Carver 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 Carver County District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction for Carver County. It handles criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile and traffic matters, and it is part of Minnesota Judicial District 1.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Carver County District Court (Minnesota Judicial Branch) |
| Main Address | 604 East Fourth Street, Chaska, MN 55318 |
| Main Phone | (952) 361-1420 |
| Website | mncourts.gov/find-courts/carver |
| Court Administrator | Mary Dalbec |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Chaska) |
| Handles | Criminal, civil, family, probate, juvenile and traffic matters |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota), parking tickets (issuing agency), and appeals (Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court) |
| Online Case Search | Access Case Records (statewide, not county-specific) |
| Criminal Records Requests | Contact the District Court Court Administrator at (952) 361-1420 |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Pay Fines (statewide page) |
How to Search Carver County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and approximate dates ready before you search. Carver County District Court records are kept by the Court Administrator.
Online
Go to Access Case Records to open the statewide case search.
Search by name or case number for cases in Minnesota courts.
Confirm details with the court, since online results may be incomplete.
Best for: Checking case status and parties
In Person
Go to 604 East Fourth Street, Chaska, MN 55318.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Court Administrator for the records you need.
Best for: Records not available online
By Phone
Call (952) 361-1420 to ask the District Court about records.
Ask which office keeps your case type before you visit.
Expect the court to confirm which records it can release.
Best for: Confirming records before a visit
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
Carver County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Carver County courts handled an estimated 24,302 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 23,816. The estimate scales Minnesota statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~24,302
Total filings in CY 2024
~23,816
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~4,050
Filings per judicial position (6 estimated positions)
~-1.6%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~24,302 | ~24,691 | ~-1.6% |
| Total Dispositions | ~23,816 | ~24,197 | ~-1.6% |
| Criminal Filings | ~15,553 | ~15,748 | ~-1.2% |
| Civil Filings | ~3,499 | ~3,597 | ~-2.7% |
| Family Law Filings | ~1,166 | ~1,186 | ~-1.7% |
| Probate Filings | ~486 | ~486 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~233 | ~233 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~233 | ~233 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~6 | ~6 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Minnesota statewide figures scaled by Carver County's 1.94% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Carver County?
Estimated total filings in Carver 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 | ~24,302 | ~23,816 | ~-1.6% |
| CY 2023 | ~24,691 | ~24,197 | ~+2.4% |
| CY 2022 | ~24,108 | ~23,625 | ~+5.1% |
| CY 2021 | ~22,941 | ~22,482 | ~+7.3% |
| CY 2020 | ~21,386 | ~20,958 | ~+7.3% |
Estimated filings changed +13.6% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 21,386 to 24,302. 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 Carver County's 1.94% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Carver County?
The Carver County District Court hears every major case category, so no single category is shown with filing counts on this page.
| Case Type | Handled By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal | District Court | Misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors and felonies |
| Traffic | District Court | Traffic citations issued in the county |
| Civil | District Court | Civil lawsuits, including small claims matters |
| Family law | District Court | Divorce, custody, support and related matters |
| Probate | District Court | Estates, guardianships and conservatorships |
| Juvenile | District Court | Juvenile delinquency and dependency matters |
How Does Carver County Compare With Minnesota Overall?
Carver County is estimated to account for about 1.94% of the 1,250,000 cases filed in Minnesota courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Carver County | Minnesota | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~24,302 | 1,250,000 | ~1.94% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.6% | -1.6% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~4,050 | 4,325 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~3,969 | 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 Carver County's 1.94% share of the state population.
Carver County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Minnesota statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Carver 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 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 Carver County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Carver County Courthouse Locations
Carver County has 1 District Court location, the courthouse in Chaska. Court Administrator Mary Dalbec keeps the district court records. Check your notice or ticket for the courtroom before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carver County Courthouse (Chaska) | 604 East Fourth Street, Chaska, MN 55318 | (952) 361-1420 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Carver County?
Most matters for Carver County are heard in the Carver County District Court, while parking tickets and federal cases are handled elsewhere.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are heard in the District Court for the county where the ticket was issued. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the District Court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court, criminal | Misdemeanor charges are heard in the District Court. |
| Felony | District Court, criminal | Felony charges are heard in the District Court. |
| DUI | District Court, criminal or traffic | DUI matters are heard in the District Court, so check your charging papers. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Criminal charges and protection orders are handled by the District Court. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court, civil | Civil lawsuits are filed with the District Court. |
| Small claims | District Court, civil | Small claims matters are part of the District Court civil docket. |
| Eviction | District Court, housing | Eviction actions are filed with the District Court. |
| Divorce | District Court, family | Divorce cases are heard in the District Court family division. |
| Child custody or support | District Court, family | Custody and support matters are heard in the District Court family division. |
| Probate or estate | District Court, probate | Estates and guardianships are handled by the District Court probate division. |
| Juvenile case | District Court, juvenile | Juvenile delinquency and dependency cases are heard in the District Court juvenile division. |
| Appeal | Minnesota Court of Appeals | Appeals from District Court decisions go to the Minnesota Court of Appeals. |
Are Carver County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Carver County District Court records are public, with exceptions set by Minnesota law and the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.
Public records
Most civil, criminal and traffic case records in the District Court are open to the public, subject to the court rules.
Restricted or confidential records
Some case types and records are confidential or restricted, such as certain juvenile, family, adoption and mental health matters, and sealed or expunged records. Records not remotely accessible under Minn. R. Pub. Access 8 are not available online.
