Minnehaha County Criminal Records
What Is Minnehaha County Criminal Records
Criminal records in Minnehaha County are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within the county's jurisdiction. Pursuant to South Dakota Codified Law § 23-5-1, criminal records are maintained as part of the state's comprehensive criminal history information system.
Criminal records in Minnehaha County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of apprehensions by law enforcement agencies, including the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and Sioux Falls Police Department, regardless of whether charges were filed
- Court Records: Official documentation of criminal proceedings in the Second Judicial Circuit Court, including arraignments, hearings, trials, and case dispositions
- Conviction Records: Records of guilty verdicts or pleas, which become permanent parts of an individual's criminal history
- Incarceration Records: Documentation of time served in the Minnehaha County Jail or state correctional facilities
The distinction between arrest and conviction records is significant. Arrest records document only that an individual was taken into custody, while conviction records confirm legal guilt. Felony records document more serious offenses punishable by imprisonment in state facilities, while misdemeanor records reflect lesser offenses typically punishable by county jail terms or fines.
Several agencies maintain criminal records in Minnehaha County:
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office
320 W 4th Street
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-4300
Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office
Second Judicial Circuit Court
425 N Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-5920
Second Judicial Circuit Court
South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation
1302 E Highway 14, Suite 5
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3331
South Dakota DCI
Juvenile records are generally sealed under SDCL § 26-7A-115 and not accessible to the public, except in specific circumstances involving violent offenses.
Are Criminal Records Public In Minnehaha County
Criminal records in Minnehaha County are generally considered public information under South Dakota's open records laws. The South Dakota Public Records Law § 1-27-1 establishes that "all records and documents of or belonging to this state, any county, municipality, political subdivision, or tax-supported district in this state, or any agency, branch, department, board, bureau, commission, council, subunit, or committee of any of the foregoing, shall be open to inspection by any person during normal business hours."
This statute creates a presumption of openness for most criminal records, particularly:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and case files
- Conviction records
- Incarceration records
- Sex offender registry information
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations (until closed)
- Grand jury proceedings
- Sealed or expunged records
- Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
- Records where disclosure would constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
The South Dakota Unified Judicial System maintains that "court records are presumed to be open to the public for inspection unless a statute or rule explicitly provides otherwise, or the court has entered an order limiting access in accordance with the requirements of SDCL § 15-15A-7." This presumption of openness applies to criminal proceedings in Minnehaha County's Second Judicial Circuit Court.
Law enforcement agencies in Minnehaha County may withhold certain investigative records if disclosure would:
- Interfere with law enforcement proceedings
- Deprive a person of a right to a fair trial
- Constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy
- Disclose confidential sources or techniques
- Endanger the life or physical safety of any individual
Members of the public seeking criminal records should be aware that while most records are accessible, certain limitations and exemptions exist under state law.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Minnehaha County in 2026
Members of the public seeking criminal records in Minnehaha County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county provides both in-person and remote access options for criminal record searches.
For in-person searches at the courthouse:
- Visit the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts office during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
- Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth.
- Present valid government-issued photo identification.
- Pay applicable search and copy fees ($20 for certified copies, $1 per page for non-certified copies).
- Allow staff time to retrieve the requested records.
Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
425 N Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-5920
Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
For mail requests:
- Download and complete the Criminal Record Search Request Form from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation website.
- Include a check or money order for the appropriate fee ($20 per name search).
- Provide a self-addressed, stamped envelope for return delivery.
- Mail the completed form, payment, and return envelope to:
South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation
1302 E Highway 14, Suite 5
Pierre, SD 57501
(605) 773-3331
South Dakota DCI
For online searches:
- Access the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's Public Access Portal.
- Register for an account if conducting multiple searches (one-time searches available without registration).
- Select "Criminal Record Search" from the available options.
- Enter the subject's name and other identifying information if available.
- Pay the required search fee using a credit card ($20 per name search).
- Review and download search results.
For current inmate information:
- Visit the Minnehaha County Jail Inmate Roster.
- Search by name to view current incarceration status.
- Note that this resource only provides information on currently incarcerated individuals.
Pursuant to SDCL § 23-5-10, requestors must provide proper identification when requesting criminal history information, and certain restrictions apply to how this information may be used.
How To Find Criminal Records in Minnehaha County Online?
Minnehaha County offers several online resources for accessing criminal records digitally. These electronic systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person searches at county offices.
The primary online portal for criminal record searches is the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's Public Access system:
- Navigate to the South Dakota Unified Judicial System's Public Access Portal.
- Select "Register" to create an account (required for full access).
- Choose between:
- Name Search: Search by defendant name across all courts
- Case Search: Search by specific case number
- Attorney Search: Find cases by attorney name
- Court Calendar: View upcoming court proceedings
- For criminal records, select "Criminal/Traffic" under case types.
- Enter search criteria (name, date of birth if known).
- Review search results showing case numbers, filing dates, charges, and case status.
- Access case details including hearings, judgments, and sentencing information.
This portal contains records from all circuit courts in South Dakota, including Minnehaha County's Second Judicial Circuit.
For current inmate information, the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office maintains an online inmate roster:
- Visit the Minnehaha County Jail Inmate Roster.
- Search by name to view current inmates.
- Access information including booking date, charges, and bond amounts.
