Fillmore County Public Records / Fillmore County Arrest Records

Fillmore County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Fillmore County in 2026

FillmoreRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Fillmore County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal charges, and court case numbers. Information presented may not reflect the most current status of a case and is intended for informational purposes only.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office, the Fillmore County District Court, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), public access terminals located at the courthouse, and authorized online search tools. The following sections outline available methods for locating arrest records.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Fillmore County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody at the Fillmore County Jail. Members of the public may contact the Sheriff's Office directly to inquire about current inmates or recent bookings. The Sheriff's Office does not currently maintain a publicly accessible online jail roster, so direct contact or in-person inquiry is the primary method for obtaining this information.

Available information includes: arrestee name, booking date, charges, bond amount, and custody status
Records are updated as bookings occur
Search by full legal name or booking number

2. Local Police Departments

Fillmore County encompasses several municipalities, each with its own law enforcement presence. The Preston Police Department and Spring Valley Police Department handle arrests within their respective city limits. Press releases and arrest summaries may be issued by these departments for matters of public interest.

Preston Police Department
Main Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-2151

Spring Valley Police Department
215 S Broadway, Spring Valley, MN 55975
Phone: (507) 346-7367

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The Minnesota Judicial Branch operates the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which allows members of the public to search criminal case records by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests in Fillmore County are filed in the Fillmore County District Court and are searchable through this portal.

Search by defendant name to locate associated criminal case numbers
Case records include charges, hearing dates, and case disposition
Some records may be restricted by court order

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the BCA's Criminal Justice Information Systems division.

Includes arrests from all Minnesota jurisdictions
Public criminal history records include convictions and certain arrest data
Fee: $15.00 per subject for a public criminal history request
Requests submitted online or by mail through the BCA

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Fillmore County Sheriff's Office
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-3874
Fillmore County Sheriff's Office

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Bring valid government-issued photo identification
Provide full legal name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Copy fees apply (see fee section below)

Clerk of Court:

Fillmore County District Court – Court Administrator's Office
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4571
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Fillmore County

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; $14.00 for certified copies

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be submitted to the Fillmore County Sheriff's Office at 101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965. 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 must accompany the request. Processing time is typically 5–10 business days.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (507) 765-3874
Provide full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Phone inquiries yield limited information; staff may refer callers to in-person or online resources
No automated arrest information line is currently available

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of legal proceedings. Discovery requests in criminal cases are governed by the Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure.

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 (city or county)

Are Arrest Records Public in Fillmore County

Arrest records in Fillmore 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 data and is accessible to any member of the public upon request. This classification reflects the state's commitment to government transparency, public safety awareness, and accountability in law enforcement.

As the Minnesota Department of Administration has noted, "Government data about individuals that is collected, created, received, maintained, or disseminated by a government entity is public unless classified by statute, federal law, or temporary classification as not public." This principle underlies the public nature of arrest records throughout the state.

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 data that would jeopardize an ongoing investigation
Undercover officer identities
Confidential informant information
Victim identifying information in certain cases
Witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

Minnesota's public records framework is grounded in the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the state constitution's recognition of open government. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information, while due process considerations require that arrest records be distinguished from records of conviction. The public nature of arrest data is balanced against individual privacy interests, particularly for arrests that do not result in charges or conviction.

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:

Employers and landlords using arrest records for screening purposes must comply with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). Minnesota has enacted additional protections limiting the use of arrest records in employment decisions. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant: an arrest does not establish guilt, and reliance on arrest records without conviction may constitute unlawful discrimination in certain contexts.

What's in Fillmore County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and 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 disclosure)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, Minnesota State Patrol, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
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
Gang-related designation if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints (collected but not typically 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:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information if applicable
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
Substance abuse 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 disclosure rules
Court records: Document legal proceedings that occur after arrest
Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
Background checks: Comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Fillmore County?

