Find Criminal Court Records in Pope County

Pope County criminal court records are filed and maintained by the 8th Judicial District Court Administration office in Glenwood. The office covers all felony, gross misdemeanor, and misdemeanor cases brought in the county. Records can be searched at no cost through Minnesota Court Records Online, and the courthouse at 130 E. Minnesota Avenue handles copy requests and in-person inquiries Monday through Friday during business hours.

Pope County District Court

Pope County District Court is located in Glenwood, the county seat, and operates as part of the 8th Judicial District. Court Administrator Rachel Schmidt oversees court operations and the staff who handle public record requests, case scheduling, and document filing. The office is open weekdays from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. For time-sensitive matters, call ahead to confirm what you need and whether it can be handled without an in-person visit.

The Pope County court page on mncourts.gov lists current contact details, holiday closures, and links to the court calendar. Local department contacts are also listed through the Pope County court administration page. Confirm hours and staff availability before making the drive to Glenwood.

Searching Online Through MCRO

Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) is the free statewide tool for searching Pope County criminal case records. No account or login is required. The system runs 24 hours a day and covers all 87 counties through a single interface. Enter a party name, case number, or attorney name to see case results. Each result shows the case type, charges, court dates, and the final disposition. Documents filed since July 1, 2015 are available to download at no charge.

A second access point is mncourts.gov/access-case-records/mcro, which explains the system and links to user guides. The daily court calendar posts at 7:00 AM and updates hourly, so you can track scheduled hearings without calling the courthouse. Public access terminals in the Glenwood courthouse let you use MCRO for free during business hours, and staff can help if you run into trouble navigating the interface.

BCA Criminal History Records

For a statewide conviction record, use the BCA criminal history search portal run by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension. BCA searches cost $8 and return felony and gross misdemeanor convictions reported to the state within the past 15 years. You need the subject's full legal name and date of birth. Results cover all Minnesota counties including Pope.

The BCA record and the MCRO record are not the same. MCRO shows everything in the court system, including charges that were dismissed or reduced through a plea deal. The BCA only shows convictions that law enforcement reported to the state. Running both searches together gives a more complete picture. Individuals can also run a BCA self-check to review their own record at any time.

Copies of Court Records

Pope County criminal court records are available to any member of the public unless sealed by court order. Since July 1, 2023, uncertified copies are free. Certified copies cost $14 per document. Submit requests through the Minnesota Courts copy request portal, in person at 130 E. Minnesota Avenue in Glenwood, or by mail to Court Administration.

When requesting records, provide the defendant's full name and case number when available. In-person requests are often handled the same day. Mail requests may take a week or more if older files need to be pulled from storage. Sealed records and records restricted by court order are not releasable, and staff will note that a restriction exists without explaining the reason.

If you are unsure exactly what documents to request, ask the clerk to describe what is in the file. They can help you narrow down what you need without releasing restricted portions. Being specific saves time and reduces back-and-forth.

Pope County Sheriff

The Pope County Sheriff's Office handles law enforcement throughout the county and manages the county jail. Arrest records start with the Sheriff. After an arrest, the report goes to the county attorney, who decides whether to file charges with the District Court. Once filed, the case appears in MCRO.

Recent arrests may not yet appear in MCRO. There is a gap between the arrest and when charges are formally filed. If you are looking for someone booked very recently, contact the Sheriff's Office to check jail status and whether charges have been submitted. The Pope County government website has contact information for all county departments if you need to reach the right office.

Expungement in Pope County

Minnesota law allows eligible individuals to petition for expungement under Minn. Stat. Chapter 609A. A granted expungement seals the court record from public access. Some cases qualify for automatic sealing under the Clean Slate provisions of Minn. Stat. Section 609A.015, which apply to certain low-level offenses without a petition.

For offenses not covered by automatic sealing, file a petition with the Pope County District Court in Glenwood. Waiting periods run from one to five years based on the offense type and how the case ended. Cases that ended without a conviction may qualify sooner. Filing fees apply unless you qualify for an income-based waiver. Minnesota Courts self-help resources include forms and plain-language instructions for people filing on their own.

Private background check databases may still show the record after it is sealed. You need to contact those companies separately to request a data update. Law enforcement may retain access to sealed records depending on the case type and applicable law.

Data Practices and Public Access

Access to Pope County criminal court records is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act at Minn. Stat. Chapter 13. Most criminal court records are classified as public data. Protected categories include sealed records, victim contact information, and certain juvenile case data. Court staff apply these rules when processing every request, whether in person, by mail, or through the online portal.

The image below shows the Pope County listing in the Minnesota Courts directory, which connects to the case search tool and local courthouse contact details.

Click the image to open the Pope County court page on mncourts.gov, or head directly to MCRO to search criminal records at no charge.

Nearby Counties

Pope County borders several counties in west-central Minnesota, each with its own District Court and records office.