Access Fillmore County Felony Records

Fillmore County felony records are on file at the 3rd Judicial District Court in Preston. Located in the far southeast corner of Minnesota, Fillmore County is home to about 21,000 residents. The area is rural, with rolling bluffs and small towns. The Sheriff's Office books felony arrests and keeps jail records. Court filings and case documents are available through state online databases or at the courthouse. You can look up felony case data from anywhere with internet access using free tools run by the state.

Fillmore County Sheriff's Office

The Fillmore County Sheriff handles arrests and jail operations in Preston. Felony bookings create public arrest records that include the name, charges, and date. The sheriff's office patrols the entire county, covering small towns and the rural areas between them.

Because Fillmore County is small, the sheriff's office works closely with local police departments and the state patrol on felony cases. Drug crimes, DWI felonies, and property offenses are common here. All booking records are kept per Statute 641.08. You can call the sheriff at (507) 765-3874 to ask about records, or visit the office in Preston during regular business hours.

The jail log that the sheriff keeps is a public document. It shows the name, charges, commitment authority, and dates for each person held. You can ask to see this log in person or send a written request. Include the person's name and approximate dates. Fillmore County does not charge a fee for basic booking record checks at the sheriff's office. Certified copies of court documents are a separate matter and go through the clerk of court.

Searching Fillmore County Felony Records

The fastest way to search Fillmore County felony records is through Minnesota Court Records Online. This free system covers the 3rd Judicial District, which includes Fillmore County. You can search by name or case number. The results show charges, case status, and court dates. Some documents filed after July 2015 can be viewed online.

For conviction-specific data, use the BCA Criminal History Search. This tool covers all of Minnesota and shows felony convictions for up to 15 years past the sentence completion date. It is free and open to anyone. Under Statute 13.87, this data is classified as public for that time period. After 15 years, the record becomes private and is no longer shown on the public search.

You can also search in person at the Fillmore County Courthouse in Preston. The court clerk can help you find cases and make copies of documents. Public access terminals at the courthouse give the most complete view of electronic case records.

The BCA search is a statewide tool that shows public conviction data. It works for any county in Minnesota, including Fillmore.

Fillmore County Felony Court Cases

Under Statute 609.02, a felony is any crime carrying a possible prison term of one year or more. The 3rd Judicial District Court in Preston handles all felony cases for Fillmore County. Every case produces records: the complaint, the charges, bail orders, plea agreements, and sentencing documents. All of these are public once filed with the court.

Case files stay on record for 50 years after closure under Statute 138.17. Murder files are permanent. Active investigation files are not public under Statute 13.82, but once charges are filed, court documents open up. The DOC offender locator tracks people convicted of felonies who are under state corrections supervision, including those from Fillmore County.

Expungement in Fillmore County

The Clean Slate Act allows automatic sealing of some felony records five years after a sentence ends. The BCA runs this process. Violent crimes and sex offenses that need registration are not eligible.

The BCA reviews each Fillmore County felony record under Statute 609A.015 to decide if it qualifies for automatic sealing. Records that meet the criteria get removed from public search results on the BCA database and MCRO. Law enforcement can still access sealed records. The court in Preston keeps the original case file. If automatic sealing does not apply to your record, a petition is the other path forward.

Petition-based expungement is also available under Chapter 609A. You file with the Fillmore County District Court. Free forms are at mncourts.gov. Check helpsealmyrecord.org to see if your record might qualify. Legal aid groups in southeastern Minnesota can help with filings if you meet income guidelines.

Fillmore County Legal Resources

Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services covers Fillmore County. LawHelpMN has court forms and self-help guides. The VINE system lets crime victims track offender custody status. You can sign up for alerts when someone's status changes.

Fillmore County sits in the far southeast of the state, near the Iowa border. Legal services based in Rochester and Winona also serve residents of this area. The court clerk in Preston can point you to local resources if you need help with a felony record search or expungement. You can also call the court at (507) 765-3355 before making the drive to confirm what records are on file.

Under Statute 13.03, the public has a right to access most government data. Adult felony records in Fillmore County are generally open to anyone. Some records involving juveniles or sealed cases have restrictions. The court in Preston can help you figure out what is available. Call (507) 765-3355 to ask about a specific case before making the trip.

Nearby Counties

Counties bordering Fillmore County in southeastern Minnesota.