Dodge County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Dodge County in 2026
DodgeCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Dodge County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, court case data, and related criminal justice records through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge details, and associated court case numbers. All information presented reflects data from official public sources and is subject to applicable legal restrictions.
Records may be searched through official government resources, including the Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department, the Dodge County District Court clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department is the primary custodian of arrest and booking records originating from law enforcement activity within the county. Members of the public may submit records requests directly to the Records Department during business hours. Available information includes booking records, arrest reports, and custody status data. The Records Department updates its files on an ongoing basis as arrests are processed and cases progress.
2. Local Police Departments
Kasson, Mantorville, Dodge Center, and West Concord each maintain municipal police departments that generate arrest records for incidents occurring within their respective jurisdictions. Members of the public seeking arrest information from a specific city should direct requests to the relevant municipal police department. Some departments publish press releases containing arrest information on their official websites. Requests for records from city police departments follow the same procedures established under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
The Dodge County District Court, located in Mantorville, maintains criminal case files that are linked to underlying arrests. Members of the public may search for court cases associated with an arrest using the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) case search tool. Searches may be conducted by the name of the arrested individual to locate associated criminal case numbers, charge information, and case disposition. The MCRO system provides access to public case records and documents, and public access terminals are available at the courthouse for in-person searches.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions in Minnesota. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the BCA. The standard public criminal history search fee is currently $8.00 per subject. The BCA database includes arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentencing information reported by law enforcement agencies and courts statewide.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Dodge County Sheriff's Office – Records Department
15 E. Dodge Street
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6200
Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department
The Records Department is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with occasional closures from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Members of the public are advised to call ahead before visiting. A valid government-issued photo identification is required when requesting records in person. Copy fees apply to printed records.
Clerk of Court:
Dodge County District Court – Clerk of Court
22 Sixth Street East
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6260
Dodge County District Court
The Clerk of Court's office maintains criminal case files and accepts in-person requests for case records. Public access terminals are available for self-service searches. Standard copy fees apply to printed court documents.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted by mail to the Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department at 15 E. Dodge Street, Mantorville, MN 55955. Each written request should include the full legal name of the subject, the date of arrest if known, the booking number if known, and the requestor's complete contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time varies based on request volume and record availability.
By Phone:
The Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department may be reached at (507) 635-6200 during regular business hours. Staff can provide limited information by phone and may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available when calling.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may request arrest records on behalf of clients through standard public records request procedures or through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be used to compel production of records not otherwise available through routine public access channels.
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)
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office or specific municipal department)
Are Arrest Records Public in Dodge County
Arrest records in Dodge County are public records under Minnesota law. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.82, classifies arrest data maintained by law enforcement agencies as public data, accessible to any member of the public upon request. The public nature of arrest records serves multiple recognized governmental interests, including government transparency, public safety, community awareness, support for journalism and research, background screening, and the administration of legal proceedings.
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
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information (age, physical description)
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records (restricted or sealed under Minnesota law)
- Expunged arrest records (removed from public access by court order)
- Sealed records (subject to court-ordered confidentiality)
- Active investigation data that would compromise an ongoing investigation
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain case types
- Participants in witness protection programs
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
Minnesota's commitment to open government is reflected in the Government Data Practices Act, which establishes a presumption that government data is public unless a specific statutory exception applies. Courts have recognized the First Amendment interest of the press and public in accessing arrest information. At the same time, due process considerations inform the legal distinction between an arrest and a conviction, and users of arrest records are expected to recognize that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt.
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:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Employers and landlords using consumer reporting agencies must comply with FCRA requirements, including adverse action procedures. Minnesota law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction for employment purposes. Members of the public should be aware that an arrest record does not establish criminal liability.
What's in Dodge County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and gender
- Race and ethnicity
- Height and weight
- Eye color and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in disclosure)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, municipal police, or state agency)
- Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- Minnesota statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions and classifications (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
- Gang-related designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake 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, or 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 at time of record
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest (police report details)
- Witness statements
- Victim identifying information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Record Types:
- Police reports: Contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that follow an arrest, accessible through the Minnesota State Law Library court records guide
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple data sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Dodge County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Dodge County depends on the requesting office and the format of the records provided. Under 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 |
|---|---|
| Paper copies (per page) | $0.25 per page (standard) |
| Certified copies | Additional certification fee applies |
| Electronic records | Actual cost of duplication |
| BCA criminal history search | $8.00 per subject |
| Court document copies | Set by Minnesota Judicial Branch fee schedule |
Members of the public may inspect public records at the Sheriff's Office Records Department or at the courthouse public access terminals at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash and check; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods before visiting. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances, such as for indigent requestors or for records requested in connection with legal proceedings.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Dodge County
Minnesota law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (statutory sealing) and judicial expungement. Under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02, individuals may petition the court to expunge criminal records in specified circumstances, including cases where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, or the case was resolved through a diversion program. Expungement seals records held by the courts and, in some cases, by law enforcement agencies, restricting public access while allowing law enforcement to retain access for official purposes.
