Wabasha County Public Records / Wabasha County Arrest Records

Wabasha County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Wabasha County in 2026

WabashaRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Wabasha County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, charge details, bond information, and court case numbers. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the originating agency and the disposition of the case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Wabasha County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals processed at the county jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current custody status and recent bookings. The Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster, so direct contact or in-person inquiry is the primary method for obtaining this information. Records are updated as bookings occur.

Wabasha County Sheriff's Office
305 Walnut Street West, Suite 200
Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-3351
Wabasha County Sheriff's Office

2. Local Police Departments

Several municipalities within Wabasha County maintain their own police departments. Arrest logs and press releases with arrest information may be available through individual city police departments. Members of the public may contact the relevant department for the jurisdiction in which an arrest occurred.

Wabasha Police Department
257 West Second Street
Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-3351
City of Wabasha

Lake City Police Department
205 West Center Street
Lake City, MN 55041
Phone: (651) 345-4671
Lake City Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Minnesota Judicial Branch provides a public case search tool that allows members of the public to search for court cases by name. Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings, and searching by an individual's name may reveal associated criminal case information, including charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions.

Members of the public may access the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal to search for cases by name, case number, or citation number. This system covers cases filed in Wabasha County District Court.

Wabasha County District Court
625 Jefferson Avenue
Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-2461
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Wabasha County

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the Minnesota BCA Criminal Justice Information Systems portal. This database includes arrest and conviction records from law enforcement agencies statewide.

A fee of $15.00 per subject applies for public criminal history requests submitted to the BCA.
Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person.
The BCA record includes arrests, charges, and dispositions reported by Minnesota law enforcement agencies.

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota Department of Public Safety – BCA

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Address: 305 Walnut Street West, Suite 200, Wabasha, MN 55981
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (651) 565-3351
Individuals requesting records in person should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest.
Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard paper copies

Clerk of Court:

Address: 625 Jefferson Avenue, Wabasha, MN 55981
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (651) 565-2461
Criminal case files are available for inspection at the courthouse. Certified copies carry an additional fee.
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies $14.00 per document

By Mail:

Mailing address: Wabasha County Sheriff's Office, 305 Walnut Street West, Suite 200, Wabasha, MN 55981
Written requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's contact information.
Payment for copies should be included with the request.
Processing time: Typically 5–10 business days

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (651) 565-3351
Limited information is available by phone. Staff may confirm custody status or direct callers to the appropriate resource. Detailed record information requires a written or in-person request.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients.
Subpoenas may be used to compel production of detailed records in legal proceedings.
Discovery processes in criminal cases provide defense counsel access to arrest reports and related documentation.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest (which jurisdiction)

Are Arrest Records Public in Wabasha County

Arrest records in Wabasha County are presumptively public under Minnesota law. Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.82, arrest data maintained by law enforcement agencies is classified as public data, subject to specific exceptions. This statute requires that certain arrest information be made available to any person upon request, reflecting the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability.

Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings. The public nature of arrest data allows citizens, employers, researchers, and the press to access information about law enforcement activity in their communities.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Minnesota law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation information may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is not disclosed
Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
Witness protection participants are not identified in public records

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Minnesota Constitution and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Courts have consistently recognized that transparency in the arrest process serves due process interests and promotes public confidence in the justice system. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exceptions and judicial oversight.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers (subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act)
Landlords (subject to applicable restrictions)
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers and landlords using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) and applicable Minnesota employment laws. Minnesota law limits the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction for employment purposes. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest reflects a law enforcement action, not a finding of guilt.

What's in Wabasha County Arrest Records

Wabasha County arrest records contain a standardized set of information collected at the time of booking and during the arrest process.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks (scars, tattoos)
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information (if applicable)

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Minnesota statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation (if applicable)

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically included in public records)
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Release date and time (if released)
Release conditions (if public)

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment (if available)

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests in the county
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges (not always included in current arrest record)

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate access rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Wabasha County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Wabasha County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records requested. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.03, government entities may charge for the actual cost of searching for and retrieving data, as well as for copies.

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies (per page)	$0.25
Certified court document copies	$14.00 per document
BCA criminal history record check (public)	$15.00 per subject
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection

Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court is available at no charge.
Copy fees apply when physical or electronic copies are requested.
Certification fees apply when a document must bear an official court seal.
The BCA charges $15.00 per subject for public criminal history requests.
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. The BCA accepts credit card payments for online requests.
Fee waivers may be available for indigent individuals or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requests for fee waivers should be submitted in writing to the relevant agency.
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no cost before deciding whether to request copies.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Wabasha County

Minnesota law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (statutory sealing) and judicial sealing. Expungement under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02 allows eligible individuals to petition the court to seal records related to arrests, charges, and convictions. Sealing restricts public access to the records but does not physically destroy them; law enforcement agencies retain access to sealed records for specified purposes.

Distinction Between Expungement and Sealing:

In Minnesota, the term "expungement" refers to the statutory process of sealing records from public view. A court order of expungement directs all agencies holding records related to the case—including the arresting agency, the court, and the BCA—to seal those records. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public or most employers, but law enforcement and certain licensing agencies may retain access.

