Frequently Asked Questions
How do I search Dakota County court records online?
Use MCRO Case Search. Pick a tab for Name, Case Number, Citation Number, or Attorney. For a name search, enter a last name and as much of the first name as known. Add a date of birth or a filing date range to narrow results, then select Dakota under court locations. The full walkthrough is on the court records page.
Are MCRO records certified Dakota County court records?
No. MCRO Terms say the online records are unofficial and not certified by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. For certified Dakota County court documents, contact Court Administration at the Judicial Center, 1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033, phone 651-377-7180. The Court Administrator page walks through the certified-copy request workflow.
Why can't I find a pending Dakota County criminal case by name?
MCRO Terms state that pending criminal, traffic, and petty misdemeanor cases with no conviction will not return in Case Search Results or Hearing Search Results when searching by defendant name. A case-number search may still find them. The pending-case restriction is set by the Minnesota Rules of Public Access. See the arrest records page for context.
What court handles probate in Dakota County?
Probate is handled by the Probate Division of Dakota County District Court, located at the Judicial Center in Hastings. Minnesota does not use a separate surrogate's or orphans' court. The Probate Division covers probate, wills, estates, guardianship, conservatorship, trusts, mental health, and adoptions. Phone is 651-377-7974. See the probate records page.
What court handles divorce in Dakota County?
Divorce is called Dissolution of Marriage in Minnesota and is filed in District Court. Minn. Stat. 518.07 requires that at least one spouse has lived in Minnesota for 180 days, or that an armed-forces residency rule applies. Forms are filed in the county where one spouse lives. The full process is on the marriage and divorce records page.
Where is the Dakota County Judicial Center?
The Judicial Center is at 1560 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033. The main court phone is 651-377-7180. It sits on the Highway 55 government campus near the Administration Center at 1590 Highway 55 and the Law Enforcement Center/Jail at 1580 Highway 55. The District Court page covers all three court locations.
What are Dakota County court hours?
The Minnesota Judicial Branch lists business hours for all Dakota County District Court locations as 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding court holidays. The Law Enforcement Center lobby kiosk for cash bail and inmate-account deposits is open 24 hours per day, separate from court business hours.
Who is the Dakota County Court Administrator?
The Minnesota Judicial Branch lists Maria King as Dakota County Court Administrator. Court Administration handles certified copies, calendars, motion scheduling, and division contacts. The Dakota County Court Administrator page publishes the full division phone list.
How do I search for someone in the Dakota County Jail?
Use the official Dakota County Jail Inmate Search at the county website. The form takes a last name, first name, from/to date posted, and court date. The search returns current custody only. The county warns identity can only be confirmed by fingerprint comparison. See the inmate records page.
Does Dakota County publish recently released inmates?
No separate recently released list is published. The jail roster shows current custody only. The inmate release page says most inmates are released around 5 a.m. unless a court order specifies a time. For release notifications, use VINE for county custody or MN HAVEN for state prison custody. The released inmates page covers all options.
How do I get notified when a Dakota County inmate is released?
Dakota County points victims and the public to VINE, a free 24-hour automated telephone/online service for county jail release, transfer, or escape notifications. Register by calling 1-877-MN-4-VINE (1-877-664-8463) or using VINELink. For Minnesota DOC prison custody, use MN HAVEN with DOC Victim Assistance at 1-800-657-3830.
What is the Dakota County jail phone number?
Jail Information is 651-438-4800. The Sheriff's Office main phone is 651-438-4700. The Law Enforcement Center is at 1580 Highway 55, Hastings, MN 55033. The lobby kiosk for cash bail and inmate-account deposits is open 24 hours.
What are Dakota County jail visiting hours?
On-site jail video visiting is open daily 7:30-9:45 a.m., 3-4:45 p.m., and 7-9:45 p.m. Visits are no more than 20 minutes and can be limited by court, programs, lockdowns, or security. The full visitation rules are on the inmate records page.
