Grand Forks County Public Records / Grand Forks County Arrest Records

Grand Forks County Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Grand Forks County

Arrest records in Grand Forks County are considered public information under North Dakota's open records laws. Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, all records of public or governmental bodies, agencies, or officials are open and accessible to the public unless specifically exempted by law. This statute establishes that arrest records maintained by the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county are generally available for public inspection.

It is important for requesters to understand the distinction between arrest records and conviction records. 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 the judicial process. Under North Dakota law, both types of records are generally public, though certain exceptions may apply.

The North Dakota Criminal Justice Information Sharing (CJIS) system governs the dissemination of criminal history information in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 12-60-16.6. While arrest records are public, certain information within these records may be redacted or restricted, particularly if the release would interfere with an ongoing investigation or compromise personal privacy beyond what the law permits.

Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office
122 S 5th St #210
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 780-8280
Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office

What's in Grand Forks County Arrest Records

Grand Forks County arrest records contain comprehensive information about individuals who have been taken into custody by law enforcement agencies within the county. These records typically include the following categories of information:

Arrestee Identifying Information:

Full legal name (first, middle, last)
Date of birth
Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
Gender
Race/ethnicity
Home address
Identifying marks (tattoos, scars, etc.)
Fingerprints
Photograph (mugshot)

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
Statute or ordinance citations
Charge classification (felony, misdemeanor)
Charge severity level
Description of alleged criminal activity

Warrant Information (if applicable):

Warrant number
Issuing court
Date issued
Type of warrant (arrest, bench, search)

Booking Information:

Booking date and time
Booking number
Processing officer information
Property inventory

Bond/Bail Information:

Bail amount set
Bond type (cash, surety, personal recognizance)
Bond conditions
Whether bond was posted

Court Information:

Court of jurisdiction
Case number
Scheduled court appearances
Judge assigned to case

Custody Status:

Current detention status
Facility where detained
Expected release date (if applicable)
Custody level classification

Additional Information May Include:

Prior arrest history
Known aliases
Immigration status
Probation/parole status
Emergency contact information
Medical alerts

The specific content of arrest records may vary depending on the arresting agency and the circumstances of the arrest. Some information may be redacted from public versions of these records in accordance with privacy laws and investigative needs.

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Grand Forks County in 2026

Members of the public seeking arrest records in Grand Forks County may utilize several methods to obtain this information. The county maintains current systems for record retrieval that are accessible through established channels:

In-Person Requests: Individuals may visit the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office to submit a request for arrest records. Requesters should:
- Complete the public records request form available at the front desk
- Provide specific information about the record being sought (name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest)
- Present valid government-issued photo identification
- Pay applicable fees for record retrieval and copying
Written Requests: The public may submit written requests for arrest records via mail or email to the Records Division:
- Include requester's full name and contact information
- Specify the record being requested with as much detail as possible
- Enclose the appropriate fee payment or request fee information
- Allow 3-5 business days for processing under normal circumstances
Online Requests: Grand Forks County provides an online portal for certain public records requests:
- Navigate to the Grand Forks County website
- Locate the "Public Records Request" section
- Complete the electronic form with all required information
- Submit payment through the secure online payment system
- Receive records electronically when available
Third-Party Background Check Services: Commercial services may provide arrest record information, though these are not official county records and may not be complete or current.

Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, public agencies must respond to records requests within a reasonable time. Fees for records are limited to the actual cost of making the copies, including labor, materials, and equipment. Electronic records may be provided at reduced or no cost when feasible.

Grand Forks County Records Division
151 S 4th St
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 780-8402
Grand Forks County Records

How To Find Grand Forks County Arrest Records Online

Grand Forks County provides several digital resources for accessing arrest records through official online channels. Members of the public seeking arrest information may utilize the following online methods:

The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system serves as the primary online resource for accessing court records related to arrests in Grand Forks County. This system allows users to:

Search by name, case number, or citation number
View case summaries and docket information
Access information about charges, hearings, and case disposition
Review bond information and court dates
Download certain public documents associated with cases

The Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office maintains a current inmate roster that is updated regularly. This resource provides information about individuals currently in custody at the Grand Forks County Correctional Center, including:

Inmate name and booking photo
Booking date
Charges
Bond information
Scheduled release date (when applicable)

This information can be accessed through the Grand Forks County Corrections inmate roster.

