Rice County Felony Records

Rice County felony records are kept at the District Court in Faribault. The county is part of the 3rd Judicial District and sits in southern Minnesota. You can search for criminal cases through the state's online court records tool or by visiting the courthouse. The county processes felony cases through the Sheriff's Office for arrest and booking, then through the court system for prosecution and final records. Online search tools let you pull up case data from anywhere, and the BCA statewide database gives you access to felony conviction info from all 87 Minnesota counties including Rice County.

Rice County Sheriff and Felony Arrests

The Rice County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency for the county outside of city limits. Call (320) 332-6100 to reach them. They handle felony arrests, warrant service, and jail operations in Faribault.

When a felony arrest takes place in Rice County, the sheriff's office creates a booking record with the charge, name, date of birth, and arrest date. This data is part of the public record under Minnesota Statute 641.08. The sheriff also sends arrest data to the BCA for the statewide criminal history system. Rice County includes the cities of Faribault and Northfield, both of which have their own police departments. City police handle arrests within their limits, but felony cases still go through the Rice County District Court. If you need to check on someone in the county jail, the sheriff's office is the place to call.

Search Rice County Felony Court Cases

The 3rd Judicial District Court in Faribault handles all felony filings for Rice County. Call (320) 332-6107 for the court clerk.

To look up Rice County felony cases, use Minnesota Court Records Online. This free search tool lets you enter a name or case number to find criminal cases. You will see charges, docket entries, hearing dates, and outcomes for most felony cases. The system works best for cases that ended with a conviction. Pre-conviction data does not show up in the online results. If you need the full file, go to the courthouse in Faribault or send a written request for copies.

Felony case records are public data under Statute 13.82. Anyone can request them. You do not need to explain why you want the records or show that you are connected to the case.

Note: Some records may be sealed by court order, which limits what is available to the public.

Rice County Criminal Background Data

The BCA Criminal History System is the central database for felony records in Minnesota. Rice County felony convictions are in this system. Run a free search at chs.state.mn.us. Public conviction data shows up if it is within 15 years of sentence completion.

For a detailed check, the BCA charges $15 for third-party requests. You need a notarized consent form from the person being searched. Under Statute 13.87, older convictions become private data. Under Statute 609.02, a felony is defined as any crime that can lead to one year or more in prison. The BCA mails results in about two weeks.

Rice County Felony Search Tools

The BCA's Criminal History Search tool covers Rice County and every other Minnesota county for felony lookups.

Search for free with a name and date of birth. The tool pulls from the statewide database that tracks felony convictions.

Rice County Felony Expungement Options

Minnesota's Clean Slate Act at Statute 609A.015 made automatic expungement possible for some felony convictions starting January 1, 2025. The BCA reviews eligible records and seals them after a five-year wait from the end of the sentence. Violent crimes and sex offenses are not included.

If you cannot get automatic sealing, petitioning the Rice County District Court is still an option under Statute 609A.02. Free help with expungement forms is available at helpsealmyrecord.org and LawHelpMN. The DOC offender locator shows whether someone from Rice County served time in the state prison system.

Rice County Felony Data Practices

Minnesota's Data Practices Act controls how Rice County shares felony records with the public. Under Statute 13.03, you can inspect government data for free at the courthouse in Faribault during regular office hours. If you want copies, the county charges up to $0.25 per page. Requests to view records should be handled right away. Written requests for copies can take up to 10 business days to process.

The court in Faribault keeps felony case files that include the criminal complaint, motions filed by both sides, plea agreements, trial transcripts, sentencing orders, and final judgments. Each of these documents is part of the public record unless a judge has ordered a specific item sealed. These files stay on record for 50 years after the case closes under state retention rules. Murder files are stored permanently and never destroyed. Older Rice County felony cases may still be on file at the courthouse even if they do not appear in the online search tools.

If you have trouble getting records from Rice County, the Minnesota Department of Administration handles data practices complaints. You can also contact the court administrator in Faribault for help with specific requests. All courts in the state follow the same data rules, so public felony records should be available to anyone who asks for them regardless of their reason.

Nearby Counties

These counties are next to Rice County. Confirm the filing county on your case before you begin your search.