How do I send mail to a Dakota County inmate?
Mail letters, photos, greeting cards, or money orders to: (Inmate Name), Dakota County Law Enforcement Center, P.O. Box 247J, Hastings, MN 55033. Do not send cash, personal checks, stamps, blank paper, books, magazines, decorated cards, or inappropriate photos. The full allowed and banned list is on the inmate records page.
How do I put money on a Dakota County inmate account?
Dakota County allows money orders by mail, online deposits through Inmate Canteen with Turnkey Corrections support, and in-person deposits at the Law Enforcement Center lobby kiosk. The kiosk is open 24 hours and accepts cash or credit cards.
How do I search Dakota County warrants?
Use the Dakota County Warrant Search at the county website. The form asks for last name, first name, and date of birth. The page warns law-enforcement users not to arrest based only on website information and to confirm through NCIC. The public can call the Sheriff's tips line at 651-438-TIPS. See the warrant records page.
What should I do about a Dakota County bench warrant?
Dakota County District Court says a person with a bench warrant may turn themselves in on any weekday at 6:00 a.m. at the Law Enforcement Center in Hastings, with the case heard at the next available court calendar. If bail or bond is listed, the bail page explains payment options at District Court Administration windows.
Where can I pay bail or bond on a Dakota County warrant?
If the warrant allows bail or bond, payment can be made at Court Administration windows during business hours at the Judicial Center, Northern Service Center, or Western Service Center. Court windows accept cash and bonding-agent bonds, not electronic payment. The Law Enforcement Center has 24/7 lobby kiosks for cash bail or bond.
Who is the Dakota County Attorney?
Kathryn M. Keena is the Dakota County Attorney. Her office number is 651-438-4438, fax 651-438-4499, media line 651-438-4440, and email attorney@co.dakota.mn.us. She is the 24th Dakota County Attorney and the first woman to serve in the position.
Where do I get a Dakota County marriage license?
Dakota County Marriage Licenses & Certificates handles licenses at the Administration Center, Northern Service Center, and Western Service Center. Complete the online form, get a confirmation number, then reserve an appointment. Walk-ins are accepted but appointments are encouraged. The full workflow is on the marriage and divorce records page.
How much is a Dakota County marriage license?
The regular fee is $125. The reduced fee is $50 if the couple completes 12 hours of premarital education and submits a signed statement on the educator's letterhead following the county sample format. Credit and debit cards add a 2.49% convenience fee.
How do I get a certified Dakota County marriage certificate?
Dakota County keeps marriage records only for licenses issued in Dakota County. Certified copies cost $9 each. Submit the Marriage Certificate Application in person, by mail, drop box, or email with payment. For licenses issued in other counties, use the Minnesota Official Marriage System statewide search.
How do I request Dakota County public data?
Use the Dakota County Data Practices process. The county is subject to Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13 and Minnesota Rules 1205. The Data Practices Compliance contact is data.practices@co.dakota.mn.us. Court records are governed by Judicial Branch rules and Court Administration. See the public records page.
Can I use MCRO for a background check?
No. MCRO says it should not be used for background checks. Use the Minnesota BCA Public Criminal History Search instead. The BCA system requires last name, first name, middle name, and date of birth, and it links criminal history through fingerprints. The arrest records page covers both portals.
What does expungement do in Minnesota?
The Minnesota Judicial Branch says expungement seals court records from public access but does not destroy them. Law enforcement, the FBI, immigration authorities, and other public officials can still access sealed records for certain purposes. Some expungements require a petition; others may be automatic under Chapter 609A. The arrest records page walks through the Chapter 609A process.
How do I find Dakota County court dockets and calendars?
Use MCRO Hearing Search for scheduled hearings and MCRO Case Search to read a case's Register of Actions. Dakota County posts next-day calendars at 7:00 p.m. and updates hourly starting at 7:00 a.m. The printed calendars at the courthouse and the lobby monitors have the most current daily information. See the court dockets page.