For comprehensive criminal history information, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) provides a fee-based record check service. While not specific to Grand Forks County, this service includes arrest records from all jurisdictions within North Dakota. Requesters must:

Complete the official record request form
Provide fingerprints for certain types of searches
Submit the required fee
Specify the purpose of the request

Users should note that online systems may not contain complete arrest information, particularly for recent arrests that have not yet been processed through the court system. Additionally, certain sensitive information may be redacted from online records in accordance with privacy laws and court rules.

How To Search Grand Forks County Arrest Records for Free?

Grand Forks County residents and other interested parties may access certain arrest record information without payment through several public resources. These no-cost options provide basic information about arrests and court proceedings:

The North Dakota District Court Case Search system offers free access to basic case information for criminal matters in Grand Forks County. Users can:

Search by defendant name
View case numbers and filing dates
See charge information and case status
Check upcoming court dates
Review case disposition when available

This resource is particularly useful for tracking cases from arrest through the court process without incurring fees.

The Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office maintains a publicly accessible current inmate roster that is updated daily. This free resource provides information about individuals currently in custody, including:

Names of detained individuals
Booking dates
Charges
Bond amounts
Next court appearance dates

Local news media outlets often report on significant arrests in Grand Forks County. These reports may include:

Names of arrested individuals
Nature of charges
Circumstances of arrests
Statements from law enforcement officials

The Grand Forks County Clerk of Court's public access terminals, located at the courthouse, provide free on-site access to court records related to arrests. Visitors may:

Search court databases without charge
View case information and dockets
Read public court documents
Print documents for a nominal fee

Grand Forks County Clerk of Court
124 S 4th St
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 787-2700
North Dakota Courts

While these free resources provide valuable information, they may not include complete arrest records or detailed criminal history information. For comprehensive background checks or certified records, fee-based services through the Sheriff's Office or the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation may be necessary.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Grand Forks County

The process of removing arrest records from public access in Grand Forks County follows specific legal procedures established under North Dakota law. It is important to distinguish between expungement (legal erasure) and sealing (restricting public access) of records:

Under North Dakota Century Code § 12-60.1, certain arrest records may be eligible for expungement or sealing under specific circumstances. Individuals may petition for record removal if:

The arrest did not result in a conviction
The case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal
The individual was pardoned
The conviction was for a misdemeanor and the required waiting period has elapsed
The conviction was for a non-violent felony and the required waiting period has elapsed

The process for seeking expungement or sealing of arrest records in Grand Forks County requires:

Petition Preparation: The individual must file a petition with the district court in Grand Forks County that includes:
- Complete personal identification information
- Details of the arrest and case disposition
- Grounds for seeking expungement
- Supporting documentation
Court Filing: The petition must be filed with the Clerk of District Court along with the required filing fee.
Service of Process: Copies of the petition must be served on the prosecuting attorney and law enforcement agencies that maintain the records.
Hearing: The court may schedule a hearing where the petitioner must demonstrate eligibility for expungement under state law.
Court Order: If the petition is granted, the court will issue an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or expunge the records as specified.

It is important to note that even when records are sealed, they may still be accessible to law enforcement agencies, courts, and certain government entities. Complete expungement is rare and typically only available in limited circumstances, such as cases of mistaken identity or wrongful arrest.

Individuals seeking to delete arrest records are strongly encouraged to consult with an attorney familiar with North Dakota expungement law, as the process can be complex and outcomes vary based on specific circumstances.

Northeast Central Judicial District Court
124 S 4th St
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 787-2700
North Dakota Courts

What Happens After Arrest in Grand Forks County?

