Clay County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Clay County in 2026
ClayCountyRecords.org provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Clay County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. The following record categories may be available: arrest logs, booking records, criminal court case filings, jail rosters, and charge histories. Information presented reflects publicly accessible data and may not represent final legal outcomes.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The primary channels for accessing arrest records in Clay County are outlined below.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Clay County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster and lockup list that is updated on a regular basis. Members of the public may access the Clay County lockup list directly through the county's official website. The roster includes the arrested individual's name, file number, charge, and date of arrest. This document is refreshed frequently and reflects individuals currently in custody or recently booked.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Moorhead Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Clay County. The department publishes press releases and arrest summaries through its official communications channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from the Moorhead Police Department may submit a public records request directly to the department's records division.
Moorhead Police Department
915 9th Ave N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5120
Moorhead Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to court case filings. The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system provides online access to many public Minnesota state district court records and documents. Members of the public may search by an individual's name to locate associated criminal case filings, charge information, and hearing dates. The Clay County District Court has original jurisdiction in all civil, family, probate, juvenile, criminal, and traffic matters arising within the county.
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record through the BCA's public records portal. A fee applies to public criminal history requests. The BCA's records include arrests, charges, dispositions, and sentencing information from jurisdictions across Minnesota.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Clay County Sheriff's Office
807 11th St N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5151
Clay County Sheriff's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Members of the public should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the full name of the subject and approximate date of arrest.
- Copy fees apply per page; the records division can confirm current rates at the time of the request.
Police Departments:
Moorhead Police Department
915 9th Ave N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5120
Moorhead Police Department
- Records requests may be submitted in person or in writing.
- Requestors should provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate date of the incident.
Clerk of Court:
Clay County District Court – Clerk of Court
807 11th St N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5065
Clay County District Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Criminal case files are available for inspection at the courthouse.
- Copy fees are set pursuant to Minnesota court rules; the clerk's office can confirm current per-page rates.
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Clay County Sheriff's Office at 807 11th St N, Moorhead, MN 56560. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requestor's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.
By Phone:
- Clay County Sheriff's Office: (218) 299-5151
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available.
- Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online lockup list or an in-person visit for complete records.
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of civil or criminal litigation. Discovery procedures in active criminal proceedings provide defense counsel with access to arrest reports, booking records, and related documentation.
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, Moorhead PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Clay County
Arrest records in Clay County are public records under Minnesota law. Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.82, arrest data maintained 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 on individuals collected because the individual is or was an employee of a government entity or because the individual was arrested, detained, or convicted of a crime is public to the extent provided by law." Arrest records serve multiple legitimate purposes, including journalism and investigative research, background screening, legal proceedings, and community awareness.
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
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond and bail information
- Custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Minnesota law
- 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 compromise an ongoing inquiry
- Undercover officer identities
- Confidential informant information
- Victim identifying information in certain case types
- Information pertaining to witness protection participants
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
The Minnesota Constitution and the Government Data Practices Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public interest. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges and dispositions, including dismissals and acquittals.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- General public
- Media organizations
- Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
- Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
- Licensing agencies
- Background check companies
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The FCRA governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing screening. Minnesota's Human Rights Act places additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions. Employers and landlords must distinguish between arrests and convictions, as an arrest alone does not establish guilt.
What's in Clay County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases
- 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 public release)
Arrest Details:
- Arrest date and time
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- 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
- Minnesota statute numbers violated
- Charge descriptions
- Classification as felony or misdemeanor and applicable degree or class
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public records
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status
- Bond amount set by the court
- Bond type, including cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time if the individual has been released
- Release conditions if publicly available
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned
- Court jurisdiction
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment if available
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements
- Victim information
- Evidence collected
- Investigative techniques
- Medical or mental health information
- Social Security number (redacted)
- Financial account information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate access rules
- Court records document legal proceedings that follow an arrest
- Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences
- Background checks compile information from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repositories
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Clay County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Clay County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under Minn. Stat. § 13.03, government entities may charge for the actual cost of searching for and retrieving data, as well as for copies. The following fee structure reflects current standard rates:
| Record Type | Access Method | Estimated Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Online jail roster / lockup list | Web (PDF) | Free |
| Court case search via MCRO | Online | Free (basic search) |
| Certified court document copies | Clerk of Court | $14.00 per document (standard court fee) |
| Photocopies of records | In-person | $0.25 per page (standard) |
| BCA criminal history (public request) | Online/mail | $8.00 per subject |
| Certified copies | Clerk of Court | Additional certification fee applies |
- Inspection of public records at a government office is available at no charge.
- Electronic copies may be provided at no cost or at a reduced rate depending on the agency.
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent requestors or in cases where the request serves a demonstrable public interest; requestors should inquire directly with the relevant agency.
- Accepted payment methods vary by office and may include cash, check, or credit card.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Clay County
In Minnesota, the legal process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement. Expungement is a court-ordered remedy that seals or destroys records held by law enforcement agencies, courts, and the BCA. Sealing restricts public access to records while allowing law enforcement to retain internal access; destruction eliminates the physical or digital record entirely. Under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02, individuals may petition for expungement in the following circumstances:
- The case was resolved through a diversion program and the individual has completed all conditions
- The charges were dismissed
- The individual was acquitted at trial
- The prosecutor declined to file charges
- The individual successfully completed a stay of adjudication
- A waiting period has elapsed following certain misdemeanor or felony convictions
Steps to Petition for Expungement:
- Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the BCA and the Clerk of Court to confirm the case details.
- Complete the expungement petition forms available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.
- File the petition with the Clay County District Court Clerk of Court at 807 11th St N, Moorhead, MN 56560.