Cases Eligible for Expungement:

Arrests where no charges were filed
Cases dismissed without a finding of guilt
Cases resolved through a diversion program
Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)
Certain misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
Certain felony convictions after a waiting period, depending on the offense

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the BCA and the Wabasha County District Court to identify all records subject to the petition.
Complete the expungement petition forms available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch self-help center.
File the petition with the Wabasha County District Court and pay the applicable filing fee (fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals).
Serve copies of the petition on all agencies holding records related to the case, including the Sheriff's Office, the BCA, and any other named agencies.
Attend the scheduled hearing. The court will consider the petition and any objections filed by the prosecuting authority.
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to seal their records within 60 days.

Wabasha County District Court
625 Jefferson Avenue
Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-2461
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Expungement

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota BCA Criminal History

Individuals seeking expungement are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria carefully, as certain offenses—including many violent felonies and sex offenses—are not eligible for expungement under current Minnesota law.

What Happens After Arrest in Wabasha County?

The post-arrest process in Wabasha County follows a structured sequence governed by Minnesota law and local court procedures.

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Wabasha County Jail, located within the Law Enforcement Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene if investigation requires.

Wabasha County Jail
305 Walnut Street West
Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-3351
Wabasha County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process begins. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on volume and circumstances. Steps include:

Recording of personal information
Advisement of Miranda rights (if not previously given)
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the BCA
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and stored
Clothing exchanged for jail-issued clothing
Medical and brief mental health screening
Housing classification determination

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Minnesota law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and no later than 36 hours after arrest (excluding weekends and holidays) if held in custody. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch court calendar.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
Refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees
Amount set by the presiding judge or magistrate

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at 10% of the bond amount in Minnesota
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing time for release is typically one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
Written court date and conditions of release are provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant

If Bond Not Posted:

Individual remains in custody pending further proceedings
Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, and visitation schedule are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for representation through the Minnesota Board of Public Defense. Eligibility is based on income.

Tenth Judicial District Public Defender
2020 White Bear Avenue North, Suite 1100
Maplewood, MN 55109
Phone: (651) 297-7040
Minnesota Board of Public Defense

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service can assist in locating qualified criminal defense attorneys.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Wabasha County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest. Options include filing formal charges, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges.

Wabasha County Attorney's Office
625 Jefferson Avenue
Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-2461
Wabasha County

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea. Most defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Court dates for subsequent proceedings are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio/video recordings.

Pretrial Motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery.

Plea Negotiations may result in a plea agreement offering reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation in exchange for a guilty or no contest plea.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, or mental health court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts a negotiated resolution
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programs, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 36 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: May take six months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Minnesota and U.S. Constitutions

Rights Throughout Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Wabasha County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
305 Walnut Street West
Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-3351
Wabasha County Sheriff's Office

Wabasha County District Court – Clerk of Court
625 Jefferson Avenue
Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-2461
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Wabasha County

Wabasha County Attorney's Office
625 Jefferson Avenue
Wabasha, MN 55981
Phone: (651) 565-2461
Wabasha County

Tenth Judicial District Public Defender
2020 White Bear Avenue North, Suite 1100
Maplewood, MN 55109
Phone: (651) 297-7040
Minnesota Board of Public Defense

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent (politely invoke this right)
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions until counsel is present
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Wabasha County?

Arrest record retention in Wabasha County is governed by Minnesota law and the policies of the Minnesota State Archives. Under the Minnesota Records Retention Schedule administered by the Minnesota Historical Society, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to retain records for specified minimum periods based on the type of record and the disposition of the case.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, BCA, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently by the BCA state repository
Local law enforcement and court records: Retained for a minimum of seven years, with many agencies retaining permanently in electronic systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Retained for a minimum of seven years
Court records: Often retained permanently in electronic systems
BCA state repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
Records may remain accessible unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum seven years
Court records: Often permanent
May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum three to seven years depending on agency policy
May be eligible for expungement petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records: Minimum three to seven years
Often eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per agency schedule (minimum seven years for most arrest records)
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently or transferred to BCA
Photographs: Retained per agency schedule

Digital Records:

Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the Minnesota Court Information System
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
They may not update records when expungement orders are issued
The FCRA requires accuracy and imposes obligations on consumer reporting agencies

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum seven years
Arrest reports: Minimum seven years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (651) 565-3351

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum three years
Electronic records: Permanent in the Minnesota Court Information System

BCA State Repository:

The Minnesota BCA maintains arrest and disposition records from all Minnesota law enforcement agencies
Records are retained permanently unless a court order of expungement is received

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in all major databases
Appears on background checks indefinitely under federal law

Dismissal:

May remain in databases unless expunged
Often not reported on standard employment background checks

Expungement:

Local records sealed per court order
BCA updates its repository upon receipt of the expungement order
FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement
Removal from local systems occurs within 60 days of the court order

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period
May be purged automatically after three to seven years depending on agency policy

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available through direct contact with the Sheriff's Office or via the Minnesota Court Records Online portal
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (More Than Seven Years Ago):

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Longer processing time may apply

Very Old Arrests (More Than Twenty Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized
Paper records may be held in archives
Some records may have been destroyed per the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (651) 565-3351 for information on specific records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction occurs after the applicable retention period expires or following a court order of expungement
Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency
Records subject to permanent retention—including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, and sex offenses—cannot be destroyed

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks under the FCRA cover a seven-year period for most arrest records
Convictions may be reported indefinitely on background checks
Minnesota law limits the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction for employment decisions
Third-party websites may not reflect expungements or record updates and are not controlled by law enforcement

How to Check Retention Status:

Contact the Wabasha County Sheriff's Records Division at (651) 565-3351
Submit a written public records request identifying the specific arrest by name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
Fees may apply for copies of responsive records