The cost of obtaining arrest records in Fillmore County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records requested. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, government entities may charge for the actual cost of searching for and retrieving data, as well as for copies.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.25 per page
Certified copies (Court Administrator)	$14.00 per document
BCA public criminal history request	$15.00 per subject
Electronic records (where available)	Actual cost of reproduction
In-person inspection	No charge for inspection only

Inspection of public records at the Sheriff's Office or Court Administrator's Office is available at no charge
Copy fees are assessed per page for paper reproductions
Certification fees apply when a certified copy is required for legal purposes
The BCA charges $15.00 for a public criminal history record check submitted online or by mail
Accepted payment methods at the Fillmore County offices include cash, check, and money order; the BCA accepts check or money order for mail requests

Fee Waivers:

Under Minn. Stat. § 13.03, government entities may reduce or waive fees when the request is in the public interest and the requester demonstrates financial hardship. Members of the public seeking fee waivers should submit a written request explaining the basis for the waiver at the time of the records request.

What Is Available at No Cost:

In-person inspection of public arrest records
Online case searches through the Minnesota Court Records Online system
Review of publicly posted arrest logs or press releases

How To Delete Arrest Records in Fillmore County

Minnesota law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (statutory sealing or destruction of records) and sealing (restricting access by court order). Expungement under Minnesota law does not always result in physical destruction of records; it more commonly results in the sealing of records from public view, while law enforcement agencies may retain access for limited purposes.

Expungement vs. Sealing:

Expungement under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02 allows eligible individuals to petition the court to seal arrest and criminal records. Sealing restricts public access but does not eliminate the record entirely. Law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain licensing bodies may retain access to sealed records.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Arrest with no charges filed
Charges dismissed after diversion program completion
Acquittal at trial
Conviction for certain eligible offenses after a waiting period
Successful completion of a stay of adjudication

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the BCA and the Fillmore County District Court
Determine eligibility based on the offense type and time elapsed since case resolution
Complete the petition for expungement (forms available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch)
File the petition with the Fillmore County District Court and pay the filing fee (currently $325.00, subject to waiver for indigent petitioners)
Serve copies of the petition on all agencies holding records related to the arrest
Attend the expungement hearing
If granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to seal their records

Contact Information for Expungement:

Fillmore County District Court – Court Administrator's Office
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4571
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Fillmore County

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Avenue East, St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota BCA

What Happens After Arrest in Fillmore County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Individuals arrested in Fillmore County are transported to the Fillmore County Jail, located at the Fillmore County Law Enforcement Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Fillmore County Jail
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-3874
Fillmore County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume and the circumstances of the arrest. Steps include:

Personal information recorded
Photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected
Criminal history and outstanding warrants checked
Personal property inventoried and stored
Medical and mental health screening conducted
Housing classification determined

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) for a first appearance. At this hearing:

Charges are formally presented
The right to appointed counsel is addressed
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch court calendar.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

Full amount paid in cash to the court
Refunded at case conclusion minus applicable fees
Amount set by judge or magistrate per the bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount
Defendant pays a non-refundable premium (typically 10%)
Bondsman assumes financial responsibility for appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

Released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment required
Based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

Individual held without bond when charged with serious violent offenses, deemed a flight risk or danger to the community, subject to a probation or parole violation, subject to an immigration hold, or subject to an out-of-state warrant

Conditions of Release:

Regular check-in requirements
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Posted:

Processing time is typically one to eight hours
Personal property returned
Written court date and conditions of release provided
Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture

If Bond Not Posted:

Individual remains in custody pending case resolution
Housing assignment, inmate orientation, and commissary setup completed
Phone and visitation privileges explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Fillmore County Public Defender's Office
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4571
Minnesota Board of Public Defense

Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply at their first appearance.

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney visits at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Fillmore County Attorney's Office reviews each arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. Options include filing an Information or seeking a Grand Jury Indictment for felonies, requesting additional investigation, declining to prosecute, or filing different or additional charges.