- Note that this database only includes currently incarcerated individuals.
For sex offender registration information:
- Access the South Dakota Sex Offender Registry.
- Search by name, location, or non-compliant status.
- View offender profiles including photographs, addresses, and offense information.
For statewide criminal history reports:
- Visit the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation website.
- Complete the online request form.
- Pay the required fee ($20 per name search).
- Receive results via secure electronic delivery.
Users should note that online access to certain documents may be restricted pursuant to SDCL § 15-15A-7, which limits public access to confidential or sensitive information.
Can You Search Minnehaha County Criminal Records for Free?
Minnehaha County provides limited options for free criminal record searches, though comprehensive searches typically involve fees. Under South Dakota Codified Law § 1-27-1, public records must be open for inspection, but agencies may charge reasonable fees for searches and copies.
Free options for criminal record searches include:
- In-person inspection: Members of the public may visit the Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts office to inspect publicly available criminal case files at no cost. While inspection is free, copying fees apply ($1 per page).
Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
425 N Dakota Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57104
(605) 367-5920
Minnehaha County Clerk of Courts
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Minnehaha County Jail Inmate Roster: The Sheriff's Office maintains a free online database of current inmates, accessible at the Minnehaha County Jail Inmate Roster.
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South Dakota Sex Offender Registry: This statewide database provides free access to information about registered sex offenders, searchable by name or location at South Dakota Sex Offender Registry.
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Limited court calendar information: Basic information about upcoming court proceedings is available without charge through the South Dakota Unified Judicial System.
Fee-based searches include:
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South Dakota Unified Judicial System's Public Access Portal: Full access requires registration and payment of search fees ($20 per name search).
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Criminal History Reports: Comprehensive background checks through the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation cost $20 per name search.
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Certified Court Documents: Obtaining certified copies of court records costs $20 per certification plus $1 per page.
The South Dakota Supreme Court has ruled that while inspection of records must be permitted, agencies may charge reasonable fees to recover costs associated with searching, retrieving, and copying records. These fees are established pursuant to SDCL § 1-27-35, which authorizes agencies to recover actual costs for record production.
What's Included in a Minnehaha County Criminal Record?
Criminal records in Minnehaha County typically contain comprehensive information about an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system. The content of these records is standardized according to South Dakota Codified Law § 23-5-10.1, which establishes requirements for criminal history information.
Standard criminal records include:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth and age
- Physical description (height, weight, eye/hair color, identifying marks)
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Last known address
- State Identification (SID) number
- FBI number (if applicable)
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency and officer
- Booking number and facility
- Charges at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Pre-trial detention status
Court Case Information:
- Case number and jurisdiction
- Court of record (typically Second Judicial Circuit Court)
- Filing date and prosecutor
- Formal charges filed and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony classes A-C or misdemeanor classes 1-2)
- Plea information
- Defense attorney information
- Hearing dates and proceedings
Case Disposition:
- Verdict or outcome (guilty, not guilty, dismissed, etc.)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms and location
- Probation conditions and duration
- Fines, fees, and restitution ordered
- Court-ordered programs or treatment
- Appeal information (if applicable)
- Probation/parole status and violations
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protection or restraining orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI history
- Traffic violations connected to criminal charges
- Pending charges in other jurisdictions
Criminal records maintained by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation also include fingerprint data and criminal history information from other jurisdictions when available. Records maintained by the Unified Judicial System focus primarily on court proceedings and outcomes.
The completeness of criminal records depends on reporting compliance by all agencies involved in the criminal justice process, from arrest through final disposition.
How Long Does Minnehaha County Keep Criminal Records?
Minnehaha County maintains criminal records according to retention schedules established by the South Dakota Bureau of Administration's Records Management Program. These retention periods vary based on record type and offense severity, as mandated by SDCL § 1-27-46, which establishes the state's records management program.
Standard retention periods for criminal records in Minnehaha County include:
- Felony Case Files: Permanently retained for Class A and B felonies; 25 years after case closure for Class C felonies
- Misdemeanor Case Files: 10 years after case closure for Class 1 misdemeanors; 7 years for Class 2 misdemeanors
- Traffic Violations: 3 years after case closure for non-criminal traffic cases
- Arrest Records: 7 years if no charges filed; otherwise maintained with corresponding case file
- Booking Photos and Fingerprints: Permanently retained by the Division of Criminal Investigation
- Court Transcripts: Permanently retained for felony convictions; 10 years for misdemeanor convictions
- Probation Records: 7 years after completion of probation term
- Warrant Information: Active until served or recalled; then retained with case file
Certain records receive special treatment:
- Sex Offenses: Records permanently retained regardless of case outcome
- Homicide Cases: All records permanently retained
- Juvenile Records: Generally sealed at age 18 and destroyed at age 28, with exceptions for violent offenses
- Expunged Records: Removed from public access pursuant to court order, but may be retained for limited law enforcement purposes
The South Dakota Records Retention and Destruction Schedule provides comprehensive guidance on retention requirements. This schedule is periodically updated, and agencies must comply with the most current retention requirements.
Criminal history information maintained by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation is retained permanently, though certain information may be sealed or expunged by court order. Even when records are expunged from public access, certain law enforcement and judicial authorities may retain limited access for official purposes.