Murray County Criminal Records
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Murray County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Murray County may access publicly available information through MurrayRecords.us, which aggregates data drawn from official government sources. Criminal records searches in Murray County may return information such as arrest logs, court case filings, booking records, charge histories, and disposition data. The following categories of records are among those that may be found through public access channels:
- Arrest and booking records
- Felony and misdemeanor court case filings
- Charge histories and case dispositions
- Inmate and jail roster information
- Active and historical warrants
- Sex offender registration data
Records can be searched through official county resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following five methods outline the primary access points currently available.
1. County Court Records
The Murray County District Court maintains case files for criminal proceedings filed within the county. Members of the public may inspect records in person at the courthouse during business hours.
Murray County District Court
10 4th Street
Slayton, MN 56172
Phone: (507) 836-1161
Murray County District Court
Visitors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and, where possible, the full legal name of the subject or a case number. Public access terminals are available in the clerk's office for self-service searches at no charge.
2. Sheriff's Office
The Murray County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest logs, booking records, and inmate information. Requests for records may be submitted in person or in writing. Fees may apply for copies of records.
Murray County Sheriff's Office
2500 28th Street
Slayton, MN 56172
Phone: (507) 836-6166
Murray County Sheriff's Office
3. Online Court Search
The Minnesota Judicial Branch operates the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal, which allows members of the public to search criminal case records statewide, including Murray County. Users may search by party name, case number, or date of birth. Note that some records may be restricted from public online view pursuant to court order or statute.
4. State Criminal History Repository
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Formal background check requests require submission of the subject's full name, date of birth, and in some cases fingerprints. Processing times and fees vary by request type.
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota BCA Criminal History
5. Written/Mail Requests
Written requests for criminal records may be submitted to the Murray County District Court Administrator or the Sheriff's Office at the addresses listed above. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and the specific records sought. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, government entities are required to respond to data requests within a reasonable timeframe.
What Is Murray County Criminal Record
A criminal record is a documented history of an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system, encompassing arrests, charges, court proceedings, and outcomes. Under Minnesota law, criminal records are created and maintained by multiple agencies throughout the justice process.
The distinction between record types is significant for access purposes:
- Arrest records vs. conviction records: An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody; a conviction record reflects a finding of guilt by plea or verdict.
- Felony vs. misdemeanor records: Felonies are more serious offenses carrying potential sentences exceeding one year; misdemeanors carry lesser penalties. Both are documented in court and law enforcement records.
- Adult vs. juvenile records: Adult criminal records are subject to public access rules; juvenile records are protected under Minnesota Statutes § 260B.171 and are sealed from general public view.
- Active warrants vs. historical records: Active warrants reflect current court orders for arrest; historical records document past proceedings regardless of current status.
The agencies responsible for maintaining criminal records in Murray County include:
- Murray County Sheriff's Office — arrest records, jail records, booking information
- Murray County District Court — court case files, charge records, dispositions
- Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension — statewide criminal history repository
- Local police departments — incident and arrest reports within their jurisdictions
Records are created at the point of arrest, updated through each stage of prosecution, and finalized upon disposition. A complete record may include charges, arraignments, plea agreements, trial outcomes, sentencing details, and probation or parole status. The Minnesota Judicial Branch serves as the primary repository for court-based criminal records in the state.
Are Criminal Records Public In Murray County
Criminal records in Murray County are subject to public access under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, which governs law enforcement data and establishes what information is accessible to the public. Under current law, adult conviction records, court proceedings, and most arrest data are classified as public government data.
As stated in the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, "arrest data, request for service data, response or incident data, and request for service data are public." This framework means that booking information, charges filed, and court dispositions for adult defendants are accessible to members of the public upon request.
The following categories are restricted from public access:
- Juvenile records (sealed under § 260B.171)
- Expunged or sealed records pursuant to court order
- Ongoing criminal investigation data
- Victim and witness identifying information
- Records subject to federal privacy protections
The Minnesota Attorney General's Office provides guidance on data practices compliance and public access rights through the Minnesota Department of Administration's Data Practices Office. Federal records maintained by agencies such as the FBI operate under separate rules and are not subject to state open records law.
How To Find Criminal Records in Murray County Online
Official County Resources
The primary online portal for Murray County criminal court records is the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Users may search by:
- Full legal name (first and last)
- Case number
- Date of birth (optional, improves accuracy)
The Murray County Sheriff's Office website provides access to current inmate and jail roster information at murray.mn.us. Some records require in-person inspection and are not available through online portals.
State-Level Resources
The Minnesota BCA offers a public criminal history search tool that allows name-based searches of the statewide criminal history database. The Minnesota Judicial Branch case search covers all district courts statewide.
