Ramsey County Criminal Records are official documents that show arrests, charges, court cases, and outcomes for people within the county. These records come from law enforcement, courts, and county agencies. They help with background checks, legal matters, employment screening, and personal record reviews. You can get these records online, by mail, or in person. Some are free, while others cost money. The county updates arrest and booking data every ten minutes, making it one of the most current public safety resources in Minnesota. Whether you’re checking your own record, researching a case, or applying to seal an old charge, this page gives you clear steps, fees, deadlines, and contact info—all in one place.
How to Request Criminal History Reports by Mail
To get a criminal history report by mail, send a written request to the Ramsey County Criminal History Unit at 425 Grove Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope so they can send the results back to you. You must also include a copy of a government-issued photo ID, like a driver’s license or passport. The fee is $15, paid by check or money order made out to Ramsey County. Do not send cash. The unit processes requests in four to six business days. If your request arrives after 4 PM, it will be handled the next business day. For urgent questions, call 651-266-9585 between 8 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday. You can also email them using their encrypted system for privacy. This method works best for people who don’t need instant results and prefer paper records.
Online Access to Arrest Logs and Jail Bookings
Ramsey County offers a real-time online portal for arrest logs, jail bookings, and active warrants. This system updates every ten minutes, showing the latest data from the Sheriff’s Office, local police, and state patrol. You can search by name, case number, or date. Each entry includes the person’s full name, birth date, arresting agency, charge, bond amount, and custody status. The portal also shows misdemeanor and felony warrants, including who issued them and the alleged offense. This tool is free and available 24/7. It’s ideal for employers, landlords, or individuals checking recent arrests. Data goes back to 2000, so older cases are included. For certified copies or full court files, you’ll need to request them separately.
Fees, Processing Times, and Delivery Options
Fees for Ramsey County criminal records vary by document type. A single arrest record costs $5. A full court docket is $10. Certified copies, like marriage licenses or court orders, cost $15. Payment must be by check or money order—no credit cards or cash accepted by mail. Processing times depend on how you receive the record. Electronic delivery takes 2–3 business days. Mailed copies take 5–7 days. If you apply in person, some records may be ready the same day. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope for mail requests. Rush services are not available, but urgent calls can be made during office hours. Keep receipts and tracking numbers if mailing payment.
Eligibility and Process for Sealing Criminal Records
Some people in Ramsey County can apply to seal their criminal record. This hides the conviction from most public searches. Eligible offenses include first-time Fifth-Degree drug possession, petty theft under $500, receiving stolen goods, property damage up to $1,000, forgery of non-government documents, and counterfeit checks. To apply, download the “Application for Record Sealing” from the County Attorney’s website. Fill it out completely. Attach a notarized affidavit, a copy of the final judgment, and proof of rehabilitation—like a job letter or treatment completion certificate. The filing fee is $50. Mail everything to the County Attorney’s Office. They review applications within 30 calendar days. If approved, you’ll get a sealed order that tells state agencies to restrict access to your record.
Ramsey County Suburban Court: Jurisdiction and Procedures
The Ramsey County Suburban Court handles criminal misdemeanors, traffic violations, and municipal infractions in fifteen cities around Saint Paul. These include Maplewood, Roseville, Richfield, and areas near the State Fairgrounds during the annual fair. The court works with nine suburban police departments, the Sheriff’s Office, and the Minnesota State Patrol. Hearings are held at 600 7th Street, St. Paul, starting at 9 AM and ending by 5 PM, Monday through Thursday. Defendants must appear unless they request a continuance. To delay a hearing, file a written motion at least three days before the scheduled date. Failure to appear may result in a warrant. The court does not handle felonies—those go to the main District Court in downtown Saint Paul.
Historic Criminal and Civil Case Files
The Minnesota Historical Society preserves old Ramsey County court records. Civil case files from 1858 to 1902 (file numbers 1–78,050) and criminal files created before 1953 are stored in the State Archives. Researchers can request copies by calling (651) 259-3300 or emailing the archival liaison. On-site visits are allowed three days a week. There’s a handling fee of $0.25 per page for reproduced documents. The Archives also offer digitization for photos, land deeds, and courtroom transcripts. Turnaround time is 10–14 business days. These records are useful for genealogy, legal research, or historical studies. Note that newer records are managed by the Ramsey County courts and not part of this archive.
Public Arrest Database: December 2021 Snapshot
The December 2021 public arrest database for Ramsey County contains over 12,000 entries. Each record shows the suspect’s name, partial Social Security number, date of arrest, specific law violated, bail amount, and final outcome—such as dismissal, guilty plea, or trial verdict. Users can filter by crime type: drug possession, theft, violent crime, etc. This helps spot trends, like increased DUIs after holidays or summer spikes in vehicle theft. The dataset is available in CSV format from the county’s open-data site, along with a data dictionary explaining each column. It’s updated nightly at 2 AM, so new arrests appear quickly. This resource supports journalists, researchers, and community safety groups.
