Nobles County Public Records / Nobles County Arrest Records

Nobles County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Nobles County in 2026

NoblesRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Nobles County, Minnesota. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, criminal charges, and case disposition records. Information presented may not reflect the most current status of a case and is intended for informational purposes only.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Nobles County Sheriff's Office, the Nobles County District Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online tools maintained by state and county agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Nobles County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and arrest information for individuals processed through the Nobles County Jail. Members of the public may access the current inmate roster through the Nobles County Sheriff's Office website. Available information includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis, reflecting current detainee information.

2. Local Police Departments

The Worthington Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Nobles County. Arrest-related press releases and public safety notices are periodically published through the department's official channels. Members of the public seeking arrest logs from the Worthington Police Department may submit a public records request directly to the department.

Worthington Police Department 1300 Diagonal Rd Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 372-2155 Worthington Police Department

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal court cases filed in the Nobles County District Court. Members of the public may search for associated court cases using the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system, which allows name-based searches for criminal case filings. Court case records reflect charges, hearing dates, and case dispositions connected to an underlying arrest.

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 Minnesota BCA Criminal History Records portal. A fee of $15.00 applies to public criminal history requests. The database includes arrest and conviction information from law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Nobles County Sheriff's Office 315 10th St Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 372-8263 Nobles County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Requestors should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
Fees for copies: $0.25 per page for standard paper copies

Police Departments:

Worthington Police Department 1300 Diagonal Rd Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 372-2155 Worthington Police Department

Records requests may be submitted in person during business hours
Requestors should provide the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date
Copy fees apply per the department's standard schedule

Clerk of Court:

Nobles County District Court – Court Administrator 1530 Airport Rd Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 295-5100 Minnesota Judicial Branch – Nobles County

Criminal records division handles case file inspection requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Case file inspection is available at public access terminals in the courthouse
Copy fees: $0.25 per page; certified copies are $14.00 per document

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Nobles County Sheriff's Office at 315 10th St, Worthington, MN 56187. Requests should include the following:

Full legal name of the subject
Date of arrest, if known
Booking number, if known
Requestor's full name and return mailing address
Payment for applicable copy fees

Processing time for mailed requests is approximately 5–10 business days from receipt of a complete request.

By Phone:

Sheriff's Office: (507) 372-8263
Automated arrest information systems are not currently available in Nobles County
Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Detailed record information is not released by phone; requestors may be directed to submit a written or in-person request

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may obtain arrest and related investigative records through formal discovery in criminal proceedings. Subpoenas may be issued for records not otherwise available through public access channels. Detailed police reports and investigative materials are accessible through the discovery process in active legal proceedings.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number, if known
Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Worthington Police Department, or other agency)

Are Arrest Records Public in Nobles County

Arrest records in Nobles County are public records under Minnesota law. Pursuant to Minnesota Statutes § 13.82, law enforcement agencies are required to make arrest data available to the public, including the subject's name, date of birth, charges, and the time and place of arrest. This statutory framework reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability in law enforcement activities.

Arrest records serve multiple public interests, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalistic investigation, background screening, and use in legal proceedings. As the Minnesota Department of Administration has noted, "Government data on individuals collected because they have been arrested, cited, or charged with a crime is presumptively public unless otherwise classified by statute."

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
Mugshot/booking photograph
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 Government Data Practices Act, codified at Minnesota Statutes § 13.01 et seq., establishes the legal framework governing public access to government data, including arrest records. The Act balances the public's right to know with individual privacy interests. First Amendment protections support press access to arrest information, while due process considerations inform restrictions on the use of arrest data in employment and housing decisions.

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 federal Fair Credit Reporting Act governs the use of arrest records in employment and tenant screening contexts. Minnesota's Human Rights Act places additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions. Employers in certain jurisdictions must comply with "ban the box" requirements that limit inquiry into criminal history during the initial application process. A critical distinction exists between an arrest record and a conviction record; an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt and may not be used as evidence of criminal conduct.