Fillmore County Attorney's Office
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4571
Fillmore County

Arraignment:

At arraignment, formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter an initial not guilty plea. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery: Exchange of police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and recordings between prosecution and defense
Pretrial Motions: Motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or compel discovery
Pretrial Conferences: Meetings between attorneys and the judge to assess case status and explore resolution
Plea Negotiations: The prosecutor may offer a plea agreement involving reduced charges or a sentencing recommendation

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects; may be followed by expungement petition
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal
Plea Agreement: Defendant accepts guilty or no contest plea; sentencing hearing scheduled
Trial: Jury or bench trial; verdict of guilty or not guilty; sentencing hearing follows a guilty verdict

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment programming, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 36 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months
Felonies: Resolved within several months to over a year
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Minnesota and U.S. Constitutions

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:

Fillmore County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-3874
Fillmore County Sheriff's Office

Fillmore County District Court – Court Administrator
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4571
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Fillmore County

Fillmore County Attorney's Office
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4571
Fillmore County

Fillmore County Public Defender's Office
101 Fillmore Street, Preston, MN 55965
Phone: (507) 765-4571
Minnesota Board of Public Defense

What to Do If You're Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely invoke the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail
Attend all scheduled court dates
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Fillmore County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Fillmore County is governed by Minnesota state law and the policies of the Minnesota State Archives. The Minnesota Historical Society's General Records Retention Schedule establishes minimum retention periods for government records, including law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, Minnesota BCA, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for a minimum of ten years depending on the agency
Court records: Permanent in electronic systems
State BCA repository: Permanent

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of seven years
Court records: Often permanent in electronic systems
State repository: Retained unless expunged by court order
May remain accessible unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum of seven years
Court records: Often permanent
State repository: Retained unless sealed or expunged

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum of three to seven years
Local arrest logs: Minimum of three years
May be eligible for expungement petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement records: Minimum of three to seven years
Often eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per the applicable retention schedule (minimum three to seven years depending on disposition)
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently for felony arrests; minimum seven years for misdemeanors
Photographs: Retained per booking record schedule

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum of three years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Varies by agency policy
Court electronic records: Often permanent

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement
Records may not be updated when expungement orders are issued
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires accuracy and imposes reporting period limits

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum of seven years
Arrest reports: Minimum of seven years
Investigative files: Varies by case type and outcome
Contact: (507) 765-3874

Clerk of Court:

Felony case files: Permanent
Misdemeanor case files: Minimum of ten years
Traffic cases: Minimum of three years
Electronic records: Often permanent

State Repository (Minnesota BCA):

The Minnesota BCA maintains criminal history records for all arrests statewide
Retention is permanent for felony arrests and convictions
Misdemeanor records retained for a minimum of ten years
Records accessible through the Minnesota BCA criminal history system

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level
Federal retention is typically permanent
Accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms, and other purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Permanent retention in most databases; part of the permanent criminal history record
Dismissal: May remain in databases unless expunged; not always reported on standard background checks
Expungement: Physical sealing or destruction of local records; state repository updates records; FBI database may retain with a notation; removal timeframe varies by agency
No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged automatically after three to seven years; immediate removal may be requested in some cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests: Available online through MCRO or by contacting the Sheriff's Office; updated regularly
Older arrests (more than ten years ago): May require in-person request; possible retrieval fee; longer processing time
Very old arrests (more than twenty years ago): May not be digitized; paper records in archives; may have been destroyed per retention schedule; contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (507) 765-3874

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or pursuant to the records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention — including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals — may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Standard employment background checks under the FCRA cover a seven-year period for most positions
Convictions may be reported indefinitely under federal law
Minnesota law imposes additional restrictions on the use of arrest records without conviction in employment decisions
Third-party websites may not reflect expungement orders and are not controlled by law enforcement or the courts

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Fillmore County Sheriff's Records Division at (507) 765-3874 to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. A written public records request may be required, and fees may apply for copies of responsive records.