Minnesota Public Records /Minnesota Court Records Online

Minnesota Court Records Online

Are Court Records in Minnesota Open to the Public?

Yes, court records in Minnesota are generally open to the public. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act governs access to data collected, received, maintained, created, or disseminated by any government entity in the state. Although the judicial branch is exempt from this act, the Minnesota Supreme Court's Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch ensure public access to court records.

Requesters must provide specific details to receive the records, such as the case number, party name, or attorney name. Valid photo identification and payment of any applicable fees are also typically required. Certified copies of records cost $14 per copy, uncertified copies cost $8 per copy, and exemplified and certified copies cost $28 per copy.

What Information Appears in a Minnesota Court Records Search?

Pleadings
Motions
Orders
Transcripts of court hearings
Judgments
Case summaries
Full-text court documents

How To Find Court Records in Minnesota

To find court records in Minnesota, the first step is identifying the type of records needed. Once identified, locate the appropriate court and contact the record custodian. For the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Minnesota Court of Appeals, contact the Clerk of Appellate Courts. For District Courts, contact the Court Administrator of the respective court.

Court records can be obtained in person at the courthouse or through online portals. The Minnesota Judicial Branch website provides access to various court records. Requesters should be prepared to provide specific details such as case numbers or party names. Fees may apply for copies of records.

Public Access to Minnesota Court Records

District Courts in Minnesota offer electronic access to most court records through public access terminals available at district courthouses. These records can also be accessed remotely via the Minnesota Trial Court Public Access Remote View Portal. Users can search for cases by case number, party name, or attorney name. Additionally, the Minnesota Supreme Court and Court of Appeals case records and opinions are accessible online through the Minnesota Appellate Courts Case Management System.

Searching Minnesota Court Records by Name

Minnesota court records can be searched by name through several methods. The Minnesota Judicial Branch website and the Minnesota Trial Court Public Access Remote View Portal allow users to search by the record-holder's name, party name, attorney name, or judge name.

To search by name, users must provide the specific name of the individual, party, attorney, or judge involved in the case. This search method is useful for finding criminal or civil cases, viewing case summaries, and accessing full-text court documents.

How To Access Court Records Online for Free in Minnesota

Minnesota court records are available online for free through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal. Users can access this portal by visiting the Minnesota Judicial Branch website and selecting "Access Case Records" followed by MCRO. By providing information such as name, case number, or attorney, users can search for and review case summaries and available court documents.

The Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Remote is another option, charging a fee of $8.50 per name per search. In-person access to court records is available at district courthouses free of charge, though fees may apply for copies or other services.

Exemptions for Minnesota Court Case Lookup

Certain court records in Minnesota are classified as private, confidential, or nonpublic, exempting them from public disclosure. Examples include:

Juvenile court records
Mental health commitment and treatment records
Domestic abuse and harassment restraining order files
Family court records
Criminal investigation records
Victim information
Trade secrets and proprietary information
Certain medical examiner and autopsy reports
Certain attorney-client privileged communications

While these records are not accessible to the general public, access may still be granted to parties involved in the case, law enforcement agencies, government officials, and other approved individuals or organizations.

Finding a Court Docket in Minnesota

A court docket in Minnesota is a schedule of cases to be heard in a court on a particular day or over a certain period. Dockets are used by judges, attorneys, and court staff to manage proceedings and ensure timely hearings.

Minnesota court dockets can be searched online through the Minnesota Judicial Branch's website. Users can search by case number, party name, or attorney name to find the relevant docket information. Dockets include details such as the case type, hearing date and time, and parties involved.

What Information Is Found in Minnesota Judgment Records?

Minnesota judgment records are created when the court decides a case. These records become binding once entered into the case record. They contain:

Litigants' names
Judge's name
Judgment date
Litigants' claims
Court's decision per claim or complaint

Requesters can obtain judgment records by visiting the clerk's office in the court where the case was adjudicated. They must provide the litigants' names, docket numbers, or attorneys' names and pay applicable fees for searching and making copies.

Are Bankruptcy Records in Minnesota Publicly Accessible?

Yes, bankruptcy records in Minnesota are publicly accessible. These records can be obtained by querying the relevant record custodian in the judicial district where the claim or petition was filed. Requesters must provide specific details such as the case number or debtor name to receive the records.

Bankruptcy records include documents filed in court by individuals or businesses seeking protection from creditors. Requesters may need to register for a PACER account and pay applicable fees to access these records.

How To Search Bankruptcy Records in Minnesota

To search for bankruptcy records in Minnesota, individuals must:

Register for a PACER account to access federal court records.
Pay applicable fees, such as $0.10 per page for document retrieval.
Provide search criteria like case number or debtor name.
Follow PACER rules and guidelines.

Bankruptcy records can also be accessed through the bankruptcy court directly or via the court's online access system, if available. Some information may be redacted or restricted for privacy or security reasons.

Different Types of Courts in Minnesota

Trial Courts: Known as district courts, they handle most cases through the court system. Minnesota has ten judicial districts.
Appellate Courts: Intermediate level courts that hear appeals from district courts and some administrative agencies. Includes the Minnesota Court of Appeals and the Minnesota Supreme Court.
Supreme Court: The highest court level, hearing appeals from the Court of Appeals and district courts. Its decisions are final.

Understanding the Differences Between Civil and Small Claims Courts in Minnesota

In Minnesota, civil matters are handled by District Courts, which have unlimited jurisdiction over these cases. Each District Court has a Conciliation Division for small claims civil matters, as mandated by Minnesota Statute Chapter 491A.

Minnesota small claims courts, or Conciliation Courts, handle civil claims where the amount in controversy does not exceed $15,000. For credit card transactions, the limit is $4,000. These courts do not have jurisdiction over certain matters, such as defamation, medical malpractice, and real estate title actions. Trials in Conciliation Courts are simple and informal, allowing individuals to represent themselves. Appeals can be made to the District Court, where the case is tried afresh. If the appealing party loses, they must pay an additional fee to the opposing party.

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