What's in Nobles County Arrest Records

Nobles County arrest records contain a standardized set of information collected at the time of booking and during the arrest process.

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex/gender
Race/ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public disclosures

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, Worthington Police Department, or another law enforcement entity
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Minnesota statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification as a felony, gross misdemeanor, or misdemeanor, with applicable degree or class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not included in public record disclosures
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, reflecting whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount as set by the court
Bond type, which may include:
- Cash bond
- Surety bond
- Personal recognizance (PR bond)
- No bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if the individual has been released
Release conditions, where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned following charging
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, where available

Prior Arrest History:

Prior arrests within Nobles County may appear in booking records, including previous booking numbers and historical charges. This information is not always included in a current arrest record and is subject to applicable expungement orders.

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected during the investigation
Investigative techniques
Medical information
Mental health status
Substance abuse information
Full residential address or personal phone number
Social Security number, which is redacted from public disclosures
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate disclosure rules
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed by a court
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources including court, law enforcement, and state repository data

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Nobles County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Nobles County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under Minnesota law, agencies may charge for the actual cost of searching, retrieving, and copying records.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25
Certified court document copies	$14.00 per document
Minnesota BCA criminal history (public request)	$15.00 per subject
Electronic records (where available)	Varies by agency
In-person inspection of records	No charge for inspection

Inspection of public records at the courthouse or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge
Copy fees of $0.25 per page apply to paper reproductions at the Sheriff's Office and District Court
Certified copies of court records are $14.00 per document, as established by the Minnesota Judicial Branch
The Minnesota BCA charges $15.00 for a public criminal history record request submitted online or by mail
Accepted payment methods at the Sheriff's Office include cash, check, and money order payable to Nobles County
The District Court accepts cash, check, and credit card payments

Fee Waivers:

Minnesota law does not provide a general fee waiver for public records requests. However, members of the media and certain nonprofit organizations may request fee consideration on a case-by-case basis. Individuals who are the subject of a record may inspect their own data at no charge under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act.

What Is Available at No Cost:

Online inmate roster review through the Sheriff's Office website
Court case index searches through the Minnesota Court Records Online system
In-person inspection of public arrest records at the courthouse or Sheriff's Office

How To Delete Arrest Records in Nobles County

Minnesota law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement, which results in the sealing or destruction of records, and sealing, which restricts public access while preserving the record for law enforcement purposes. Expungement under Minnesota Statutes § 609A.02 is the primary legal remedy available to individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public view.

Distinction Between Expungement and Sealing:

Expungement in Minnesota results in the sealing of records held by the court and executive branch agencies, including law enforcement. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public but remain available to law enforcement and certain licensing authorities. A full statutory expungement seals records across all state agencies.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Individuals may petition for expungement in the following circumstances:

The case was resolved without a conviction, including dismissals, acquittals, and cases where no charges were filed
The individual successfully completed a diversion program or stayed adjudication
The offense was a petty misdemeanor or certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period
The offense was a low-level felony after a prescribed waiting period without reoffending
The individual was arrested but not charged, and the applicable waiting period has elapsed

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the Minnesota BCA and the Nobles County District Court to identify all records subject to expungement
Complete the petition for expungement using forms available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch
File the petition with the Nobles County District Court Administrator at 1530 Airport Rd, Worthington, MN 56187
Serve copies of the petition on all agencies that hold records related to the arrest, including the Sheriff's Office, the BCA, and any other named agencies
Attend the scheduled expungement hearing before a district court judge
If the petition is granted, the court issues an order directing all named agencies to seal their records

Filing Fee:

The filing fee for an expungement petition in Minnesota is currently $325.00. Fee waivers are available for individuals who qualify based on income under the court's in forma pauperis provisions.

