Carver County Criminal Court Records

Carver County criminal court records are kept by the 1st Judicial District Court Administration office in Chaska. You can search most cases online for free through the Minnesota Court Records Online system, or visit the courthouse at 604 E 4th St to review files in person and request copies.

Carver County District Court

The Carver County District Court sits in Chaska and handles all criminal matters filed in the county. This includes felonies, gross misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and petty misdemeanor traffic offenses. Court Administration is run by Court Administrator Mary Dalbec. The office manages all case filings, scheduling, and records for criminal proceedings. If you need to contact the court, call (952) 361-1420 or visit during business hours.

The Carver County court page on mncourts.gov gives you the most current information on court hours, closures, and how to reach staff. Check there before you make a trip to the courthouse, especially around holidays.

The court page lists contact information, payment options, and links to forms you may need when requesting records or responding to a case.

Search Criminal Records Online

The free tool for searching Carver County criminal court records is Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). It covers all 87 Minnesota counties. You can look up cases by party name, case number, or attorney. MCRO shows case type, charges filed, hearing dates, and the outcome. Case documents filed on or after July 1, 2015 are available to view and download at no cost.

This rule applies statewide, but it is worth knowing before you search. If you only have a name and the case ended without a conviction, you may need to make a direct request through the clerk's office. Staff can confirm whether a case file exists and guide you from there.

MCRO is the starting point for most searches. It is free and works around the clock. You do not need an account to use it.

Requesting Copies of Court Records

You can get copies of Carver County criminal court records by mail, phone, or in person. The fee for certified copies is $14 per document. Uncertified copies are free as of July 1, 2023. The Carver County copy requests page has the most up-to-date instructions on how to submit a request and what to include.

The copy request page walks you through what information to include, where to send your request, and how payment works for mail and phone orders.

For mail requests, make your check or money order out to "Carver County Court Administration" and send it to 604 E 4th St, Chaska, MN 55318. Include the case number if you have it, the full name of the party, and the type of document you need. Be as specific as you can. Vague requests slow things down. If you want to pay by phone, call (952) 361-1420 and use a Visa, Discover, or Mastercard. Credit and debit cards are both accepted. You can also come in person during regular hours and pay at the counter.

Processing time varies. Simple requests may be ready the same day. Larger or older files may take a few days. Staff can give you an estimate when you call or visit.

BCA Criminal History Records

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) keeps statewide criminal history records. These go back further than court case files and include conviction data from across the state, not just Carver County. A BCA search costs $8 per name and covers conviction records from the last 15 years. You can request a search at the BCA criminal history search page.

BCA records are separate from court records. The BCA pulls data from law enforcement agencies and courts across Minnesota. If you need a full picture of someone's criminal history in the state, the BCA search is a good supplement to the MCRO case search. Keep in mind that BCA records show conviction data only. Dismissed cases, acquittals, and charges still pending do not show up on a BCA report.

For background check purposes, use both sources. MCRO shows you the full case file, including charges that were reduced or dismissed. The BCA shows you only what resulted in a conviction. Each serves a different purpose.

Sheriff and Law Enforcement Records

The Carver County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement across the county. Arrest records, incident reports, and jail information originate with the Sheriff. For criminal records that have not yet reached the court system, or for information about someone who was arrested but not charged, you may need to contact the Sheriff's Office directly. Their records division can tell you what is available and how to request it.

The Carver County Sheriff's Office page has contact information and directions for records requests. Arrest records may be available even when no court case was filed. That is because law enforcement records and court records are maintained by separate agencies. The court only has records once a case is filed.

The Carver County Attorney's Office handles prosecution of criminal cases in the county. Once the Sheriff makes an arrest and submits a report, the County Attorney decides whether to file charges. If charges are filed, the case enters the court system and shows up in MCRO.

Data Practices and Public Access

Minnesota's Government Data Practices Act (Minn. Stat. Chapter 13) governs what criminal court records the public can access and which records are private. Most court records in criminal cases are public. That includes complaints, charging documents, hearing records, dispositions, and sentencing orders. Some records are restricted, such as records involving juveniles and certain sealed files.

The Carver County data practices page explains how the county handles public records requests under state law. If you want to inspect a record at no cost, you can do that in person at the courthouse. Bring a photo ID and tell the clerk what you are looking for. Staff can pull the file and let you review it at a public access terminal or at the counter. You only pay if you want copies made.

Public inspection is free. You can look at the file, take notes, or photograph pages with your phone. If you want the court to make and certify copies, the $14 fee applies. Uncertified paper copies are free. This has been the rule since July 1, 2023.

Expungement of Criminal Records

Expungement seals a criminal record from public view. In Minnesota, the process is governed by Minn. Stat. Chapter 609A. If a record is expunged, it will not appear in MCRO searches. Court files are sealed, and the BCA record may also be affected depending on the type of expungement granted. The Minnesota Courts expungement page has instructions on how to file a petition and what cases qualify.

Not every record qualifies. Eligibility depends on the offense, the outcome, and how much time has passed. Some cases are eligible right after dismissal. Others require a waiting period after the sentence is served. If you are unsure whether your case qualifies, the Self-Help Center at the courthouse can point you to the right forms and explain the process. You do not need a lawyer to file for expungement, but it helps for complex cases.

Once an expungement order is granted, the record is sealed from public access. Employers and the general public will not see it. Certain government agencies may still access sealed records in limited situations. The court can explain what the order covers in your specific case.

Nearby Counties

Carver County borders several counties in the Twin Cities metro and south-central Minnesota. Each has its own district court and criminal records office.