Pennington 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 Pennington County District Court is the trial court of general jurisdiction in Pennington County, handling criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters for the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Pennington County District Court, Minnesota Judicial Branch |
| Court Directory | mncourts.gov/find-courts |
| Court Records Kept By | The District Court Court Administrator, in the county courthouse |
| Handles | Criminal, traffic, civil, family, probate, and juvenile matters in District Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota), appeals (Minnesota Court of Appeals and Minnesota Supreme Court), and parking tickets (issuing agency) |
| Online Case Search | Access Case Records (statewide) |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Pay Fines (statewide) |
How to Search Pennington County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Pennington County District Court records are kept by the Court Administrator in the county courthouse.
Online
Go to Access Case Records to search Minnesota court case records.
Search by name or case number, then open the case details.
Check the portal for any listed fees before you order copies.
Best for: Quick lookups of case status and parties
In Person
Go to the Pennington County District Court Court Administrator's office in the county courthouse.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Find the courthouse listed for Pennington County at mncourts.gov/find-courts.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Mail or Email
Find the District Court contact details at mncourts.gov/find-courts.
Include the case number, party names, and your return address.
Contact the Court Administrator first to confirm what the court needs.
Best for: Requests when you cannot visit in person
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
Pennington County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Pennington County courts handled an estimated 2,946 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 2,887. The estimate scales Minnesota statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~2,946
Total filings in CY 2024
~2,887
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~2,946
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-1.6%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~2,946 | ~2,993 | ~-1.6% |
| Total Dispositions | ~2,887 | ~2,933 | ~-1.6% |
| Criminal Filings | ~1,885 | ~1,909 | ~-1.3% |
| Civil Filings | ~424 | ~436 | ~-2.8% |
| Family Law Filings | ~141 | ~144 | ~-2.1% |
| Probate Filings | ~59 | ~59 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~28 | ~28 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~28 | ~28 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Minnesota statewide figures scaled by Pennington County's 0.24% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Pennington County?
Estimated total filings in Pennington 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 | ~2,946 | ~2,887 | ~-1.6% |
| CY 2023 | ~2,993 | ~2,933 | ~+2.4% |
| CY 2022 | ~2,922 | ~2,864 | ~+5.1% |
| CY 2021 | ~2,781 | ~2,725 | ~+7.3% |
| CY 2020 | ~2,592 | ~2,540 | ~+7.3% |
Estimated filings changed +13.7% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 2,592 to 2,946. 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 Pennington County's 0.24% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pennington County?
Case-type counts for Pennington County are not published in this section. The table below lists the types of matters the District Court hears.
| Case Type | Matters Heard in District Court |
|---|---|
| Criminal | Felonies and nontraffic misdemeanors |
| Traffic | Traffic infractions and violations (parking tickets go to the issuing agency) |
| Civil | Civil lawsuits and small claims |
| Family law | Divorce, child custody, child support, and related matters |
| Probate | Estates, guardianships, and conservatorships |
| Juvenile | Juvenile delinquency and juvenile protection matters |
How Does Pennington County Compare With Minnesota Overall?
Pennington County is estimated to account for about 0.24% of the 1,250,000 cases filed in Minnesota courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Pennington County | Minnesota | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~2,946 | 1,250,000 | ~0.24% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.6% | -1.6% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~2,946 | 4,325 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~2,887 | 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 Pennington County's 0.24% share of the state population.
Pennington County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Minnesota statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Pennington 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 Pennington County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Pennington County Courthouse Locations
Pennington County court proceedings are held at the Pennington County Justice Center. Check your notice or case paperwork to confirm the courthouse assigned to your case before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennington County Justice Center | 141 Main Ave S, Thief River Falls, MN 56701 | (218) 684-7000 | 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 Pennington County?
