Minnehaha County Arrest Records
Are Arrest Records Public in Minnehaha County
Arrest records in Minnehaha County are considered public information under South Dakota state law. Pursuant to South Dakota Codified Laws § 1-27-1, all records of public agencies are open to inspection by any person during normal business hours, unless specifically exempted by statute. This includes records maintained by the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county.
The distinction between arrest records and conviction records is significant under South Dakota law. An arrest record documents that an individual was taken into custody by law enforcement based on probable cause that they committed a crime. A conviction record, by contrast, indicates that the individual was found guilty of a criminal offense through a court proceeding. Under SDCL § 23-5-7, both types of records are generally accessible to the public, though certain exceptions apply.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation maintains the state's criminal history repository and provides guidance on law enforcement records access. While most arrest records remain public, certain records may be sealed or expunged under specific circumstances, particularly those involving juvenile offenders or cases that did not result in conviction.
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office
320 W 4th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-367-4300
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office
What's in Minnehaha County Arrest Records
Arrest records maintained by Minnehaha County law enforcement agencies typically contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody. The content of these records is standardized in accordance with South Dakota Codified Laws § 23-5-1, which establishes requirements for criminal identification data.
Arrestee Identifying Information:
- Full legal name (including aliases or previous names)
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Gender
- Race/ethnicity
- Fingerprints
- Photograph (mugshot)
- Address at time of arrest
- Social security number (partially redacted in public records)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Arresting officer's name and badge number
- Reason for arrest
- Use of force information (if applicable)
Charge Information:
- Criminal charges filed
- Charge classification (misdemeanor or felony)
- Charge severity level
- Statute numbers of alleged violations
- Case numbers
Warrant Information (if applicable):
- Warrant number
- Issuing court
- Date issued
- Type of warrant
Booking Information:
- Booking date and time
- Booking facility
- Booking officer
- Property inventory
Bond/Bail Information:
- Bail amount set
- Bond type
- Bond conditions
- Release status
Court Information:
- Court of jurisdiction
- Scheduled court appearances
- Case disposition (if resolved)
Custody Status:
- Current detention status
- Facility of incarceration (if applicable)
- Projected release date (for sentenced individuals)
Additional Information May Include:
- Prior criminal history references
- Probation/parole status
- Protection orders
- Known associates
- Vehicle information
- Employer information (when provided)
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Minnehaha County in 2026
Members of the public seeking arrest records in Minnehaha County may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for public access to these records in compliance with South Dakota public records laws.
To request arrest records in person:
- Visit the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office Records Division during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays).
- Complete a Public Records Request Form, which requires the requestor's contact information and specific details about the records being sought.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying (currently $15 for a basic record search, with additional fees for certified copies).
- Allow up to 10 business days for processing, though many requests are fulfilled more quickly.
To request arrest records by mail:
- Download and complete the Public Records Request Form from the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office website.
- Include a copy of valid government-issued photo identification.
- Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
- Mail the completed form, ID copy, and payment to:
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office Records Division
320 W 4th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-367-4300
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office
For third-party requests, additional documentation may be required to establish legal authority to access the records. Pursuant to SDCL § 23-5-12, certain criminal history information may have restricted access depending on the purpose of the request and the requestor's relationship to the subject.
How To Find Minnehaha County Arrest Records Online
Minnehaha County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. These electronic systems offer convenience while maintaining compliance with South Dakota public records laws.
The primary online resource for Minnehaha County arrest information is the Sheriff's Office Call Log, accessible through the county's official website. This resource provides:
- Recent arrest information (typically within the past 72 hours)
- Basic booking details
- Current inmate status
- Charges filed
To access this information:
- Navigate to the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office website
- Select "Sheriff's Office Call Log" from the available options
- Enter search criteria (name, date range, or case number)
- Review the results displayed
For more comprehensive criminal history information, the South Dakota Unified Judicial System offers an online portal that includes Minnehaha County court records related to arrests:
- Visit the South Dakota Unified Judicial System website
- Select "Search Court Records"
- Create a user account if required
- Enter the individual's name and other identifying information
- Pay applicable search fees (currently $20 per name search)
- Review case information, including charges, court dates, and dispositions
The Minnehaha County Jail Information System provides current custody status for individuals held at county detention facilities:
- Navigate to the Jail Information page
- Select "Inmate Search"
- Enter the individual's name
- Review custody status, charges, and bond information
Users should note that online systems may not contain complete historical arrest records, particularly for older cases or arrests that did not result in charges being filed. For comprehensive historical records, direct contact with the Sheriff's Office Records Division remains necessary.
