Criminal records in Rice County, Minnesota, are available through several channels. RiceCourt.us allows quick access to public information on criminal cases. Additionally, records can be obtained through the state's official court systems, county law enforcement agencies, and the Court Administration office at the district court in Faribault.
How to Search Criminal Records in Rice
There are several ways to search for criminal records in this county.
Online Search
- RiceCourt.us — start here to find public information on criminal court cases.
- Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) — the official portal of the Minnesota judicial branch. Select Rice County from the list, enter the person's name or case number, and get results. Note: MCRO is not an official court record but an informational service.
- Active Warrants and Inmate Lists — the Rice County Sheriff's website publishes lists of individuals with active warrants and a list of those held in Rice County Jail.
- Search Individuals through Department of Corrections — allows checking if a person is under the supervision of the state correctional system or wanted.
In-Person Request
The most comprehensive access to electronic district court records is provided by public terminals in the courthouse. They show more details than the MCRO online portal. Contact the Court Administration office:
Written Request
A criminal history request can be sent by mail to the Court Administration office or the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). For a request through BCA, you need to fill out the appropriate form and provide fingerprints if a full criminal history check is required.
What You Need to Start a Search
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Rice Criminal Cases by Case Number
In Minnesota, court case numbers have a standard format consisting of several parts:
- County Code — a two-digit number. For Rice, it's 66.
- Case Type — a letter code indicating the category. For example: CR — criminal case, TR — traffic violation, JV — juvenile case.
- Year of Filing — a two-digit number (e.g., 25 for the year 2025).
- Sequential Number — a unique number within the year.
Example: 66-CR-25-1234 indicates a criminal case filed in Rice County in 2025 under number 1234. Enter this number in the MCRO search field to go directly to the desired case — without the need to filter results by name.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Rice
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to a specific paragraph of the Minnesota Criminal Code (e.g., Minn. Stat. § 609.52 — theft) |
| Degree of Severity | Felony, Gross Misdemeanor, Misdemeanor, Petty Misdemeanor |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change or drop some charges during the case — this is reflected in the record |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and a decision has not yet been made
- Active — the case is in the hearing stage or sentence execution
- Disposed — the court has made a final decision
- Closed — all procedural actions are completed
Types of Court Hearings
A criminal case in Rice County District Court usually goes through several stages:
- Arraignment — the first hearing where the charges are read to the defendant, and they state their plea (guilty / not guilty).
- Omnibus / Pre-trial hearing — consideration of motions from the parties, discussion of evidence.
- Trial — substantive court proceedings (if the parties have not reached an agreement).
- Sentencing — issuance of the sentence.
- Review hearing — a control hearing to check compliance with the terms of the sentence.
Court Results
- Guilty — found guilty
- Not Guilty — acquitted after consideration
- Dismissed — the case is closed without a verdict
- Acquitted — full acquittal by the court
- Continued for Dismissal — the case is postponed with the possibility of closure if court requirements are met
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Rice
Certified copies of criminal records are official documents with the court's seal. They are often required by employers, attorneys, or government agencies.
Where to Apply
The main body is Rice County Court Administration. This office processes and stores all district court records.
For a complete criminal history at the state level, contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). This is a separate process that involves submitting fingerprints.
How to Submit a Request
- In Person — visit the Court Administration office in the courthouse in Faribault. Bring a photo ID.
- By Mail — send a written request specifying the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), case number, and purpose of the request. Include payment in the form of a money order or cashier's check.
- Through the State Law Library — here you can get additional guidance on searching for court documents and archival cases.
Required Documents
- Photo ID (for in-person visits)
- Full name of the person for whom the request is made
- Case number or date of birth for accurate identification
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Rice
Fees for copies of court documents in Minnesota are regulated by Minn. Stat. § 357.021.
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (first 4 pages) | $14.00 |
| Each additional page | $1.00 |
| Certification | $10.00 |
| Criminal history search through BCA | Depends on the type of check; usually from $15 and up |
Processing Time
- In-Person Requests — simple copies are usually prepared the same day or the next business day.
- Mail Requests — processing may take 5 to 10 business days, depending on the office workload.
- Requests through BCA — timelines vary; electronic checks are processed faster than those requiring fingerprints.
Check current fees directly with the Court Administration office, as fees may change.