Cass County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cass County in 2026
CassCountyRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Cass County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find booking records, custody status, charge information, court case numbers, and related criminal justice data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, jail rosters, court case filings, and sheriff's office records. Information presented may not reflect the most current status of a case and should not be construed as legal advice.
Records may be searched through official county and state resources, including the Sheriff's Office Records Division, the Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible jail roster that is updated on a regular basis and lists individuals currently held at the Cass County Detention Center. The roster includes each inmate's name, age, city of residence, arrest date and time, and the charges filed. The Records Division of the Sheriff's Office maintains all initial, investigative, and criminal files and processes requests from members of the public for copies of arrest-related documents.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Walker Police Department and other municipal law enforcement agencies operating within Cass County may maintain their own arrest logs and press release archives. Members of the public seeking arrest information from a specific municipality should contact that department's records unit directly. Press releases announcing arrests are periodically published on agency websites and may include the arrestee's name, charges, and arresting officer information.
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Court cases arising from arrests in Cass County are accessible through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) case search portal maintained by the Minnesota Judicial Branch. Members of the public may search by the arrestee's name to locate associated criminal case filings, hearing dates, charge dispositions, and sentencing information. As noted by the Minnesota Judicial Branch, "The Minnesota Judicial Branch does not certify MCRO records or search results, and is not responsible for any errors or omissions in the data found on MCRO."
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a criminal history record request through the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. A fee of $15.00 per subject applies to public requests. The BCA record includes arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentencing information from jurisdictions across Minnesota.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Cass County Sheriff's Office
303 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-1424
Cass County Sheriff's Office Records Division
Members of the public visiting in person should bring a valid government-issued photo identification and, where available, the subject's full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date. Standard copy fees apply. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Clerk of Court:
Cass County District Court – Clerk of Court
300 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-7202
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Cass County
Criminal case files are available for inspection during regular court business hours. Copy fees are set at $0.25 per page for standard copies and $14.00 for certified copies of documents, pursuant to Minnesota court fee schedules.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Cass County Sheriff's Office Records Division at 303 Minnesota Ave W, Walker, MN 56484. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, date of arrest if known, booking number if available, and the requestor's return mailing address. Payment for applicable copy fees should accompany the request. Processing time varies and may take up to ten business days.
By Phone:
Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office at (218) 547-1424 for general inquiries. Detailed arrest record information is not released by telephone; callers are directed to submit a written request or visit the Records Division in person. The subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date are the minimum information needed to initiate a search.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may request arrest records and associated investigative files through formal discovery procedures. Subpoenas directed to the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court compel production of records not otherwise available to the general public. Records obtained through discovery are subject to court-imposed protective orders.
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, municipal police, or state agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Cass County
Arrest records in Cass County are public records under Minnesota law. Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.82, arrest data collected by law enforcement agencies is classified as public and accessible to any member of the public upon request. The statute reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability in the administration of criminal justice.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known 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
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted and not accessible to the general public
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access by court order
- Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
- Information pertaining to active investigations may be withheld
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are protected
- Victim identifying information is restricted in certain offense categories
- Participants in witness protection programs are not identified in public records
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
Arrest records are accessible to the general public, media organizations, licensed attorneys, background screening companies operating in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), employers conducting lawful pre-employment screening, landlords, and licensing agencies. Researchers and journalists may access records for public interest purposes consistent with § 13.82.
Restrictions on Use:
Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. Minnesota law limits the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction for employment purposes. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest record does not establish guilt and may not be used as conclusive evidence of criminal conduct.
What's in Cass County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and aliases
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, the arresting officer's name and badge number
- Booking date and time
- Booking or arrest number
- Warrant information where applicable
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges and statute numbers violated
- Charge classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence or gang-related designations where applicable
Booking Information:
- Name and location of booking facility
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints (collected but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount and type (cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond)
- Release date and time if applicable
- Conditions of release if made public
Court Information:
- Court case number
- Jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Court location and judge assignment if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected during investigation
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain detailed incident narratives not included in booking records
- Court records document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Cass County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Cass County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under Minnesota law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of searching, retrieving, and copying records.
| Record Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified court document copies | $14.00 per document |
| BCA criminal history (public request) | $15.00 per subject |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies by agency |
| In-person inspection | No charge |
Members of the public may inspect arrest records at the Sheriff's Office Records Division or the Clerk of Court without charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to Cass County Sheriff. The Clerk of Court accepts cash and check. Fee waiver provisions may apply to indigent requestors or nonprofit organizations conducting public interest research, subject to agency discretion.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Cass County
Minnesota law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the sealing or destruction of records, and sealing, which restricts access without physical destruction. Under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02, individuals may petition the district court for expungement of criminal records in specified circumstances, including cases where charges were dismissed, the individual was acquitted, or the prosecutor declined to file charges.