How To Search Minnehaha County Arrest Records for Free?
Minnehaha County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several authorized channels. These free resources provide basic information while maintaining compliance with South Dakota public records statutes.
The following free options are currently available:
-
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office Public Terminal
- Located in the lobby of the Sheriff's Office at 320 W 4th Street, Sioux Falls
- Available during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Provides access to recent arrest logs and basic booking information
- No fee for self-service searches
- Photo identification required for building access
-
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office Website
- The Sheriff's Office Call Log is accessible without charge
- Provides information on recent arrests (typically within 72 hours)
- Limited to basic information (name, age, charges, arrest date)
- Updated daily
-
Minnehaha County Courthouse Public Access Terminals
- Located at 425 N Dakota Avenue, Sioux Falls
- Available during court business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM)
- Provides access to court cases related to arrests
- No fee for on-site terminal use
- Printing fees may apply ($0.25 per page)
-
South Dakota Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification (SAVIN)
- Free service providing custody status information
- Available at South Dakota SAVIN
- Requires registration for notification services
- Provides real-time updates on inmate status changes
While these resources provide free access to basic arrest information, users should be aware of certain limitations:
- Historical records may not be available through free resources
- Detailed arrest reports typically require formal requests and associated fees
- Some information may be redacted in publicly accessible versions
- Records that have been sealed or expunged will not appear in public searches
Pursuant to SDCL § 1-27-1.5, certain information within arrest records may be redacted even in free public access versions, including social security numbers, dates of birth, and information related to ongoing investigations.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Minnehaha County
South Dakota law provides specific mechanisms for the removal of arrest records from public access under certain circumstances. These processes fall into two distinct categories: expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access).
Expungement
Expungement in Minnehaha County is governed by SDCL § 23A-3-27, which allows for the complete removal of arrest records from public view under specific conditions:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction
- Cases dismissed due to factual innocence
- Cases where charges were never filed after arrest
- Certain non-violent offenses after specified waiting periods
The expungement process requires:
- Filing a petition with the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
- Paying the filing fee (currently $70)
- Attending a hearing before a circuit court judge
- Demonstrating eligibility under state statute
- Obtaining a court order directing all agencies to expunge records
Record Sealing
Record sealing restricts public access while maintaining records for law enforcement purposes. This process is available for:
- Juvenile records (automatically sealed at age 18 for most offenses)
- Certain drug possession convictions after completion of probation
- Cases where the public interest in confidentiality outweighs the public interest in disclosure
The record sealing process involves:
- Filing a petition with the appropriate court
- Notifying all agencies holding relevant records
- Attending a court hearing
- Obtaining a court order directing records to be sealed
Individuals seeking expungement or sealing should be aware that:
- Federal records are not affected by state expungement orders
- Private databases may continue to display information despite official expungement
- Certain agencies may retain access to sealed records for specific purposes
- Some offenses are statutorily ineligible for expungement
Legal assistance is strongly recommended for navigating these processes. The South Dakota Unified Judicial System provides forms and information for self-represented individuals seeking expungement or record sealing.
Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
425 N Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
605-367-5900
Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
What Happens After Arrest in Minnehaha County?
Following an arrest in Minnehaha County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by South Dakota state law and local procedures. This process typically follows a standardized sequence of events.
Initial Custody and Booking
Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Minnehaha County Jail for processing. The booking procedure includes:
- Recording personal information
- Fingerprinting and photographing
- Property inventory
- Medical screening
- Criminal history check
- Initial classification for housing assignment
Initial Appearance
Pursuant to SDCL § 23A-4-1, arrestees must appear before a magistrate judge without unnecessary delay, typically within 48 hours of arrest. During this appearance:
- Charges are formally presented
- Constitutional rights are explained
- Bail determination is made
- Public defender appointment occurs if the defendant qualifies
- Future court dates are scheduled
Pretrial Release Considerations
The court determines pretrial release based on:
- Nature and circumstances of the charges
- Weight of evidence
- Community ties and employment
- Criminal history
- Risk of flight
- Danger to the community
Release options include:
- Personal recognizance (PR) bond
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Electronic monitoring
- Pretrial supervision
Preliminary Hearing
For felony cases, a preliminary hearing is held within 15 days if the defendant is in custody or 30 days if released. This hearing determines if probable cause exists to believe the defendant committed the alleged offense.
