Washington County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Washington County in 2026
WashingtonMNRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Washington 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 court case numbers.
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 Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and booking records accessible to the public. Members of the public may view the roster through the Washington County Sheriff's Office website. The roster is updated on a regular basis and includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status.
2. Local Police Departments
Washington County encompasses several municipalities, each with its own police department. The Stillwater Police Department, Woodbury Police Department, and Cottage Grove Police Department each maintain arrest logs and may publish press releases containing arrest information. Members of the public may contact individual departments directly for arrest log inquiries.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases linked to arrests in Washington County may be searched through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system. Searching by an arrestee's name will return associated criminal case filings, charge information, and court dates. This system is maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search system, which provides statewide criminal history information. A fee of $8.00 per search applies for public requests. The database includes arrests, charges, and dispositions from jurisdictions throughout Minnesota.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Washington County Sheriff's Office
15015 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-7600
Washington County Sheriff's Office
- Records Division is located at the main facility
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID
- Specific information about the arrest, including the subject's full name and approximate date of arrest, is required
- Copy fees apply (see fee section below)
Police Departments:
Stillwater Police Department
212 North 4th Street
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 351-4900
Stillwater Police Department
Woodbury Police Department
2100 Radio Drive
Woodbury, MN 55125
Phone: (651) 714-3600
Woodbury Police Department
Cottage Grove Police Department
12800 Ravine Parkway South
Cottage Grove, MN 55016
Phone: (651) 458-2840
Cottage Grove Police Department
Records request procedures vary by department. Members of the public should contact each department's records division directly to confirm procedures and applicable fees.
Clerk of Court:
Washington County District Court – Clerk of Court
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6330
Washington County District Court
- Criminal records division handles case file inspection
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certified copies are $14.00 per document
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Washington County Sheriff's Office at 15015 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for applicable copy fees should be included with the request. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days.
By Phone:
- Washington County Sheriff's Office: (651) 430-7600
- Basic arrest information, including custody status, may be available by phone
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
- Detailed records may require an in-person visit or written request
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be used to obtain detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery processes in criminal and civil cases provide additional avenues for obtaining arrest-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 within Washington County)
Are Arrest Records Public in Washington County
Arrest records in Washington County are public records 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 and is accessible to any member of the public upon request. This classification reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability in the administration of criminal justice.
As stated by the Minnesota Department of Administration, "Government data on individuals collected because the individual is or was an employee of or an applicant for employment by a government entity, or because the individual was arrested, is public data unless otherwise classified." This principle ensures that arrest records serve their intended purposes of public safety awareness, community transparency, journalistic inquiry, and 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
- 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 Minn. Stat. § 260B.171
- 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 cases
- Witness protection participants are excluded from public disclosure
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Minnesota Constitution and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information, while due process considerations require that the distinction between arrest and conviction be clearly maintained in public discourse. An arrest record reflects a law enforcement action and 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. Minnesota's ban-the-box law restricts employers from inquiring about criminal history on initial job applications. Employers and landlords must distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest without a resulting conviction carries no legal finding of guilt.
What's in Washington County Arrest Records
Washington 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 such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges
- 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 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, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, 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
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 or mental health information
- 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 an arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Washington County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Washington County varies by record type and the office from which records are requested. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, agencies may charge for the actual cost of searching, retrieving, and copying records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copies (paper) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified court document copies | $14.00 per document |
| BCA Criminal History Search (public) | $8.00 per search |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| In-person inspection | No charge for inspection |
Accepted payment methods at the Washington County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. The BCA's online criminal history search accepts credit and debit card payments.
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors in certain circumstances; members of the public should inquire directly with the relevant agency.
Online inspection of the jail roster and MCRO court case search is available at no cost to the public.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Washington County
In Minnesota, the legal process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement. Expungement may result in either the sealing of records (restricting public access while retaining the record in law enforcement systems) or, in certain circumstances, the physical destruction of records. The distinction is significant: sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies, while destroyed records are permanently eliminated from agency files.
Under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02, individuals may petition for expungement in the following circumstances:
- The case was resolved through a diversion program and the individual has completed all conditions
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The prosecutor declined to file charges following arrest
- A conviction was for a qualifying offense and a sufficient period of time has elapsed without subsequent criminal activity
The expungement process in Washington County requires the following steps:
- File a Petition for Expungement with the Washington County District Court
- Serve copies of the petition on all agencies that hold records related to the arrest, including the Sheriff's Office, the BCA, and any relevant police departments
- Attend a court hearing at which a judge will consider the petition
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to seal or destroy their records within 60 days
Petitions are filed with the Washington County District Court Clerk of Court at 14949 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082. The filing fee for an expungement petition is currently $325.00, though fee waivers are available for individuals who qualify based on income. Forms and instructions are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch self-help center.