Eligibility for Expungement:
- Charges dismissed without conviction
- Acquittal at trial
- Completion of a diversion or stay of adjudication program
- 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 Dodge County District Court to identify all records subject to the petition.
- Complete the expungement petition forms available from the Dodge County District Court.
- File the petition with the Dodge County District Court Clerk of Court and pay the applicable filing fee.
- Serve copies of the petition on all agencies that hold records subject to the petition, including the Sheriff's Office, the BCA, and any other relevant agencies.
- Attend the scheduled expungement hearing before a district court judge.
- If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to seal their records.
Dodge County District Court – Clerk of Court
22 Sixth Street East
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6260
Dodge County District Court
Individuals seeking expungement are advised to consult with a licensed Minnesota attorney or contact the Dodge County Public Defender's Office to determine eligibility and navigate the petition process.
What Happens After Arrest in Dodge County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Dodge County, the arrested individual is transported to the Dodge County Jail, located at the Dodge County Law Enforcement Center in Mantorville. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the arrested individual undergoes the booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Medical and mental health screening
- Housing classification
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Minnesota law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge for a first appearance within 36 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays, unless released sooner. 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
First appearances may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees. The amount is set by the presiding judge or pursuant to a bond schedule.
Surety Bond: The arrested individual engages a licensed bail bondsman, pays a non-refundable premium (typically 10% of the bond amount), and the bondsman posts the full amount with the court.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear, without monetary payment, based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of release on 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.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives a court date, written conditions of release, and a return of personal property. Failure to appear at any scheduled court date results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Dodge County Public Defender's Office
22 Sixth Street East
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6260
Dodge County District Court
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointment of a public defender. Eligibility is based on income. Private attorneys may visit clients at the jail for confidential consultations.
Charging Decision:
The Dodge County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file different charges. For felony offenses, the prosecutor may proceed by complaint or, in some cases, present the matter to a grand jury. The charging decision is made within the timeframe required by Minnesota law.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the defendant is formally advised of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea, and the court sets dates for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions (such as motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Cases may be resolved by dismissal, diversion program completion, plea agreement, or trial. Members of the public may monitor case progress through the MCRO case search system.
Sentencing (if convicted): The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programming, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.
Important Contacts:
Dodge County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
15 E. Dodge Street
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6200
Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department
Dodge County District Court – Clerk of Court
22 Sixth Street East
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6260
Dodge County District Court
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 by politely declining to answer questions
- Request an attorney immediately and do not waive that right
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if needed
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Dodge County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Dodge County is governed by Minnesota law and the records retention schedules established by the Minnesota State Archives and applicable state agencies. Under Minnesota's records management statutes, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records for specified minimum periods based on the nature of the record and the disposition of the associated case.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions: Records are retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, the BCA state criminal history repository, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC). Felony conviction records are part of the permanent criminal history of the individual.
Misdemeanor Convictions: Court records are retained permanently in electronic form. Local law enforcement records are retained pursuant to the applicable retention schedule, which may specify a minimum retention period of several years to permanent.
Dismissed Charges: Arrest and booking records associated with dismissed charges are retained by local law enforcement for a period specified in the applicable retention schedule. Court records may be retained permanently in electronic form. These records remain accessible unless the subject obtains an expungement order.
Acquittals: Court records are retained, and local law enforcement records are maintained for the applicable retention period. Records of arrests resulting in acquittal may be sealed or expunged upon petition.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records for arrests where no charges were filed are retained for the applicable minimum period and may be eligible for expungement.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Electronic records management systems used by the Sheriff's Office and the courts are designed for long-term retention, and digital records are frequently maintained permanently or for extended periods beyond the minimum required by retention schedules. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained for the periods specified in the applicable schedule.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and third-party websites may retain arrest record information indefinitely and are not subject to the same update requirements as official government databases. The FCRA requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework may not update records when expungements are granted.
Retention by Agency:
Dodge County Sheriff's Office
15 E. Dodge Street
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6200
Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department
Dodge County District Court – Clerk of Court
22 Sixth Street East
Mantorville, MN 55955
Phone: (507) 635-6260
Dodge County District Court
The BCA maintains the statewide criminal history repository and retains records from all Minnesota jurisdictions. The FBI's NCIC and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all major databases. A dismissal may result in the record remaining in databases unless expungement is obtained. An expungement order directs the sealing of records at the court and law enforcement levels; however, the FBI database may retain a notation, and third-party websites may not update their records in response to a state expungement order.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks are limited to seven years for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Minnesota law imposes additional restrictions on the use of non-conviction arrest records in employment decisions. Members of the public who believe their records are being inaccurately reported by a consumer reporting agency may file a dispute under the FCRA.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Dodge County Sheriff's Office Records Department at (507) 635-6200 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A formal public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies of responsive records.