Rock County Criminal Court Records
Rock County criminal court records are kept by the 5th Judicial District Court Administration office in Luverne, covering all criminal case filings in the county from traffic misdemeanors through felony charges. Free online access is available through Minnesota Court Records Online, and in-person requests are accepted at 920 E St during regular weekday business hours.
Rock County Overview
Rock County District Court
The Rock County District Court is in Luverne, the county seat of the westernmost county in Minnesota. Rock County borders both Iowa and South Dakota, and its courthouse in Luverne handles all criminal matters filed in the county. The court is part of the 5th Judicial District. Court Administration manages all filings, schedules, and records requests. Call (507) 283-5020 for assistance.
| Court | Rock County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 920 E St, Luverne, MN 56156 |
| Phone | (507) 283-5020 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Judicial District | 5th Judicial District |
The Rock County court page on mncourts.gov has current hours, judge information, and contact details for the Luverne courthouse. Check it before making the trip, particularly given Rock County's remote location.
The Rock County website and the Rock County Sheriff's Office page link to county departments and arrest record resources.
The mncourts.gov directory entry for Rock County provides verified courthouse contact information and links to local court services.
Searching Rock County Criminal Records
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) is the free tool for Rock County criminal court records. No account needed. Search by name, case number, or attorney. Results show case type, charges, hearing dates, and outcome. Case documents filed on or after July 1, 2015 can be viewed and downloaded at no cost.
Note: Cases that did not result in a conviction can only be found by case number, not by name. If you cannot locate a case by name, call Court Administration at (507) 283-5020 to get the case number first.
MCRO posts the court calendar at 7:00 AM each morning and updates it every hour. This helps you track Rock County case schedules without having to call the courthouse each time. The tool is free and available at any hour.
Older records not in the digital system require a written or in-person request. For a small county like Rock, older files may only be available on paper at the Luverne courthouse. Calling ahead before you visit is always worthwhile.
Getting Copies of Records
Uncertified copies of court records are free as of July 1, 2023. Certified copies cost $14 each. You can request copies in person, by mail, or online at mncourts.gov/help-topics/copy-request.
For Rock County, calling ahead is especially practical given Luverne's location. In-person requests are processed during business hours. Mail requests are a reasonable alternative for those who cannot make the drive. The online copy request portal is also an option and avoids travel entirely.
The statewide fee schedule is posted at mncourts.gov/help-topics/court-fees/district-court-fees. Rates apply equally at every Minnesota district court, including Luverne.
Rock County Sheriff Records
The Rock County Sheriff's Office handles arrest records, jail booking logs, and incident reports for the county. These records are separate from district court files. Arrest records start at booking. Court records begin when charges are formally filed in district court.
For a recent arrest not yet in MCRO, the sheriff's office is where to start. Cases can take several days after an arrest before appearing in the court system. The sheriff can confirm current custody status and provide booking details.
Because Rock County borders both Iowa and South Dakota, some cases may involve persons from neighboring states or charges connected to interstate travel. The sheriff's office can help confirm which jurisdiction filed charges if there is any question.
Contact the Rock County Sheriff's Office directly for current records request procedures, identification requirements, and any applicable fees.
BCA Statewide Conviction Search
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension offers a statewide criminal history search for $8 through the Department of Public Safety website. It covers all 87 counties for the past 15 years. You need the full legal name and date of birth of the person being searched.
BCA results show only convictions. Dismissed cases, acquittals, and pending charges are not included. For those, MCRO is the correct resource. The BCA is well suited for a quick, broad statewide conviction check. MCRO gives you more detail at the county level.
Federal criminal records are not in either system. Use PACER for those.
Expungement in Rock County
Minnesota allows criminal records to be expunged in two ways. Automatic expungement under Minn. Stat. 609A.015 applies when certain favorable case outcomes are reached. Petition-based expungement under Chapter 609A requires a formal petition and a court hearing in Luverne.
Expungement seals the record from public MCRO searches and most background check systems. Law enforcement retains access. Some professional licensing boards may also retain access depending on the offense and license type.
To begin the process in Rock County, file a petition with Court Administration at 920 E St in Luverne. Guides and forms are at mncourts.gov/help-topics/criminal-expungement. Public access terminals at the courthouse let you review your own records before filing. Given Luverne's small courthouse, asking staff about typical local timelines is helpful before you submit your petition.
Public Records and Privacy
Access to Rock County criminal court records is governed by the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. Chapter 13. Most criminal case records are public once a case is filed. Juvenile records, records sealed by order, and records with protected parties are not publicly accessible.
A public access terminal at the Luverne courthouse allows anyone to search MCRO and view digital records on-site for free during regular business hours. No appointment is required. Given the courthouse's small size and limited staff, arriving during mid-morning or early afternoon can help ensure you get attention quickly if you have questions.
If a record is restricted, Court Administration will confirm its existence without sharing the content. That acknowledgment is itself public data under state law.
Rock County is one of Minnesota's smallest and most rural counties. The courthouse sees a manageable case volume. That often means staff have more time to help you navigate a records request than you would encounter at a large metro courthouse. Do not hesitate to call before visiting with any questions about what to bring or what type of request to make.
Nearby Counties
Rock County is in Minnesota's far southwest corner, bordered by Nobles, Murray, and Pipestone counties.