Washington County District Court – Clerk of Court
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6330
Washington County District Court
Washington County Public Defender's Office
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6900
Minnesota Board of Public Defense
What Happens After Arrest in Washington County?
The post-arrest process in Washington 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 Washington County Jail located at 15015 62nd Street North, Stillwater, MN 55082. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. This process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal information
- Advisement of Miranda rights
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and stored
- 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 within 36 hours of arrest, excluding weekends and holidays. At the first appearance, the court:
- Formally notifies the individual of the charges
- Appoints a public defender if the individual is indigent
- Determines bond or bail
- Advises the individual of their rights
Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the jail facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash. The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount. The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is 10% of the bond amount in Minnesota.
Personal Recognizance (PR) Bond: The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, or active immigration holds.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written court date, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody and is assigned to a housing unit within the jail.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Washington County Public Defender's Office
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6900
Minnesota Board of Public Defense
Eligibility for a public defender is based on income. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings. Attorney visits at the jail are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Washington County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different charges. This review occurs within days to weeks of the arrest.
Washington County Attorney's Office
14949 62nd Street North, Suite 3600
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6115
Washington County Attorney's Office
Arraignment follows the charging decision. The individual enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea, and subsequent court dates are set.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery (exchange of evidence), pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs (such as drug court or mental health court), plea agreements, or trial.
Sentencing, if the defendant is convicted, may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programs. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 36 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
- Misdemeanor cases: Resolution within weeks to several months
- Felony cases: Resolution within several months to over one year
- Right to speedy trial: 60 days for in-custody defendants; 6 months for out-of-custody defendants under Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure
Rights Throughout the 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:
Washington County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
15015 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-7600
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Washington County District Court – Clerk of Court
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6330
Washington County District Court
Washington County Attorney's Office
14949 62nd Street North, Suite 3600
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6115
Washington County Attorney's Office
Washington County Public Defender's Office
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6900
Minnesota Board of Public Defense
What to Do If Arrested:
- Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
- Do not physically resist arrest
- Exercise the right to remain silent
- Request an attorney immediately
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends for bail assistance
- Attend all scheduled court dates
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Washington County?
Arrest record retention in Washington County is governed by Minnesota state law and the records retention schedules established by the Minnesota Historical Society and individual agencies.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
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 Clerk of Court and BCA
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of seven years
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five to seven years
- Court records are retained permanently unless expunged
- May remain in state and local databases unless a court orders expungement
Acquittals (Not Guilty Verdicts):
- Court records are retained permanently
- Local law enforcement records retained for a minimum of five years
- May be sealed or expunged upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records retained for a minimum of three years
- Eligible for expungement petition in many circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Physical booking paperwork: Retained per agency retention schedule (minimum three to seven years depending on disposition)
- Digital records management systems: Often retained permanently
- Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement. These entities are subject to the FCRA, which requires accuracy and timely updates when records are expunged or sealed. However, compliance varies, and individuals who have obtained expungement orders may need to contact third-party sites directly to request removal.
Retention by Agency:
Washington County Sheriff's Office
15015 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-7600
Washington County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records: Minimum seven years for felonies; minimum three years for misdemeanors
- Arrest reports: Minimum seven years
- Investigative files: Varies by case outcome and classification
Washington County District Court – Clerk of Court
14949 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
Phone: (651) 430-6330
Washington County District Court
- Felony case files: Permanent
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Traffic cases: Minimum five years
- Electronic records: Permanent
State Repository (BCA):
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrests from all jurisdictions in Minnesota. The BCA's retention policy provides for permanent retention of felony records and long-term retention of misdemeanor records. Members of the public may access the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search for current criminal history information.
FBI Database:
The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Minnesota agencies. Federal retention is permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention in all major databases; appears on background checks indefinitely
- Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not reported on standard background checks
- Expungement: Local records sealed or destroyed; BCA updates its records; FBI database may retain a notation; removal from third-party databases is not guaranteed
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three years in some agency systems
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Minnesota law provides additional protections limiting the use of arrest records without convictions in employment decisions. The Minnesota Department of Human Rights enforces state employment discrimination laws related to criminal history.
Records That Cannot Be Destroyed:
Permanent retention is required for felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals or post-conviction proceedings.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Washington County Sheriff's Records Division at (651) 430-7600 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A public records request may be required, and applicable fees may apply for copies.