Most court matters in Pennington County go to the District Court, which is the trial court for the county. Some matters are handled by other agencies or courts, as shown below.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Check the ticket for the court date and the case number. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | District Court does not handle parking tickets. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court, Criminal | Misdemeanor cases are heard in the District Court. |
| Felony | District Court, Criminal | Felony cases are heard in the District Court. |
| DUI | District Court, Criminal or Traffic | Check the charge on your paperwork to confirm the case type. |
| Domestic violence | District Court | Criminal charges and protection orders are heard in 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 filed with the District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court, Civil | 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. |
| Probate or estate | District Court, Probate | Estate and guardianship matters are heard in the District Court. |
| Juvenile case | District Court, Juvenile | Juvenile matters are heard in the District Court. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota | Federal cases are outside the county court. |
| Appeal | Minnesota Court of Appeals | Appeals of District Court decisions go to the Court of Appeals, then the Minnesota Supreme Court. |
Are Pennington County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Pennington County District Court records are public, with exceptions set by the Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch.
Public records
Most case files in the District Court are open, including dockets, filings, and orders in criminal, traffic, civil, family, and probate cases.
Restricted or confidential records
Confidential cases and records are not publicly available. These include juvenile matters, some family and adoption matters, mental health matters, sealed or expunged matters, and cases not remotely accessible under Minn. R. Pub. Access 8.
Online access
Access Case Records is the statewide search for Minnesota court records. Online results may not show every document, and restricted cases are not shown.
In-person access
Visit the Court Administrator's office in the Pennington County courthouse to view or request records. Confirm the courthouse at mncourts.gov/find-courts.
Fees
This section does not list copy fees. Ask the Court Administrator's office about charges for copies.
How to Search Pennington County Court Records Online
Use the statewide Access Case Records search to look up Pennington County 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, which is statewide and not specific to Pennington County.
- Search by party name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details for status, parties, and scheduled dates.
- Contact the District Court Court Administrator, listed at 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 | Case information and status | Full documents may require the court |
| Traffic | Access Case Records | Case information and status | 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 where publicly accessible | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Contact the District Court Court Administrator | Estate and guardianship files | Request through the court |
| Juvenile | Contact the District Court Court Administrator | Limited information through the court | Juvenile proceedings are confidential and not in the public search |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Pennington County
Traffic citations and fines for Pennington County can be paid through the statewide Pay Fines page or by contacting the District Court.
- Online: Pay fines through the statewide Pay Fines page. Covers fines and fees the court has assigned.
- Contact the court: Contact the District Court Court Administrator listed at mncourts.gov/find-courts to confirm the amount due and payment options for your case.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the District Court.
Pennington County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Pennington County court records?
Use Access Case Records to search Minnesota court cases by name or case number, or contact the District Court Court Administrator for records not online.
Are Pennington County court records public?
Most are, but confidential cases such as juvenile and some family matters, along with sealed or expunged records, are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case in Pennington County?
Search by name in Access Case Records, or contact the District Court Court Administrator listed at mncourts.gov/find-courts.
How do I find a court date in Pennington County?
Check your ticket, notice, or paperwork, or contact the District Court Court Administrator for the court date on your case.
How do I pay a traffic ticket in Pennington County?
Pay through the statewide Pay Fines page, or contact the District Court to confirm the amount due.
How many cases are filed in Pennington County each year?
County filing counts are not published in this section. The estimated 2025 population was 13,686.
What is the most common type of case in Pennington County?
County case-type counts are not available here, so no most-common category is shown.
Is crime rising or falling in Minnesota?
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
Pennington County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 141 Main Ave S, Thief River Falls, MN, 56701 |
| Phone Number: | 218-684-7000 |
| Fax: | 218-681-0907 |
| Website: | http://www.mncourts.gov/Find-Courts/Pennington.aspx |
Table of Contents
- Pennington County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Pennington County Court Records
- Pennington County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Pennington County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Pennington County?
- How Does Pennington County Compare With Minnesota Overall?
- Pennington County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Pennington County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Pennington County?
- Are Pennington County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Pennington County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Pennington County
- Pennington County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links