Criminal History in Fillmore County
Fillmore County criminal history records are kept at the Sheriff's Office and the District Court in Preston. The county serves about 21,000 people in the bluff country region of southeastern Minnesota. You can search criminal case records through the state court system online, or contact the Sheriff's Office directly for arrest and incident records. This page covers both sources and explains what you can access for Fillmore County criminal history.
Fillmore County Overview
Fillmore County Sheriff Criminal Records
The Fillmore County Sheriff's Office is the main law enforcement agency for the county. It covers all areas outside of any municipalities with their own police departments. The Sheriff handles arrests, patrol incidents, and jail bookings. Arrest records are public data under Minnesota Stat. sect. 13.82, which requires agencies to make arrest data available once someone is booked into custody.
The Sheriff's Office is located at 901 Houston St NW in Preston. You can reach them at (507) 765-3874. For public records requests, call ahead to find out what information you need to provide. Fillmore County is a rural county with a smaller staff, so turnaround times on records requests may take a few days. Written requests are recommended for anything beyond basic arrest information.
The Sheriff also has responsibility for warrant service and court security. If you are trying to find out whether an active warrant exists for someone in Fillmore County, contact the Sheriff's Office directly. Warrant information is not always published online in smaller counties.
| Agency | Fillmore County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 901 Houston St NW, Preston, MN 55965 |
| Phone | (507) 765-3874 |
Fillmore County Criminal Case Records
The Fillmore County District Court handles all criminal filings in the county. It is part of the 3rd Judicial District and is located in Preston. The court processes cases ranging from misdemeanors and traffic offenses to felonies. The Court Administrator manages public access to records and can process requests for copies.
Minnesota Court Records Online is the primary free tool for searching Fillmore County criminal cases from home. You can search by name or case number. The system shows case status, charges, docket entries, and scheduled hearings. Restricted records, including juvenile cases and sealed files, will not appear in public searches. Under Minnesota Stat. sect. 13.87, criminal history data maintained by agencies is subject to specific access rules. If you need certified copies, visit the court in Preston during business hours and bring a valid ID.
Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) provides free access to Fillmore County case records. The screenshot below shows the MCRO portal.
The search system is updated daily and covers all district courts in the state.
The Fillmore County District Court page on mncourts.gov has contact information and links to case search resources. The screenshot below shows the Fillmore court page.
The court's contact details and directions to the courthouse are listed on that page.
| Court | Fillmore County District Court |
|---|---|
| Location | Preston, MN 55965 |
| Judicial District | 3rd Judicial District |
| Case Search | Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) |
Offender Notifications in Fillmore County
VINE (Victim Information and Notification Everyday) gives anyone the ability to track offender custody status in Fillmore County and statewide. You can register to receive alerts by phone, email, or text when an offender is released or transferred. The service is available 24 hours a day and is free.
To look up an offender or register for alerts, go to VINELink.com. The screenshot below shows the VINE portal used for tracking offender status in Fillmore County cases.
You can search by name or offender ID number. Registration takes only a few minutes.
People serving state prison sentences are tracked through the Minnesota Department of Corrections offender locator. Go to coms.doc.state.mn.us to search by name or DOC number.
Statewide Criminal History via the BCA
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains the statewide criminal history database. Fillmore County records are included in this system. A BCA check pulls together arrest data, court outcomes, and convictions from all counties. It is more thorough than a single county search because it captures records statewide.
You can request a BCA criminal history check at bca.dps.mn.gov or by calling (651) 793-2400. The BCA's background check information is available at dps.mn.gov. All BCA data sharing follows Minnesota Stat. sect. 13.87.
Expungement of Fillmore County Criminal Records
You may be able to have a Fillmore County criminal record sealed if your case qualifies under Minnesota law. Minnesota Stat. sect. 609A.02 covers the types of cases eligible for expungement. This includes dismissed cases, acquittals, and certain diversions or stays. Some records also qualify for automatic expungement under Minnesota Stat. sect. 609A.015 after a waiting period passes.
To file for expungement in Fillmore County, submit a petition with the District Court in Preston. The court will review your request and may schedule a hearing. If granted, the record is sealed from public access but is not destroyed. Eligibility depends on the type of offense, how the case ended, and how much time has passed. A legal aid office or attorney can help you determine if you qualify and walk you through the process.
Cities in Fillmore County
Fillmore County communities include Preston, Spring Valley, Lanesboro, Chatfield, Harmony, and Canton. Preston is the county seat where the courthouse is located. All criminal cases in Fillmore County are filed and processed through the District Court in Preston. No cities in Fillmore County reach the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Fillmore County is in the bluff country of southeastern Minnesota and shares borders with several counties. Look up criminal records from nearby areas using these links.