- Serve copies of the petition on all agencies that hold records related to the arrest, including the Sheriff's Office, the BCA, and any relevant police department.
- Attend the scheduled expungement hearing; the court will consider the petition and any objections filed by the prosecuting agency.
- If the court grants the petition, an order is issued directing all named agencies to seal or destroy their records within 60 days.
Clay County District Court – Clerk of Court
807 11th St N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5065
Clay County District Court
Clay County Public Defender's Office
807 11th St N, Suite 304
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-7160
Minnesota Board of Public Defense
Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may apply for representation through the public defender's office. The Minnesota Judicial Branch also provides self-help resources for individuals navigating the expungement process without legal counsel.
What Happens After Arrest in Clay County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest, the individual is transported to the Clay County Jail, located at 807 11th St N, Moorhead, MN 56560. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in restraints during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the Clay County Jail, the booking process begins. The process typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. Steps include:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
- Fingerprints collected and submitted to the BCA
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventoried and secured
- 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) for a first appearance. At this hearing:
- The individual is formally notified of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
- Bond or bail is determined
- The individual is advised of their rights
- The hearing may be conducted via video conference
Bond / Bail Process:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount is paid in cash to the court. The amount is refunded at the conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees, provided the individual appears at all required court dates.
Surety Bond: A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, which is set by state regulation.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The individual is released on a written promise to appear. No monetary payment is required. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment status, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The individual is held without the possibility of release. Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or outstanding out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release may include check-in requirements, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.
4. Release or Continued Detention
If bond is posted, processing for release typically takes one to eight hours. The individual receives their personal property, a written notice of court dates, and written conditions of release. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of a warrant.
If bond is not posted, the individual remains in custody, receives a housing assignment, and is oriented to jail procedures including commissary, phone privileges, and visitation schedules.
Accessing Legal Representation:
Clay County Public Defender's Office
807 11th St N, Suite 304
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-7160
Minnesota Board of Public Defense
Eligibility for a public defender is based on financial need. Private counsel may be retained at any stage of the proceedings and may visit the jail for confidential consultations.
Charging Decision:
The Clay 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 matters, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed with an indictment.
Arraignment:
At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at this stage, and the court sets dates for pretrial proceedings.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery, pretrial motions, pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution may occur through dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or mental health court, a negotiated plea agreement, or trial. If the defendant is convicted, a sentencing hearing is scheduled.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: within 36 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
- First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on case complexity
- Arraignment to resolution: months, varying widely by charge type
- Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months
- Felonies: may extend to a year or more
- The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under both the U.S. and Minnesota 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:
Clay County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
807 11th St N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5151
Clay County Sheriff's Office
Clay County District Court – Clerk of Court
807 11th St N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5065
Clay County District Court
Clay County Attorney's Office
807 11th St N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5018
Clay County Attorney's Office
Clay County Public Defender's Office
807 11th St N, Suite 304
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-7160
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 waive this right.
- Do not discuss the case with anyone other than your 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 Clay County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Clay County is governed by Minnesota state law and the policies of the Minnesota State Archives. The Minnesota Government Data Practices Act and the records retention schedules established by the Minnesota Historical Society set the framework for how long law enforcement and court records must be maintained.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, BCA, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
- Part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the BCA and court records systems
- Local law enforcement records are subject to agency-specific retention schedules, which may provide for retention of ten years or more
Dismissed Charges:
- Records may remain in law enforcement and court databases unless the individual obtains an expungement order
- The BCA retains arrest data even when charges are dismissed, absent a court order directing otherwise
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently in most cases
- Law enforcement booking records are subject to agency retention schedules
- Individuals may petition for expungement following an acquittal
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are subject to agency retention schedules, which may provide for retention of several years
- Individuals may be eligible to petition for expungement in these circumstances
Digital vs. Physical Records:
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: retained for a minimum of several years per state schedule
- Records management system data: often retained permanently
- Booking photographs: retained for the duration of the associated record
- Court electronic records: retained permanently in most case categories
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregation websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and expungement obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information, but enforcement of update obligations following expungement requires affirmative action by the individual.
Retention by Agency:
Clay County Sheriff's Office
807 11th St N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5151
Clay County Sheriff's Office
- Booking records and arrest reports are retained pursuant to the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for law enforcement agencies.
Clay County District Court – Clerk of Court
807 11th St N
Moorhead, MN 56560
Phone: (218) 299-5065
Clay County District Court
- Felony case files: permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: retained for a minimum of ten years following case closure
- Electronic court records: permanent
Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA)
1430 Maryland Ave E
St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota BCA
- The BCA maintains the state criminal history repository and retains arrest data from all Minnesota jurisdictions. Retention is permanent absent a court-ordered expungement.
FBI Database:
The NCIC and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests reported by Minnesota agencies. Federal retention is permanent. Law enforcement agencies nationwide may access these records. Background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and licensing draw from these federal databases.
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases; appears on background checks indefinitely.
- Dismissal: Records remain unless expunged; dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks.
- Expungement: Local records are sealed or destroyed; the BCA updates its repository; the FBI database may retain a notation accessible only to law enforcement.
- No charges filed: Subject to the shortest retention periods; may be eligible for immediate expungement petition.
Accessing Historical Arrest Records:
- Recent arrests are available through the online lockup list and MCRO.
- Older arrests may require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court.
- Records that predate digitization may exist only in paper form and may require additional processing time and fees.
- Records that have exceeded their retention period may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable schedule.
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Minnesota law places additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment and housing decisions, and employers may not consider arrests that did not result in conviction in certain circumstances.