Rice County Criminal History Records
Rice County criminal history records are maintained by the Sheriff's Office, the District Court, and state agencies in Faribault, Minnesota. The county is part of the 1st Judicial District and serves a population of about 65,000 people. If you need to find criminal records, look up a court case, or check on someone in custody, this page points you to the right tools for Rice County. Both online searches and in-person options are available depending on what you need.
Rice County Overview
Rice County Sheriff Criminal Records
The Rice County Sheriff's Office is based in Faribault and handles all law enforcement operations for the county. The office manages patrol, jail operations, and civil process. Arrest records, booking data, and custody information are all processed through this office. The main address is 50 E View Dr, Faribault MN 55021. Call (507) 334-4391 for general inquiries. The Records Division can be reached at (507) 332-6003.
The Records Division is the correct contact point for requests related to criminal history data held by the Sheriff. If you need a copy of an arrest report, booking record, or incident report, start with the Records Division. They can tell you what documents are available, what form to submit, and what fees may apply. Minnesota Statute 13.82 defines which law enforcement records are public and how agencies must respond to data requests. Arrests and incident data are generally public under this statute, though active investigations may have some data withheld.
The Sheriff's Office website at ricecountymn.gov/208/Sheriffs-Office has contact information and links to county services.
| Office | Rice County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 50 E View Dr, Faribault MN 55021 |
| Main Phone | (507) 334-4391 |
| Records Division | (507) 332-6003 |
| Website | ricecountymn.gov/208/Sheriffs-Office |
Rice County District Court and Criminal Case Records
The Rice County District Court sits at the Rice County Courthouse, 218 Third St NW, Faribault MN 55021. The court handles all criminal filings in the county, from misdemeanors up through felonies. You can reach the court by phone at (507) 332-6107. Rice County is part of the 1st Judicial District along with several other southern Minnesota counties.
The free public case search tool for Rice County criminal records is Minnesota Court Records Online, known as MCRO. Search by name or case number at publicaccess.courts.state.mn.us. MCRO shows docket entries, charges, hearing dates, and case status. It covers Rice County cases going back many years. Some records are restricted by court order and will not show up in a public search. This system is the quickest way to check a case without visiting the courthouse. Updates are generally processed quickly after court activity occurs.
The screenshot below is from Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO), the state's free tool for searching Rice County criminal case records by name or file number.
MCRO covers all Rice County District Court filings and is available at no cost to the public any time of day.
Jail Roster, Warrants, and Custody Information
The Rice County Jail is operated by the Sheriff's Office in Faribault. If you need to find out whether someone is in custody, contact the Sheriff's Office at (507) 334-4391. The jail holds people awaiting trial and those serving short sentences. For longer state prison sentences, check the Minnesota DOC Offender Locator at coms.doc.state.mn.us/publicviewer.
Outstanding warrants in Rice County are tracked by the Sheriff's Office. MCRO may show an active warrant status tied to a court file. If you think a warrant may be outstanding, call the Sheriff's Office or run a name search through MCRO to check the case status. The court file will often note warrant-related actions in the docket. Showing up to court is the most straightforward way to resolve an active warrant, and the court clerk can tell you what steps to take.
Note: The Rice County District Court website listed in some directories may redirect or show an error at times. The main court contact remains (507) 332-6107 for direct assistance.
Background Checks and BCA Records
For a complete Minnesota criminal history background check, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is the primary state source. The BCA collects arrest and disposition data from courts and law enforcement agencies across all 87 counties, including Rice. You can submit a personal record request or a third-party check through bca.dps.mn.gov. Official BCA checks are used by courts, agencies, and individuals who need a certified record.
Minnesota Statute 13.87 limits how criminal history data is shared. Arrest-level data is typically available to the public, but full histories with all dispositions require proper authorization. Most people checking their own records can get a full view through a personal BCA request. Third-party requests follow different rules depending on the purpose. The BCA also manages the sex offender registry under state law.
The screenshot below is from VINE Link, the free victim notification service that lets you track custody changes for people held in Rice County.
Register through VINE to receive alerts any time a person in Rice County custody is released, transferred, or escapes. The service is free and runs 24 hours a day.
Rice County Criminal Record Expungement
People with Rice County criminal records may be able to petition for expungement under Minnesota Statute 609A.02. Expungement seals a criminal record from public access. The statute outlines which offenses qualify and what waiting periods apply after the case closes. Not every conviction or arrest is eligible, so it is worth checking the specific charge before filing.
The petition goes to the Rice County District Court, where the original case was heard. You must serve the petition on several state agencies including the BCA, the Sheriff's Office, and the prosecuting attorney. Each has time to object. After any objections are filed, a judge holds a hearing and decides whether to grant the expungement. The process typically takes several months from start to finish. If approved, the public record is sealed, though certain agencies retain access under specific conditions allowed by law.
Victim Notification: VINE Link
VINE Link is a free statewide service for tracking offender custody status. If someone connected to your case is held at the Rice County Jail or a state facility, you can sign up for automatic notifications at vinelink.com. Alerts are sent when an inmate is released, transferred, or escapes. No courthouse visit is needed to stay informed.
Cities in Rice County
Rice County includes Faribault and several other communities. Criminal cases from all cities in the county go through the Rice County District Court in Faribault.
Communities in Rice County include Faribault, Northfield, Dundas, Nerstrand, and Lonsdale. None currently meet the population threshold for a separate city page, but all criminal records are handled through the county court system regardless of city.
Nearby Counties
Rice County borders several other Minnesota counties. Check the county where the case was filed if you are not sure which courthouse has the record you need.