Warrants are public record in Washington County, Minnesota, pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act (Minnesota Statutes Chapter 13). This comprehensive legislation establishes the framework for public access to government records throughout the state, including Washington County. The Act mandates transparency in governmental operations by requiring that most official documents, including warrant records, be accessible to members of the public.
In accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies must make certain data available to the public, including information about arrests, requests for service, and the status of complaints or charges against individuals. Washington County maintains these records in compliance with state law to ensure transparency in judicial proceedings and law enforcement activities.
Residents and interested parties may access warrant information through the Washington County Sheriff's Office warrant search portal, which provides a publicly accessible database of active warrants. This system supports the public's right to information while maintaining appropriate privacy safeguards as required by state and federal regulations.
Warrant records maintained by Washington County typically contain several standard elements as prescribed by Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure. These records include:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 2, certain identifying information in warrant records may be redacted in specific circumstances, particularly in cases involving juveniles, victims of sexual assault, or ongoing investigations where disclosure could compromise public safety.
Members of the public may verify warrant status in Washington County through several no-cost methods established under Minnesota's open records provisions. The following resources are available without charge:
Individuals seeking warrant information should be prepared to provide the full legal name and, if possible, date of birth of the subject to ensure accurate results. The Washington County Sheriff's Office maintains these access points in accordance with Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, which requires government entities to provide convenient access to public data.
The Washington County Sheriff's Office is the primary law enforcement agency responsible for executing warrants within county jurisdiction. Sheriff warrants in Washington County are classified according to Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure 3.01 and include:
The Sheriff's Office Warrants Division, operating under the authority of Minnesota Statutes § 387.03, maintains records of all active warrants and coordinates with other law enforcement agencies for execution. The division can be contacted directly at:
Washington County Sheriff's Office - Warrants Division
15015 62nd Street North
Stillwater, MN 55082
651-430-7998
Washington County Sheriff's Office
Individuals seeking to determine their warrant status in Washington County have multiple verification methods available pursuant to Minnesota public records laws. The following official channels provide current warrant information:
Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.03, subdivision 3, government entities must respond to requests for public data in a timely manner. Individuals should be aware that warrant status can change rapidly, and verification through official channels is recommended for the most current information.
Washington County maintains multiple access points for outstanding warrant verification in compliance with Minnesota's public records statutes. Individuals may utilize the following methods to determine if outstanding warrants exist:
When conducting searches, members of the public should provide complete and accurate identifying information to ensure proper results. Under Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, subdivision 6, law enforcement agencies must provide access to data that documents the agency's actions, including the existence of warrants.