is Minn. Stat. Chapter 609A.
Court fee information is posted at mncourts.gov. Fees cover filing costs and other court services. Some people may qualify for a fee waiver. Ask the court administrator's office for details.
Privacy and Public Access Rules
Access to Carlton County criminal court records is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Chapter 13. Most criminal case records are public. Some records are private or protected. These include juvenile records, certain victim information, and cases under active expungement orders.
When you search MCRO or visit the courthouse, you will only see what is classified as public data. If you believe a record should be available but isn't, you can submit a formal data request under MGDPA. The court administrator can explain the process. Court staff are not required to interpret records for you, but they can help you find the right documents.
Carlton County Court Website and Resources
The official court page for Carlton County is at mncourts.gov/find-courts/carlton. This page lists courthouse hours, contact information, and local notices. The county's main government site is at co.carlton.mn.us.
The 6th Judicial District covers Carlton and five other northern Minnesota counties. The district court page is at mncourts.gov. From there you can find information about other courts in the district and shared resources.
The screenshot below is from the Minnesota Courts website and shows the court directory for the Carlton County District Court.
Use the link or the search tool on this page to access case records and court information for Carlton County.
Nearby Counties
Carlton County borders several other counties in northeastern Minnesota. Each has its own district court with separate records.