Search Tips
- Search using full legal name and any known aliases
- Case number searches return the most precise results
- Cross-reference multiple databases for complete history
- Be aware that records older than the digital era may not appear online
- Sealed or expunged records will not appear in public search results
Limitations
Online databases may reflect a data lag of several days to weeks. Historical records predating electronic filing systems may not be digitized. Online searches do not substitute for certified official background checks required for employment, licensing, or legal proceedings.
Can You Search Murray County Criminal Records for Free?
Free Options
1. In-Person Inspection
Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, members of the public have the right to inspect public government data at no charge. Copying fees may apply. In-person inspection is available at:
- Murray County District Court, 10 4th Street, Slayton, MN 56172
- Murray County Sheriff's Office, 2500 28th Street, Slayton, MN 56172
2. Free Online Databases
The following portals are currently available at no cost:
| Resource | Access | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Court Records Online | Case search, dispositions | MCRO |
| Minnesota BCA Public Criminal History | Name-based statewide search | BCA Search |
| Murray County Jail Roster | Current inmates | Sheriff's Office |
3. Sheriff's Logs
Daily arrest and booking reports may be available through the Murray County Sheriff's Office. Availability and format vary; members of the public may submit a data request to confirm current availability.
What Costs Money
- Certified copies of court records: fees set by Minnesota court rules
- Official BCA background checks: fee schedules posted on the BCA website
- Staff-assisted record searches
- Expedited processing requests
State Fee Law
Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, agencies may charge for copies but not for inspection of public data. Fee waivers may be available in limited circumstances; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant agency.
What's Included in a Murray County Criminal Record
Identifying Information
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, hair, eye color)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID) and FBI number (where assigned)
Arrest Information
- Date, time, and location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number and jail facility
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail or bond information
Court Case Information
- Case number and court jurisdiction
- Filing date and assigned judge
- Charges and applicable statutes (felony or misdemeanor classification)
- Plea entered
- Attorney of record
Disposition
- Verdict or plea outcome
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentence type, length, fines, restitution, and conditions
- Probation or parole status
- Appeals filed or pending
Additional Records
- Active or historical warrants
- Protective or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration status (searchable through the Minnesota Predatory Offender Registry)
- DUI/DWI records
- Pending charges
NOT Included
- Juvenile adjudications (sealed under state law)
- Expunged or sealed records
- Records from other states or federal jurisdictions
- Completed diversion program records (where sealed by court order)
Accuracy Note
Criminal records may contain errors resulting from data entry, name variations, or incomplete updates. Individuals who identify inaccuracies in their records may seek correction through the originating agency or through the Minnesota BCA's record challenge process, details of which are available on the BCA's official website.
How Long Does Murray County Keep Criminal Records
Legal Requirements
Minnesota's records retention schedules, established under the authority of the Minnesota Historical Society and the State Archives, govern how long criminal records must be maintained. County courts follow retention schedules approved by the Minnesota State Court Administrator.
Retention by Record Type
| Record Type | Retention Period |
|---|---|
| Felony convictions | Permanent |
| Misdemeanor convictions | Permanent (court records) |
| Arrest records (no conviction) | Varies; subject to expungement |
| Dismissed or acquitted cases | Permanent (disposition noted) |
| Juvenile records | Sealed at age 18; destruction timelines per § 260B.171 |
| Pending cases | Retained until final resolution |
Agency Differences
- County courts retain case files permanently under Minnesota court retention rules.
- Sheriff and jail records follow county retention schedules, which may differ from court records.
- Minnesota BCA retains conviction records permanently in the state criminal history repository.
Physical vs. Electronic Records
Electronic records are retained for longer periods than paper records. Paper documents may be destroyed after scanning and verification, but the electronic record persists in state and county databases.
Destruction vs. Sealing vs. Expungement
- Destruction refers to the physical or electronic elimination of a record per retention schedule.
- Sealing restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement use.
- Expungement under Minnesota Statutes § 609A provides a legal mechanism to seal criminal records from public view. Eligibility depends on offense type, time elapsed, and other statutory criteria. Expungement forms and instructions are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch self-help center.
Even if a county agency destroys physical records, electronic copies may exist in state databases unless the record has been legally expunged pursuant to a court order.
Federal Records
Records maintained by the FBI through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) are governed by federal law and are maintained separately from state and county systems. Federal retention rules differ from Minnesota state law.
Practical Implications
Felony convictions remain on record permanently and appear on background checks without time limitation. Employment background checks conducted under the Fair Credit Reporting Act typically report convictions within the past seven to ten years, though professional licensing boards may require full disclosure regardless of age. Individuals subject to old convictions should be aware that the record may remain accessible through state and federal databases even after the standard employment reporting window has passed.