Contact Information for Expungement Proceedings:

Nobles County District Court – Court Administrator 1530 Airport Rd Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 295-5100 Minnesota Judicial Branch – Nobles County

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension 1430 Maryland Ave E St. Paul, MN 55106 Phone: (651) 793-2400 Minnesota BCA

Nobles County Public Defender's Office 1530 Airport Rd Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 295-5150 Minnesota Board of Public Defense

What Happens After Arrest in Nobles County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Nobles County, the arrested individual is transported to the Nobles County Jail, located at the Nobles County Law Enforcement Center. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county.

Nobles County Jail 315 10th St Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 372-8263 Nobles County Sheriff's Office

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the jail, the booking process is initiated. The process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume. Steps in the booking process include:

Recording of personal identification information
Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously administered
Booking photograph (mugshot) taken
Fingerprints collected and submitted to the state repository
Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
Personal property inventoried and secured
Issuance of jail clothing
Medical screening
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. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are reviewed

First appearances in Nobles County may be conducted in person or via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds
The amount is refunded upon conclusion of the case, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate, or pursuant to a bond schedule

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full bond amount
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, which is set at 10% of the bond amount under Minnesota law
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

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 flight risk assessment

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of release on bond
Grounds include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions imposed by the court may include:

Regular check-in requirements with pretrial services
Travel restrictions
No-contact orders
Drug and alcohol testing
GPS monitoring
Pretrial supervision

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing and release typically takes between one and eight hours
Personal property is returned upon release
A written notice of court dates is provided
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear at all scheduled court dates results in bond forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending further proceedings
Housing assignment is made within the facility
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Individuals who cannot afford private counsel are entitled to appointed representation. Eligibility is based on income. Applications are processed through the Nobles County Public Defender's Office.

Nobles County Public Defender's Office 1530 Airport Rd Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 295-5150 Minnesota Board of Public Defense

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The Minnesota State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits to the jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Nobles County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. This review typically occurs within days of the arrest. The prosecutor may file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges from those listed at booking.

Nobles County Attorney's Office 315 10th St, Suite 200 Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 372-8175 Nobles County Attorney

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea. Most defendants enter an initial plea of not guilty. Subsequent court dates are set at this hearing.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Hearings are scheduled before the assigned judge.

Pretrial conferences bring together the attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal deficiencies. A dismissal may support a petition for expungement.
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may participate in pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court. Successful completion results in dismissal of charges.
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no-contest plea to agreed-upon charges, with a negotiated sentence or sentencing recommendation.
Trial: The defendant exercises the right to a jury trial or bench trial. A verdict of not guilty results in immediate release. A guilty verdict proceeds to sentencing.

Sentencing (If Convicted):

The sentencing judge may impose a combination of the following:

Incarceration in state prison or county jail
Probation
Fines and court costs
Restitution to victims
Community service
Drug or alcohol treatment
Electronic home monitoring

Credit for time served in pretrial detention is applied to any sentence imposed. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 36 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Several months, varying by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to a few months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over one year depending on complexity
Right to speedy trial: Guaranteed under the Minnesota and United States 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:

Nobles County Sheriff's Office (Jail) 315 10th St Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 372-8263 Nobles County Sheriff's Office

Nobles County District Court – Court Administrator 1530 Airport Rd Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 295-5100 Minnesota Judicial Branch – Nobles County

Nobles County Attorney's Office 315 10th St, Suite 200 Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 372-8175 Nobles County Attorney

Nobles County Public Defender's Office 1530 Airport Rd Worthington, MN 56187 Phone: (507) 295-5150 Minnesota Board of Public Defense

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Politely exercise the right to remain silent
Request an attorney immediately and do not answer questions without counsel present
Do not discuss the case with other inmates, family members, or anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends regarding bail assistance
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Nobles County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Nobles County is governed by Minnesota law and the records retention schedules established by the Minnesota Historical Society and the Minnesota Department of Administration. Under Minnesota Statutes § 138.17, public records may not be destroyed except in accordance with an approved retention schedule. The Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for local government agencies provides the applicable retention periods for law enforcement and court records.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retention: Permanent
Maintained indefinitely by the Sheriff's Office, the District Court, the Minnesota BCA, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retention: Permanent at the state repository and court level
Local law enforcement records: Minimum of seven years, with many agencies retaining permanently
Court records: Permanent for gross misdemeanors; at least seven years for misdemeanors

