Carlton County, MN Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Carlton County District Court, Minnesota Judicial Branch is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Carlton County, handling criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate and juvenile matters.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Carlton County District Court, Minnesota Judicial Branch |
| Website | mncourts.gov/find-courts |
| Handles | Criminal (felonies and misdemeanors), traffic, civil, small claims, family, probate and juvenile matters in District Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota) and parking tickets (the city or agency that issued them) |
| Online Case Search | Access Case Records (Minnesota Public Access), statewide |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Pay Fines (mncourts.gov/pay-a-fine) |
How to Search Carlton County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Carlton County District Court records are kept by the Court Administrator.
Online
Go to Access Case Records on mncourts.gov.
Search statewide public records, which are not limited to this county.
Review docket information, not every document in the file.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to the county courthouse listed on mncourts.gov/find-courts.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Court Administrator for records not available online.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
Contact the Court Administrator
Go to mncourts.gov/find-courts for current contact details.
Ask for the Court Administrator, who keeps district court records.
Ask what copies cost before you request them.
Best for: Confirming where a case is held
Search by Name on MinnesotaCourts.org
Go to MinnesotaCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Carlton County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Carlton County courts handled an estimated 7,929 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 7,770. The estimate scales Minnesota statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~7,929
Total filings in CY 2024
~7,770
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~3,964
Filings per judicial position (2 estimated positions)
~-1.6%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~7,929 | ~8,055 | ~-1.6% |
| Total Dispositions | ~7,770 | ~7,894 | ~-1.6% |
| Criminal Filings | ~5,074 | ~5,138 | ~-1.2% |
| Civil Filings | ~1,142 | ~1,173 | ~-2.6% |
| Family Law Filings | ~381 | ~387 | ~-1.6% |
| Probate Filings | ~159 | ~159 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~76 | ~76 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~76 | ~76 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~2 | ~2 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Minnesota statewide figures scaled by Carlton County's 0.63% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Carlton County?
Estimated total filings in Carlton County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~7,929 | ~7,770 | ~-1.6% |
| CY 2023 | ~8,055 | ~7,894 | ~+2.4% |
| CY 2022 | ~7,865 | ~7,708 | ~+5.1% |
| CY 2021 | ~7,485 | ~7,335 | ~+7.3% |
| CY 2020 | ~6,977 | ~6,838 | ~+7.3% |
Estimated filings changed +13.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 6,977 to 7,929. The largest annual change was +7.3% in CY 2021. The latest change of -1.6% reflects statewide Minnesota trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Minnesota statewide figures scaled by Carlton County's 0.63% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Carlton County?
The District Court hears every main case type in Carlton County, including criminal (with traffic), civil, family, probate and juvenile matters. Filing counts for each category are not published on this page.
| Case Type | Heard In | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal | District Court | Felonies and misdemeanors |
| Traffic | District Court | Traffic citations are heard in District Court |
| Civil | District Court | Civil lawsuits, including small claims matters |
| Family law | District Court | Divorce, child custody and child support |
| Probate | District Court | Estates and guardianships |
| Juvenile | District Court | Juvenile delinquency and dependency matters (confidential) |
How Does Carlton County Compare With Minnesota Overall?
Carlton County is estimated to account for about 0.63% of the 1,250,000 cases filed in Minnesota courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Carlton County | Minnesota | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~7,929 | 1,250,000 | ~0.63% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.6% | -1.6% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~3,964 | 4,325 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~3,885 | 4,239 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~64.0% | 64.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~14.4% | 14.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~4.8% | 4.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Minnesota figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Minnesota statewide figures scaled by Carlton County's 0.63% share of the state population.
