Criminal records in Mower County, Minnesota, are available through several channels. MowerCourt.us allows you to search publicly available information about criminal cases in the county. Additionally, records can be obtained through the official state court system, county law enforcement agencies, and the district court clerk's office. Online tools, in-person court visits, and written requests are all viable ways to access criminal records in Mower County.
How to Search Criminal Records in Mower
There are several proven ways to find criminal records in this county. Below are step-by-step instructions for each method.
Through MowerCourt.us
- Go to MowerCourt.us.
- Enter the full name of the person or case number.
- Review the search results — they include publicly available data on criminal cases filed in Mower County.
Online through the State Portal
The Minnesota Judicial Branch maintains the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system. To find a case:
- Select "Mower" county from the list.
- Enter the defendant's first and last name or case number.
- Click "Search" and review the results.
MCRO shows many public county court records, but it is not the official case record. The Judicial Branch does not certify MCRO results and is not responsible for any errors in the data.
To check criminal history through law enforcement, use the Minnesota Public Criminal History Search (CHS) system by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). This tool is specifically designed for background checks.
The inmate list at Mower County Jail is available in PDF format through the Mower County Jail Roster. To locate an individual in the state correctional system, use the Offender Locator by the Minnesota Department of Corrections.
In Person
Public access terminals at the courthouse provide the most comprehensive access to electronic county court records — as noted by the Judicial Branch itself. Visit the Mower County Justice Center in Austin.
By Mail or Written Request
Send a written request to the Mower County District Court Clerk's Office at the Justice Center address. Include the full name of the person, date of birth (if known), and case number. For an official state-level criminal history, the request should be directed to the BCA.
What you need to start the search:
- Full name of the person
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Case number (if known)
Search Mower Criminal Cases by Case Number
Each case in Minnesota courts is assigned a unique number. The format looks like this:
XX-YY-ZZ-NNNNNN
- XX — two-digit county code (for Mower County, it's 50)
- YY — case type code (e.g., CR for criminal cases, TR for traffic violations)
- ZZ — two-digit year the case was filed
- NNNNNN — sequential case number
For example, the number 50-CR-24-001234 indicates a criminal case filed in Mower County in 2024 with the sequential number 1234. Knowing this number will yield accurate results in any search system — both on MCRO and through a terminal at the courthouse. Searching by case number is the fastest way to find a specific record.
Charges, Case Status, Hearings, and Court Results in Mower
Criminal case records in the Mower County District Court contain several key data categories. Let's examine each one.
Charges
| Element | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Statute Code | Reference to the specific section of Minnesota Statutes under which the charge is filed |
| Severity | Felony, Gross Misdemeanor, Misdemeanor, Petty Misdemeanor |
| Amended Charges | The prosecutor may change the original charge during the case — for example, reducing a felony to a misdemeanor as part of a plea agreement |
Case Status
- Pending — the case is open, and proceedings are not yet complete
- Active — the case is actively being processed
- Disposed — the court has made a decision, and the case is resolved
- Closed — all procedural actions are complete, and the case is closed
Hearings
Criminal cases usually involve the following hearings:
- Arraignment — the first court appearance where the defendant learns of the charges and enters a plea
- Preliminary Hearing — the judge determines if there is enough evidence to proceed (usually for felonies)
- Pre-Trial — parties discuss procedural matters before the trial
- Sentencing — the imposition of a sentence after a guilty plea or conviction
- Review — a control hearing to check compliance with the terms of the sentence
Court Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Guilty | The defendant is found guilty |
| Not Guilty | The court or jury found the defendant not guilty |
| Dismissed | The case is closed without a verdict — the prosecutor withdrew the charges, or the court dismissed the case |
| Acquitted | The defendant is acquitted after trial |
| Continuance for Dismissal | The case is postponed with the possibility of dismissal upon meeting certain conditions |
Some records may be sealed through the expungement process and will not appear in public searches.
How to Request Certified Criminal Records in Mower
Certified copies are official documents with the court's seal and have legal force. A regular printout from MCRO is not.
District Court Clerk's Office
A request for a certified copy of a criminal record is submitted to the Court Administrator's Office at the Mower County District Court. You can apply in person or by mail.
What you need for the request:
- Full name of the defendant
- Case number (if known)
- Date of birth (preferably)
- Valid ID (for in-person requests)
- Payment of the applicable fee
State-Level Criminal History
The official criminal history check is conducted by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA). The BCA maintains a centralized registry of arrests and court decisions from across the state. Requests can be submitted online through the CHS system or by mail to the BCA.
For legal references or referrals in Mower County, a list of legal resources is available from the Minnesota State Law Library.
Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times for Criminal Records in Mower
Fees for court records in Minnesota are governed by Minn. Stat. § 357.021. Below are typical rates.
| Service | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Copy of court document | $0.25 per page | Uncertified copy |
| Document certification | $10.00 | Per certified document |
| Criminal history check (BCA CHS, online) | $15.00 | Through the BCA Minnesota Public Criminal History Search system |
| Search through MCRO | Free | Online search of public records |
Processing Times
- MCRO online search — results appear instantly
- Certified copies (in person) — usually issued the same day or within a few business days
- Mail requests — 5 to 10 business days, depending on the clerk's office workload
- BCA online check — results are usually available within a few minutes after payment
The court clerk's office accepts payment by check, money order, or, in some cases, credit card. Confirm acceptable payment methods by calling (507) 437-9465 before your visit.