Vital Records, Property Data, and Related Services
Ramsey County also manages vital records and property data. The Examiner of Titles office handles land transactions, including deeds, mortgages, and title registrations. You can search by property address or parcel number. Amendments—like correcting errors—require a notarized form and a $20 fee. The County Recorder’s database shows tax bills, mortgages, and court judgments. Certified copies of marriage licenses cost $15. All filings go into the Land Records database, which is searchable online. These services support real estate transactions, legal disputes, and personal recordkeeping. While not criminal records, they often appear in background checks and public record searches.
Contact Information and Office Hours
For criminal records, contact the Criminal History Unit at 425 Grove Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101. Phone: 651-266-9585. Email is available via encrypted message on their website. Office hours are 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday. The Suburban Courthouse at 600 7th Street handles court appearances and filings. The Law Enforcement Center updates warrants and bookings in real time. Always call ahead if visiting in person. Bring a valid photo ID for any record request. For record sealing, contact the County Attorney’s Office directly. Their website has forms, checklists, and FAQs. No walk-in appointments are needed for mail or online requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people have questions about accessing, understanding, or clearing Ramsey County criminal records. Below are the most common ones, answered clearly and based on current county policies and Minnesota law. Each answer includes steps, costs, timelines, and official sources so you can act confidently.
How long does it take to get a criminal record from Ramsey County?
Mail requests take four to six business days after the Criminal History Unit receives your complete application. If sent after 4 PM, processing starts the next day. Online arrest logs update every ten minutes, so those are instant. Certified copies delivered electronically arrive in 2–3 days; mailed copies take 5–7 days. Record sealing reviews take up to 30 calendar days. Always include a self-addressed stamped envelope and correct fee to avoid delays. Rush services are not offered, but you can call 651-266-9585 during office hours for status updates.
Can I check if someone has a warrant in Ramsey County?
Yes. Use the real-time warrants and bookings portal on the Ramsey County website. Search by name or case number. The system shows active misdemeanor and felony warrants, issuing agency, charge, bond amount, and custody status. It updates every ten minutes, so it’s very current. This tool is free and public. However, it only shows warrants within Ramsey County. For statewide warrants, check the Minnesota Judicial Branch’s website. Never approach someone with an active warrant—contact law enforcement instead.
What crimes can be sealed in Ramsey County?
Only certain low-level, non-violent offenses qualify. These include first-time Fifth-Degree drug possession, petty theft under $500, receiving stolen property, property damage up to $1,000, forgery of non-government documents, and issuing counterfeit checks. Felonies, violent crimes, and repeat offenses are not eligible. You must also show proof of rehabilitation, like employment or treatment completion. The County Attorney’s Office reviews each case. If approved, your record is sealed from public view, though law enforcement and courts may still access it.
Do I need an ID to request criminal records?
Yes. A copy of a government-issued photo ID is required for all criminal history requests, whether by mail, online, or in person. Acceptable IDs include driver’s licenses, state IDs, passports, or military IDs. This prevents fraud and protects privacy. If requesting someone else’s record, you may need written permission or legal authority, such as a court order. Minors’ records require a parent or guardian’s ID and proof of relationship. Always check the official website before submitting to ensure your documents meet requirements.
Are Ramsey County criminal records free?
Some are free, but most cost money. The online arrest log and warrant portal are free to search. However, printed or certified copies require payment: $5 for a single arrest record, $10 for a full docket, and $15 for certified documents like marriage licenses. Record sealing costs $50. Fees must be paid by check or money order—no cash or credit cards by mail. There are no discounts, but fee waivers may be available for low-income individuals in special cases. Contact the Criminal History Unit for details.
Can I get my record sealed if I was convicted years ago?
Possibly. Eligibility depends on the crime, not the date—unless the offense disqualifies you. First-time, low-level misdemeanors like petty theft or minor drug possession may be sealed even if old. However, you must still submit a notarized affidavit, judgment copy, rehabilitation proof, and $50 fee. The County Attorney’s Office reviews all applications within 30 days. Older convictions aren’t automatically denied, but the burden is on you to show rehabilitation. Consult the official sealing page or call the County Attorney for guidance.
Where do I send a record sealing application?
Mail your completed “Application for Record Sealing” packet to the Ramsey County Attorney’s Office, Community Initiatives Division, 50 West Kellogg Boulevard, Suite 411, Saint Paul, MN 55102. Include the $50 fee, notarized affidavit, final judgment copy, and proof of rehabilitation. Do not send originals—use certified copies. Processing takes up to 30 calendar days. If approved, you’ll receive a sealed order by mail. For questions, call the County Attorney’s Office or visit their website. Do not send applications to the Sheriff’s Office or court—they won’t be processed.