Carlton County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Minnesota statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Carlton County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 11.7% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 99.8% of Minnesota's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
13,177
Violent crimes, Minnesota statewide, 2025
83,199
Property crimes, Minnesota statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
226.0
Violent crime rate per 100K, Minnesota statewide, 2025 (population 5,830,405)
-11.7%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Minnesota statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (96,376 vs 109,143)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 135 | 2.3 | 173 | -22.0% |
| Rape | 2,233 | 38.3 | 2,242 | -0.4% |
| Robbery | 2,065 | 35.4 | 2,844 | -27.4% |
| Aggravated assault | 8,744 | 150.0 | 9,754 | -10.4% |
| Violent crimes total | 13,177 | 226.0 | 15,013 | -12.2% |
| Burglary | 9,414 | 161.5 | 10,792 | -12.8% |
| Larceny-theft | 63,620 | 1091.2 | 70,354 | -9.6% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 9,659 | 165.7 | 12,394 | -22.1% |
| Property crimes total | 83,199 | 1427.0 | 94,130 | -11.6% |
Rates use the Minnesota 2025 population of 5,830,405. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Carlton County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Carlton County Courthouse Locations
Carlton County court proceedings are held at the Carlton County Courthouse. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carlton County Courthouse | 1780 Justice Drive, Suite 2700, Carlton, MN 55718 | (218) 673-5065 | See location page |
Addresses and phone numbers come from public directory listings and may change, so confirm them with the clerk before you visit.
Which Court Handles Your Case in Carlton County?
Most matters for Carlton County go to the Carlton County District Court, Minnesota Judicial Branch. Federal cases are filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court, traffic matters | Check your citation for the court date and the court contact. |
| Parking ticket | The city or agency that issued the ticket | District Court does not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court, criminal | Misdemeanors are heard in District Court. |
| Felony | District Court, criminal | Felonies are heard in District Court. |
| DUI | District Court, criminal | Check your paperwork for the charge and court date. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Criminal charges go to District Court; ask the Court Administrator about protection order paperwork. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court, civil | Civil lawsuits are filed in District Court. |
| Small claims | District Court, civil | Small claims matters are heard in District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court, civil | Eviction cases are filed in District Court. |
| Divorce | District Court, family | Divorce cases are heard in District Court. |
| Child custody or support | District Court, family | Custody and support matters are heard in District Court. |
| Probate or estate | District Court, probate | Estates and guardianships are handled in District Court. |
| Juvenile case | District Court, juvenile | Juvenile matters are heard in District Court and are confidential. |
| Appeal | Minnesota Court of Appeals | Appeals from District Court go to the Minnesota Court of Appeals; the Minnesota Supreme Court reviews some cases. |
Are Carlton County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Carlton County court records are public, with exceptions under the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.
Public records
Most District Court case records are open to the public, subject to the rules.
Restricted or confidential records
Some cases and records are confidential, including juvenile, some family, adoption, mental health, sealed or expunged matters, and cases not remotely accessible under Minn. R. Pub. Access 8.
Online access
Go to Access Case Records to search statewide public case information. Online results show case information, not every document, and confidential cases are not shown.
In-person access
Contact the Court Administrator through mncourts.gov/find-courts to view or request records.
Fees
Ask the Court Administrator about any copy costs, since this page does not list court fees.
How to Search Carlton County Court Records Online
Use the official Minnesota portal to search Carlton County cases by case type, and ask the Court Administrator for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate, or juvenile.
- Open Access Case Records on mncourts.gov for statewide public case information.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the docket for case status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Court Administrator through mncourts.gov/find-courts to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Access Case Records | Docket entries, parties, and case status | Confidential or restricted cases are not shown |
| Traffic | Access Case Records | Case status and docket entries | Payment is separate from record search |
| Civil | Access Case Records | Docket entries and parties | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | Access Case Records | Docket entries and parties | Documents may require the Court Administrator |
| Family law | Access Case Records | Docket entries where the case is remotely accessible | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Access Case Records, or the Court Administrator | Estate and guardianship records where accessible | Not all probate files are remotely accessible |
| Juvenile | Court Administrator | Case information only through the court | Juvenile records are confidential and not in the public portal |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Carlton County
Fines and citations for Carlton County District Court cases can be paid through the options below.
- Online: Pay fines through the statewide Pay Fines page at mncourts.gov/pay-a-fine.