Arraignment
Following a finding of probable cause or grand jury indictment, defendants are arraigned in Circuit Court where:
- Formal charges are read
- Defendants enter a plea
- Trial dates are established
Case Resolution
Cases may be resolved through:
- Plea agreement
- Trial by judge or jury
- Dismissal of charges
- Diversion programs (for eligible offenses)
Sentencing
If convicted, sentencing options include:
- Incarceration in county jail or state prison
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
- Suspended imposition of sentence
Throughout this process, defendants maintain constitutional rights including the right to counsel, the right to remain silent, and the right to a fair trial. The Minnehaha County Public Defender's Office provides legal representation to qualifying individuals who cannot afford private counsel.
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Minnehaha County?
Arrest records in Minnehaha County are maintained according to retention schedules established by South Dakota state law and administrative regulations. SDCL § 1-27-18 authorizes the State Records Management Program to establish retention requirements for public records, including those related to arrests and criminal history.
The retention periods for arrest records vary based on several factors:
Law Enforcement Agency Records
The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records according to the following schedule:
- Arrest reports for felony offenses: Permanent retention
- Arrest reports for misdemeanor offenses: 25 years from date of arrest
- Arrest reports for cases resulting in dismissal: 10 years from date of arrest
- Juvenile arrest records: Until age 21, unless ordered sealed earlier
- Booking photographs and fingerprints: Permanent retention
- Arrest warrants: 10 years after service or recall
Court Records
The Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts maintains records according to the South Dakota Unified Judicial System retention schedule:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: 10 years after case closure
- Traffic violations: 3 years after case closure
- Juvenile court records: Sealed at age 18 for most offenses
- Court orders and judgments: Permanent retention
Detention Facility Records
The Minnehaha County Jail maintains records related to incarceration:
- Inmate booking records: 10 years after release
- Inmate medical records: 7 years after release
- Inmate disciplinary records: 3 years after release
- Visitor logs: 3 years
These retention periods ensure that records are preserved for legitimate law enforcement purposes, including:
- Investigation of subsequent offenses
- Sentencing considerations for repeat offenders
- Background checks for sensitive employment
- Statistical analysis and crime pattern recognition
- Accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Records may be retained beyond the minimum periods at the discretion of the maintaining agency. Digital conversion of older paper records is ongoing, with many historical records now accessible through electronic databases maintained by the county and state.
The South Dakota Records Management Program conducts regular audits to ensure compliance with retention requirements. Unauthorized destruction of public records, including arrest records, is prohibited under state law.
How to Find Mugshots in Minnehaha County
What Mugshots Are
Mugshots, formally known as booking photographs, are official photographs taken during the arrest booking process. In Minnehaha County, these photographs serve as visual identification records of individuals processed into the criminal justice system. Typically, mugshots include front-facing and profile views of the arrestee, often accompanied by identifying information such as a booking number and date.
Where Mugshots Are Maintained
Mugshots in Minnehaha County are primarily maintained by:
- The Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- The Minnehaha County Jail
- The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (for statewide records)
These photographs are considered part of the official arrest record and are maintained according to the same retention schedules as other booking information.
Finding Mugshots
Members of the public seeking mugshots in Minnehaha County have several options:
-
In-Person Requests:
- Visit the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Complete a Public Records Request Form specifying the mugshot being requested
- Provide the name and date of birth of the subject
- Pay applicable fees (currently $15 per photograph)
- Allow up to 10 business days for processing
-
Written Requests:
- Submit a formal written request to the Sheriff's Office Records Division
- Include subject name, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest
- Enclose payment for applicable fees
- Provide return address for mailed response
Can Mugshots Be Found Online
Minnehaha County does not currently maintain a public-facing online database of mugshots. While the Sheriff's Office Call Log provides basic arrest information, it does not include booking photographs. This policy aligns with growing concerns about the potential misuse of mugshots and their impact on individuals' privacy and reputation.
Some third-party websites may publish mugshots obtained from public records, but these sites are not officially affiliated with Minnehaha County government agencies and may contain outdated or inaccurate information.
Obtaining Mugshots Officially
For official purposes, such as criminal investigations or court proceedings, mugshots may be obtained through:
- Formal discovery processes in criminal cases
- Subpoenas in civil litigation
- Agency-to-agency requests between law enforcement entities
- Media requests for specific newsworthy cases (subject to review)
Restrictions on Mugshot Access
Access to mugshots may be restricted under certain circumstances:
- Juvenile arrestees (under age 18) have protected records under SDCL § 26-7A-27
- Expunged arrest records are removed from public access
- Ongoing investigations may temporarily restrict access
- Privacy concerns may limit distribution in certain sensitive cases
Individuals concerned about their own mugshots appearing in public records may consult with legal counsel regarding expungement options if they qualify under South Dakota law.
Lookup Arrest Records in Minnehaha County
Minnehaha County, South Dakota Official Website