Online access
The statewide case search is available through Access Case Records. It is not specific to Carver County. Online results show case information, not every document, and restricted cases are not shown.
In-person access
Visit the Court Administrator at the Carver County Courthouse, 604 East Fourth Street, Chaska, MN 55318, or call (952) 361-1420 to confirm which office holds your records.
Fees
This page does not list court fees for copies. Ask the Court Administrator for current fees before you request records.
How to Search Carver County Court Records Online
Use the statewide case search to look up Carver County District Court cases, and ask the court for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate or juvenile.
- Open Access Case Records for the statewide case search.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case information for status, parties and scheduled dates.
- Call the Court Administrator at (952) 361-1420 to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Access Case Records | Case information and status | Full documents may require the court |
| Traffic | Access Case Records; pay at Pay Fines | Case status and payment information | Payment is separate from record search |
| Civil | Access Case Records | Case information and parties | Sealed or restricted filings are not shown |
| Small claims | Access Case Records | Case information and parties | Documents may require the court |
| Family law | Access Case Records | Case information for permitted cases | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Access Case Records | Case information for permitted cases | Some probate records are restricted |
| Juvenile | Court Administrator at (952) 361-1420 | Case information only through the court | Juvenile proceedings are confidential and not in the public search |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Carver County
Traffic citations and criminal fines for Carver County can be paid through the options below, depending on the case.
- Online: Pay eligible fines through the statewide Pay Fines page.
- Phone: Call the District Court Court Administrator at (952) 361-1420 about your citation or case.
Parking tickets are paid to the agency that issued them, not to the District Court.
Carver County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Carver County court records?
Use Access Case Records to search cases by name or case number, or contact the Court Administrator at (952) 361-1420.
Are Carver County court records public?
Most are, but confidential and restricted records are not available. See Access Case Records for the statewide search.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name at Access Case Records or call the Court Administrator at (952) 361-1420.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation or notice, look up the case online, or call the Court Administrator at (952) 361-1420.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Use the statewide Pay Fines page for eligible fines, or call (952) 361-1420 for help.
How many cases are filed in Carver County each year?
Filing counts for Carver County are not published on this page. The county population was 114,379 in 2025.
What is the most common type of case?
County caseload breakdowns are not available on this page, so no case type is shown as most common for Carver County.
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
Carver County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 604 East 4th Street, Chaska, MN, 55318 |
| Phone Number: | 952-361-1420 |
| Fax: | 952-361-1491 |
| Website: | http://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Carver.aspx |
Useful Links
- Carver County Courthouse - Minnesota Judicial Branch - Find court locations, contact information, and services provided by the Carver County Courthouse.
- Minnesota Public Access (MPA) Remote - Minnesota Judicial Branch - Access court records for Minnesota district courts including Carver County through the MPA Remote service.
- Carver County Attorney's Office - Information about the Carver County Attorney's Office, services offered, and resources for legal proceedings in Carver County.
- Help Topics - Minnesota Judicial Branch - Comprehensive guide to various legal topics, court forms, and procedures provided by the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
- LawHelpMN - Free Legal Help - A resource offered by legal aid organizations providing free legal information and services in Minnesota including Carver County.
- Adult Protection - Carver County - Resources and information about protective services provided for adults in need within Carver County.
- Public Notices - Minnesota Judicial Branch - Access to recent public notices related to the Minnesota courts, including Carver County, particularly for major court-related updates.
- Minnesota Statutes - Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes - Official database of current Minnesota state laws which may impact court proceedings in Carver County.
- Public Safety - Carver County - Detailed information about public safety departments and services in Carver County, including law enforcement and emergency services.
- Minnesota Continuing Legal Education - Minnesota CLE provides continuing education resources and legal practice information beneficial for legal professionals in Carver County.
- Legal Topics Guides - Minnesota State Law Library - A selection of guides on various legal topics curated by the Minnesota State Law Library helpful for Carver County residents.
- Carver County Property Tax Search - Tool for searching property tax records within Carver County's official resident services platform.
- Self Help Center - Minnesota Judicial Branch - Self-help resources and guides on court processes, available to Carver County residents through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
- Carver County Sheriff's Office - Overview of services and contact information for the Carver County Sheriff's Office, including legal enforcement and community programs.
- Legal Services of Northwest Minnesota - Nonprofit providing free legal help to eligible Carver County residents on civil legal issues through community outreach and advocacy.
- Pay a Fine - Minnesota Judicial Branch - Online payment portal for fines and fees associated with court cases throughout Minnesota, including Carver County.
- Recorded Documents Search - Carver County - A searchable database offering access to recorded legal documents such as deeds and mortgages in Carver County.
- ProJusticeMN - Resources for Legal Professionals - Resources, training, and tools for legal professionals serving communities like Carver County in Minnesota.
- Volunteer Lawyers Network - A nonprofit network providing pro bono legal services to low-income Minnesota residents, valuable for Carver County citizens needing legal aid.
- Find Courts - Minnesota Judicial Branch - Search tool to find courts and court services across Minnesota, including district courts in Carver County.
Table of Contents
- Carver County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Carver County Court Records
- Carver County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Carver County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Carver County?
- How Does Carver County Compare With Minnesota Overall?
- Carver County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Carver County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Carver County?
- Are Carver County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Carver County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Carver County
- Carver County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links