- Contact the court: Use mncourts.gov/find-courts to find the District Court contact for your case.
Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by District Court.
Carlton County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Carlton County court records?
Use Access Case Records to look up public case information by name or case number, or contact the Court Administrator for records not online.
Are Carlton County court records public?
Most are, under the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, but juvenile, some family, and sealed or confidential records are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name in Access Case Records, or contact the Court Administrator for help with the case number.
How do I find a court date?
Check your ticket, citation or notice, look up the case in Access Case Records, or contact the Court Administrator.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay fines through mncourts.gov/pay-a-fine, or contact the District Court by the phone listed on your citation or the Find Courts page.
How many cases are filed in Carlton County each year?
Filing counts for Carlton County are not published on this page. The county population was 36,711 in 2025.
What is the most common type of case?
Case-type counts are not published on this page. District Court hears criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters.
Is crime in Minnesota rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 12.2% to 13,177 in 2025 from 15,013 in 2024, and property crimes fell 11.6% to 83,199 from 94,130, as reported to the FBI. These are Minnesota statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Carlton County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 301 Walnut Avenue, Carlton, MN, 55718 |
| Phone Number: | 218-673-5065 |
| Website: | http://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Carlton.aspx |
Useful Links
- Carlton County District Court | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Official website for Carlton County District Court with information on court services, case schedules, and contact details.
- Self-Help Center | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Provides self-help resources for individuals dealing with legal procedures, including forms, guides, and FAQs for court processes.
- Access Case Records | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Offers guidance on how to access public case records and the procedure for record searches in Minnesota courts.
- Court Administration | Carlton County, MN - Details on administrative services in Carlton County courts, including case management, fee schedules, and jury duty information.
- Minnesota State Law Library | Research and Information - This state law library provides legal research materials, legal forms, and librarian assistance for legal research inquiries.
- LawHelpMN | Free Legal Help, Information, and Resources - Non-profit organization offering free legal information, resources, and forms for Minnesotans needing legal assistance or information.
- Legal Forms Guide | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Comprehensive guide to legal forms for use in Minnesota courts, including how to fill out and submit them.
- Jury Service | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Information about jury duty requirements, scheduling, expectations, and other related details for jurors serving in Minnesota courts.
- Help Topics | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Offers a wide range of help topics related to legal proceedings, court processes, and guidance on navigating the court system.
- Document Center | Carlton County, MN - Access to public documents, forms, and records for Carlton County, including court documents available online for download.
- Public Notices | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Latest public notices related to court schedules, changes in rules, and other official announcements from the Minnesota courts.
- eFile and eServe | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Electronic filing and service portal for submitting court documents online, with guides on electronic procedure compliance.
- Resolution Systems Institute | Promoting Court ADR Systems - Organization focusing on alternative dispute resolution processes within court systems, offering training and resources for ADR.
- Carlton County Lawyers | MN | FindLaw - Platform to connect with local lawyers in Carlton County, offering lists of legal professionals in various practice areas.
- About the Courts | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Provides an overview of the structure and function of the Minnesota court system, including trial and appellate courts.
- Minnesota District Courts Guide | Reference and Resources - Guide to Minnesota's district courts, offering insight into court functions, common procedures, and where to find additional help.
- Minnesota Court Rules | Legal Guide - Comprehensive resource on the rules governing procedures in Minnesota courts, updated regularly to reflect current laws.
- Contact Us | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Contact information for Minnesota courts, including customer service for assistance with court-related inquiries or issues.
- Financial Investment Research and Advice | Value Line - Offering financial data and investment insights, valuable for those involved in financial proceedings or court-related financial analysis.
- Government Partners | Minnesota Judicial Branch - Collaborations and partnerships with government entities to enhance the effectiveness and reach of the Minnesota court system.
Table of Contents
- Carlton County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Carlton County Court Records
- Carlton County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Carlton County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Carlton County?
- How Does Carlton County Compare With Minnesota Overall?
- Carlton County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Carlton County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Carlton County?
- Are Carlton County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Carlton County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Carlton County
- Carlton County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links