Dakota County Felony Records

Dakota County felony records can be searched through the 1st Judicial District Court or online state databases. The county seat is in Hastings, but court services also run from Apple Valley and West St. Paul. With a population of over 440,000, Dakota County is the third largest in Minnesota and covers fast-growing suburbs south of the Twin Cities. The Sheriff's Office keeps booking records and runs an online inmate search tool. Criminal complaints and court filings are public data you can access from home or at the courthouse.

Dakota County Sheriff's Office

The Dakota County Sheriff's Office runs the county jail and handles felony arrests outside city limits. The jail has 263 beds and holds people waiting for trial on felony charges. When someone is booked, their information goes into the public record. Staff at the sheriff's office can help you find arrest records and booking data.

Dakota County offers an online inmate search that shows who is currently held in the county jail. You can look up inmates by name. The search results show charges, booking dates, and bail amounts. This is one of the fastest ways to check for a recent felony arrest in Dakota County. The jail information page has details on visitation, phone calls, and how to post bail.

Under Minnesota Statute 641.08, the sheriff must keep detailed records of all people committed to the county jail. These records include the date of commitment, the charges, and the authority that ordered the commitment. You can request copies from the Sheriff's Records unit.

Dakota County Felony Search Tools

The Dakota County inmate search page lets you look up who is in jail right now. It is free to use and does not need an account.

Search results show the person's name, charges, and booking date. This tool covers the main county jail in Hastings.

Dakota County also has a criminal complaint search page. You can look up complaints that have been filed in the county.

Criminal complaints show the charges and the facts behind a felony case. They are filed by law enforcement or the county attorney.

The jail page on the county website has general info about the facility, how to visit, and how the booking process works.

This page also links to bail bond info and the rules for sending mail to inmates.

Dakota County Felony Court Records

The 1st Judicial District Court handles all felony cases in Dakota County. The main courthouse is in Hastings at 1560 Highway 55. There are also service centers in Apple Valley and West St. Paul. Court Administrator Maria King oversees records for the district. You can reach the court office at (651) 438-8100 or the administrator at (651) 377-7180.

Felony cases in Dakota County create several types of records. The criminal complaint starts the case. Then come charging documents, bail orders, plea agreements, and sentencing orders. All of these are public unless a judge seals them. Under Statute 13.82, most law enforcement data in an active investigation is not public until charges are filed. Once the case moves to court, the filings become accessible.

You can search Dakota County court records on Minnesota Court Records Online. The system covers the 1st Judicial District. Search by name or case number. Documents filed after July 2015 may be available to view online. For older records, contact the court office or visit in person. The BCA Criminal History Search is another option for conviction data. It covers felony convictions statewide for up to 15 years after a sentence ends.

Felony Expungement in Dakota County

Some felony records in Dakota County can be sealed through expungement. The Clean Slate Act, which started in January 2025, allows automatic sealing of certain felony records five years after a sentence is done. The BCA handles this process without any action from the person. Violent felonies and sex offenses that require registration do not qualify.

For cases that are not eligible for automatic expungement, you can file a petition under Chapter 609A. The petition goes to the 1st Judicial District Court. A judge will review your case and decide if sealing the record is in the interest of justice. Expungement forms are free at mncourts.gov. The website helpsealmyrecord.org can help you figure out if your felony might qualify.

Dakota County Legal Resources

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) covers Dakota County. They help people with low income on criminal record issues, including expungement. LawHelpMN has guides and forms for people handling cases on their own. The VINE system lets victims track an offender's status in custody.

Under Minnesota Statute 609.02, a felony is any crime that can bring at least one year in prison. Dakota County sees felony cases ranging from drug possession to assault to theft over $1,000. The DOC offender locator shows people under state correction supervision, including those on probation or parole after a Dakota County felony conviction. Under Statute 138.17, felony case files must be kept for 50 years after closure.

Cities in Dakota County

Dakota County includes several large suburbs south of the Twin Cities. All felony cases from these cities are filed in the 1st Judicial District Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Dakota County. Make sure you search the right county for the case you need.