Search Cook County Felony Records
Cook County felony records are filed at the District Court in Grand Marais and maintained by the Sheriff's Office. This is the least populated county in Minnesota. It sits on the northeastern tip of the state along Lake Superior and the Canadian border. Cook County is part of the 6th Judicial District. All felony cases go through the courthouse in Grand Marais. You can use the state's online court system to search for records or call the local offices directly. This page explains how to find and access felony records in Cook County.
Cook County Overview
Cook County Sheriff's Office
The Cook County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. It runs the jail and keeps booking records for all arrests. Felony bookings include the person's name, charges, and arrest date. Under Minnesota Statute 641.08, the sheriff must keep a detailed log of all jail inmates. These records are public data. Call (218) 387-3151 to check on a booking.
Because Cook County is so small and remote, the jail has very limited capacity. Some inmates may be held at facilities in neighboring counties. If you are looking for a booking record and the sheriff's office does not have it, ask them where the person was transferred. The Grand Portage Band of Chippewa reservation is also in Cook County, and some cases from tribal land may go through federal court.
| Office | Cook County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Phone | (218) 387-3151 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.cook.mn.us |
How to Find Cook County Felony Records
Minnesota Court Records Online covers the Cook County District Court. It is free. Search by name or case number. Results include charges, case status, and hearing dates. Criminal cases only appear after a conviction is entered. For pre-conviction data, go to the courthouse in Grand Marais.
The BCA Criminal History Search is another free tool that covers the entire state. Public conviction data is available for 15 years after the sentence ends. Search by name and the system shows the offense, court, conviction date, and sentence. It covers all 87 Minnesota counties.
In-person searches are available at the Cook County Courthouse in Grand Marais. Keep in mind that Grand Marais is remote. Plan ahead if you need to visit. Call (218) 387-3020 to check hours. Court staff can pull case files and make copies for a per-page fee.
Cook County Court Felony Records
The 6th Judicial District Court handles felony cases in Cook County. Under Minnesota Statute 609.02, a felony is any crime that can lead to a prison term of one year or more. Drug charges, assault, and property crimes are among the common felony filings even in a small county like Cook. Each case generates a court file with the complaint, bail conditions, and sentencing order.
Court records are public under Section 13.82 of the Data Practices Act. Juvenile records, sealed files, and active investigation data are restricted. Anyone can ask to see a felony case file once the case is in the system. You do not need to be a party. Felony files are kept for 50 years. Murder cases stay permanently, per Section 138.17. Cook County is a very low-volume court, so the clerk can usually handle requests quickly.
Criminal history data at the BCA is classified under Section 13.87. Public conviction data stays on the BCA site for 15 years after the sentence ends. After that period, the data becomes private. Court records at the Cook County courthouse, however, remain available for the full retention period. For older records, the courthouse in Grand Marais is the best source.
Note: Cook County shares the 6th Judicial District with St. Louis, Lake, and Carlton counties. Judges rotate between courthouses in the district.
Cook County Felony Expungement
The Clean Slate Act went into effect January 1, 2025. Under Section 609A.015, the BCA automatically seals eligible felony records five years after the sentence is discharged. Violent crimes and sex offenses are excluded.
If a felony does not qualify for automatic sealing, you can petition the Cook County District Court. Free forms are available at mncourts.gov. Help Seal My Record has a step-by-step guide. LawHelpMN can connect you with legal aid providers in northeastern Minnesota.
Cook County Criminal Records Tools
The BCA Criminal History Search is the statewide tool for felony conviction lookups. It covers Cook County and every other county.
The tool shows the offense, conviction date, court, and sentence details. It is free and open to anyone.
The DOC Offender Locator shows people under state correctional supervision. The VINE system provides custody change notifications for victims.
Legal Help in Cook County
Legal Aid Service of Northeastern Minnesota serves Cook County. They can help with expungement petitions, criminal record issues, and other legal matters for qualifying residents. LawHelpMN has court forms, self-help guides, and a tool to find local legal aid providers. The Minnesota Judicial Branch website covers case record access from any court in the state. Court staff in Grand Marais can help with forms and lookups but cannot give legal advice.
Because Cook County is so remote, getting legal help in person can take some effort. Many legal aid providers in northeastern Minnesota offer phone consultations or can meet by video. If you need a lawyer for a felony case or expungement petition, start with LawHelpMN to find providers that cover the area.
Cities in Cook County
Cook County includes Grand Marais and a few unincorporated communities. All felony cases go through the Cook County District Court. No cities qualify for a separate page.
Nearby Counties
Cook County borders these Minnesota counties.