Expungement is available in the following circumstances:
- The case was resolved through a diversion program and the individual has completed all conditions
- All charges were dismissed without a finding of guilt
- The individual was found not guilty at trial
- The prosecutor declined to file charges following arrest
- A conviction meets the statutory criteria for expungement based on offense type and time elapsed since discharge of sentence
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the BCA and the Clerk of Court to confirm the record sought for expungement
- Complete the petition for expungement using forms available from the Minnesota Judicial Branch
- File the petition with the Cass County District Court Clerk of Court at 300 Minnesota Ave W, Walker, MN 56484
- Serve copies of the petition on all agencies that hold records subject to the petition, including the Sheriff's Office and the BCA
- 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 or destroy their records
The filing fee for an expungement petition is currently $322.00, though fee waivers are available for individuals who qualify based on income. Following a granted expungement, agencies have 60 days to comply with the court's sealing order. The BCA updates the state criminal history repository upon receipt of the court order.
Cass County District Court – Clerk of Court
300 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-7202
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Cass County
What Happens After Arrest in Cass County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Cass County Detention Center, which is currently a 60-bed facility located at 303 Minnesota Ave W, Walker, MN 56484. The facility houses both male and female inmates for periods of up to one year. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the booking process is initiated. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrant check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under Minnesota law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and no later than 36 hours after arrest excluding weekends and holidays. At the first appearance, the court formally notifies the individual of the charges, determines eligibility for a public defender, and sets bond or bail conditions. Hearings may be conducted via video conference.
Bond/Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash and held by the court. The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the total bond.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear at all future court dates. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, and the nature of the charges.
No Bond: The court may order detention without bond for serious violent offenses, individuals deemed a flight risk or danger to the community, probation or parole violators, or individuals subject to immigration holds.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, the individual is processed for release, which may take one to eight hours. Written conditions of release and the next court date are provided at the time of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant. Individuals who do not post bond remain in custody pending further court proceedings.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Cass County Public Defender's Office
300 Minnesota Ave W, Suite 202
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-1340
Minnesota Board of Public Defense
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointment of a public defender at the first appearance. Eligibility is based on income. Private attorneys may visit clients at the detention center by appointment, and all attorney-client consultations are confidential.
Charging Decision:
The Cass 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 present the case to a grand jury. The arraignment follows the filing of charges, at which point the defendant enters a formal plea.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, and pretrial conferences. The prosecution and defense exchange evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and physical evidence. Plea negotiations may result in a reduced charge or agreed-upon sentence. Cases that do not resolve through a plea proceed to jury or bench trial. Upon conviction, the court imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, or treatment programming.
Important Contacts:
Cass County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
303 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-1424
Cass County Detention Center
Cass County District Court – Clerk of Court
300 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-7202
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Cass County
Cass County Attorney's Office
303 Minnesota Ave W
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-7260
Cass County Attorney
Cass County Public Defender's Office
300 Minnesota Ave W, Suite 202
Walker, MN 56484
Phone: (218) 547-1340
Minnesota Board of Public Defense
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 discuss the case until counsel is present
- Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
- Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
- Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
- Comply with all conditions of release
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cass County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Cass County is governed by Minnesota state law and the records retention schedules established by the Minnesota Historical Society and the State Archives. Local law enforcement agencies follow the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule issued by the Minnesota Historical Society.
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).
Misdemeanor Convictions: Court records are retained permanently in electronic form. Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of seven years following case closure.
Dismissed Charges: Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Court records are retained permanently in electronic systems. Records may remain accessible unless expungement is granted.
Acquittals: Court records are retained permanently. Local law enforcement booking records are retained for a minimum of seven years. Individuals may petition for expungement following acquittal.
Charges Not Filed: Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years. Individuals whose charges were not filed may be eligible to petition for immediate expungement under § 609A.02.
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Electronic records management systems maintained by the Sheriff's Office and the Clerk of Court retain records for the duration specified in the applicable retention schedule, with felony and serious offense records retained permanently. Physical booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained for the applicable minimum period and then destroyed in accordance with the authorized retention schedule.
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention schedules as government agencies. These entities are not required to update records following expungement unless compelled by court order or applicable federal law. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but enforcement against non-compliant third-party databases requires individual legal action.
Retention by Agency:
Cass County Sheriff's Office: Booking records and arrest reports are retained for a minimum of seven years for non-conviction records and permanently for felony conviction records. The Records Division may be contacted at (218) 547-1424.
Clerk of Court: Criminal case files for felony matters are retained permanently. Misdemeanor case files are retained permanently in electronic form. The Clerk of Court may be contacted at (218) 547-7202.
BCA State Repository: The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension retains criminal history records, including arrests and dispositions, in accordance with state policy. Records are accessible to law enforcement statewide and to the public through the formal request process.
FBI Database: The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level on a permanent basis. These records are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchase screenings, and other authorized purposes.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
A conviction results in permanent retention across all databases. A dismissal or acquittal may result in the record remaining in databases unless expungement is obtained. Following a granted expungement, agencies have 60 days to seal or destroy their records. The BCA updates the state repository upon receipt of the court order, but federal databases may retain a notation of the record with a sealed designation.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks report criminal history for a period of seven years for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Minnesota law provides additional protections limiting the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction for employment and housing decisions.