Minnesota Warrants: Types, Searches, and What to Expect

A warrant is issued by a court to law officers to make an arrest, search property, or force an individual to appear in court. It ensures that all law enforcement officers carry out their actions under probable cause and the authority of the judiciary.

What Is a Warrant in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, a District Court judge or magistrate issues a warrant to law enforcement agents. According to the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure, warrants may authorize the agents to:

• Arrest an individual suspected of a crime.
• A search and seizure of any property related to an investigation or crime.
• Compel an individual to comply with a court order.

Types of Warrants in Minnesota

Courts in Minnesota may issue several types of warrants, including:

1. Arrest Warrants

An arrest warrant is issued by the court to authorize a law enforcement officer to detain an individual. The court will issue the warrant upon sufficient evidence of probable cause and include information, such as an individual’s name, charges, and the issuing court.

2. Bench Warrants

Bench warrants are issued for individuals who fail to appear in court for a hearing, violate probation, or disobey a court directive.

3. Search Warrants

Under the Minnesota law, a search warrant authorizes the police to enter an individual’s property and seize evidence related to a criminal investigation.

4. Civil Warrants

Civil warrants are issued in non-criminal cases, such as evictions, contempt of court, debt collection, and small claims. They are instrumental in business or collection cases that may result in wage garnishments or property liens.

5. Fugitive or Out-of-State Warrants

Under Minnesota’s extradition law, if an individual wanted in another state is located in Minnesota, a fugitive warrant allows their detention until extradition. Minnesota may also request that other states return individuals facing charges to the state for prosecution.

How to Search for Warrants in Minnesota

Generally, warrant records in Minnesota may include an individual’s name, case number, charges, type of warrant, issuing court, and bail details (if applicable). There are several official resources where the public may search for warrants, including:

1. Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) – The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides an online portal for District Court cases. Warrants tied to pending criminal cases may appear on the portal.
2. County Sheriff’s Offices – Most Sheriffs maintain warrant records in their respective counties. Larger counties such as Hennepin, Ramsey, and Dakota often provide public warrant search tools that allow the public to view this information. Other counties also enable individuals to request information through phone or in-person inquiries.
3. Clerk of Court Offices – Individuals may contact the District Court clerks to view case files that contain warrant information.
4. Local Police Departments – Police in major cities, such as Minneapolis and St. Paul, maintain warrant records for municipal offenses. The public may contact them to view warrant information.
5. Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) – The DPS’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains statewide criminal history records. Individuals may request criminal records, which may include information about outstanding warrants.
6. Third-Party Search Tools – Some websites or companies may display Minnesota warrant data, but confirmation should be obtained from official court or sheriff’s offices.

Warrant Records in Major Minnesota Counties

Warrant records in Minnesota are maintained in the counties. Some notable counties include:

• Minneapolis (Hennepin County) – Members of the public may view warrant information at the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office and the Fourth Judicial District Court.
• St. Paul (Ramsey County) – The Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office and the Second Judicial District Court provide case records, including warrant records, to the public.
• Rochester (Olmsted County) – Warrant information is available to the public at the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and the Third Judicial District Court.

What Happens After a Warrant Is Issued in Minnesota?

When the court issues a warrant, it has legal implications for an individual, depending on the type of warrant.

• Arrest Warrants – Upon the release of an arrest warrant, a police officer may arrest an individual at any time. The individuals are booked and quickly arraigned before a judge or magistrate.
• Bench Warrants – Failing to appear or comply with orders usually results in immediate arrest and possible fines or jail time.
• Search Warrants – Officers must execute searches within 10 days, seizing only the property described in the warrant.
• Civil Warrants – These generally compel court appearances in civil lawsuits. Failure to appear before a court may result in default judgments, garnishments, or liens.

How Long Does a Warrant Stay Active in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, most warrants remain valid until they are resolved by the individual or the court that issued the warrant:

• Arrest and bench warrants do not expire. They are active until the individual is arrested or the court withdraws them.
• Search warrants expire within 10 days of issuance. The court may reissue them if it is not executed on time.
• Civil warrants remain valid until the case is resolved or dismissed.

It is important to resolve a warrant in Minnesota. This involves an individual appearing voluntarily in court or hiring an attorney to arrange surrender or negotiate bail terms. They may also pay their overdue fines or meet all court obligations. If an individual fails to resolve a warrant, it may lead to their arrest or issues with employment.

Warrants are crucial to the success of Minnesota’s legal system. It ensures that all arrests, searches, and court orders are conducted in a lawful manner.A warrant may be quashed if it is issued improperly, recalled once the individual complies with it, or cleared when executed or resolved in court.

The public may search for warrants in Minnesota through MCRO, county sheriffs, and court clerks. Individuals must remember that warrants in Minnesota do not expire, and they remain active until resolved in court.

For an individual with an outstanding or active warrant, the next step is to contact an attorney or the issuing court to resolve the matter. Failure to resolve their warrant may lead to an unexpected arrest or penalties.