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement: Minimum of three to seven years, depending on agency policy
Court records: Often retained permanently in the electronic case management system
State repository: Records remain unless expunged by court order

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement: Minimum of three to seven years
Court records: Often permanent in electronic systems
May be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records: Minimum of three years at the local level
Local arrest logs: Minimum of three years
May be eligible for expungement petition

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined to Prosecute):

Law enforcement records: Minimum of three years
Often eligible for expungement under Minnesota law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork: Retained per the applicable retention schedule, minimum three to seven years
Fingerprint cards: Retained permanently at the state repository
Photographs: Retained for the duration of the associated record

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Minimum of three years
Records management systems: Often retained permanently
Mugshot databases: Retention varies by agency
Court electronic records: Often permanent

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain arrest records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not reflect expungements or dismissals
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires consumer reporting agencies to maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Sheriff's Office:

Booking records: Minimum of three to seven years, subject to the approved retention schedule
Arrest reports: Minimum of seven years
Investigative files: Varies based on case outcome and offense classification
Contact: (507) 372-8263

Police Departments:

Arrest records: Minimum of three to seven years
Incident reports: Minimum of three years
Retention periods may vary between the Worthington Police Department and other municipal agencies within the county

Clerk of Court:

Criminal case files: Retention based on disposition and offense classification
Felony cases: Permanent
Gross misdemeanor cases: Minimum of ten years
Misdemeanor cases: Minimum of seven years
Electronic records: Often permanent

State Repository:

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension maintains the state's criminal history repository, which includes arrest and disposition data from all law enforcement agencies in Minnesota. Retention at the state level is generally permanent for felony records and long-term for misdemeanor records. Members of the public may access their own records through the Minnesota BCA criminal history records portal.

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) maintain federal records of arrests and criminal history. Federal retention is typically permanent. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in employment background checks for positions requiring federal clearance, firearms purchases, and other regulated activities.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Permanent retention in most databases
Constitutes part of the individual's permanent criminal history
Appears on background checks indefinitely under federal law

Dismissal:

May remain in databases unless expunged by court order
Dismissed charges are not reported as convictions on background checks
Local retention varies by agency

Expungement:

Results in sealing of records at the court and executive branch agency level
The Minnesota BCA updates its records following receipt of a court expungement order
The FBI database may retain a notation of the record with a sealed designation
Timeframe for removal from agency databases: Typically 60 days following issuance of the court order

No Charges Filed:

Shortest retention period applies
Booking records may be purged after three years in some agencies
Individuals may petition for expungement in certain circumstances

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests (Within the Last Three Years):

Available online through the Sheriff's Office inmate roster and MCRO court case search
Updated on a regular basis

Older Arrests (Three to Ten Years Ago):

May require an in-person records request at the Sheriff's Office or District Court
Possible retrieval fee for archived records
Processing time may be longer than for current records

Very Old Arrests (More Than Ten Years Ago):

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Paper records are stored in archives and may be subject to destruction per the retention schedule
Contact the Sheriff's Records Division at (507) 372-8263 for information on specific records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony conviction records, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and records in cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Conviction records may be reported indefinitely. Minnesota law places additional restrictions on the use of criminal history in employment decisions, and certain jurisdictions within the state have adopted fair chance hiring policies that limit the timing and scope of criminal history inquiries.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public seeking information about the retention status of a specific arrest record may contact the Nobles County Sheriff's Records Division at (507) 372-8263 or submit a written public records request to the Sheriff's Office at 315 10th St, Worthington, MN 56187. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.