Following an arrest in Grand Forks County, individuals enter a structured criminal justice process governed by North Dakota law and local court procedures. This process typically follows these sequential steps:

Booking and Initial Detention: Upon arrest, individuals are transported to the Grand Forks County Correctional Center where they undergo:
- Photographing and fingerprinting
- Personal property inventory
- Medical screening
- Background check
- Initial custody classification
Initial Appearance: Within 24-48 hours of arrest, defendants appear before a judge who:
- Informs them of their constitutional rights
- Reviews probable cause for the arrest
- Considers pretrial release conditions
- Sets bail or orders release on recognizance
- Appoints counsel for indigent defendants
Charging Decision: The Grand Forks County State's Attorney's Office reviews the case and determines whether to:
- File formal charges
- Modify the initial charges
- Decline prosecution
- Refer the case for diversion
Preliminary Hearing: In felony cases, a preliminary hearing may be held to determine if sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial, unless the defendant waives this right.
Arraignment: The defendant is formally presented with charges and enters a plea of:
- Guilty
- Not guilty
- No contest (nolo contendere)
Pretrial Proceedings: Before trial, several proceedings may occur:
- Discovery exchange between prosecution and defense
- Pretrial motions (e.g., to suppress evidence)
- Plea negotiations
- Status conferences
Trial: If the case proceeds to trial, it may be:
- A jury trial (guaranteed for serious offenses)
- A bench trial (decided by a judge alone)
Sentencing: If convicted, sentencing follows, which may include:
- Incarceration
- Probation
- Fines and restitution
- Community service
- Treatment programs
Post-Conviction: After conviction, defendants may:
- Appeal the conviction or sentence
- Seek post-conviction relief
- Apply for pardon or commutation

Throughout this process, arrest records are maintained and updated to reflect the status of the case. These records become part of the individual's criminal history and are generally accessible to the public through the methods previously described, subject to any applicable restrictions or redactions.

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Grand Forks County?

Arrest records in Grand Forks County are maintained according to retention schedules established under North Dakota law. North Dakota Century Code § 54-46-08 governs records management for public agencies, including law enforcement records retention. Under current regulations, arrest records are subject to the following retention periods:

Adult arrest records are generally maintained permanently by the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office and other law enforcement agencies within the county. These records include:

Arrest reports
Booking information
Fingerprints
Photographs
Related documentation

Juvenile arrest records are subject to different retention requirements and confidentiality provisions. Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 27-20-54, juvenile records may be:

Sealed automatically when the juvenile reaches age 18 for certain minor offenses
Maintained longer for serious offenses
Subject to court-ordered sealing under specific circumstances

Electronic arrest records maintained in the North Dakota Criminal Justice Information Sharing (CJIS) system are retained indefinitely unless expunged by court order. These records are accessible to authorized criminal justice agencies throughout the state.

Court records related to arrests follow the North Dakota Supreme Court Records Retention Schedule, which generally requires permanent retention of criminal case files, though some supporting documents may have shorter retention periods.

Different agencies within Grand Forks County may have varying retention requirements for specific components of arrest records:

The Sheriff's Office maintains booking records permanently
The State's Attorney's Office retains case files according to case disposition
The Clerk of Court preserves court records according to the Supreme Court schedule
Local police departments may have department-specific retention policies

The long-term retention of arrest records serves several important public purposes:

Preserves evidence for potential future legal proceedings
Supports law enforcement investigations
Provides accountability and transparency in the criminal justice system
Enables accurate background checks for employment and licensing
Facilitates statistical analysis and policy development

Individuals seeking to limit access to their arrest records should refer to the expungement and sealing procedures outlined previously, as these represent the primary mechanisms for restricting access to otherwise permanent records.

How to Find Mugshots in Grand Forks County

Mugshots, the official photographs taken during the booking process following an arrest, are considered part of the public arrest record in Grand Forks County. These photographs serve as visual identification of arrested individuals and are maintained by law enforcement agencies as part of their official records.

What Mugshots Are

Mugshots typically consist of front-facing and profile (side) photographs of arrested individuals taken during the booking process. These images are captured under controlled conditions with standardized lighting and background to ensure consistency. Mugshots are taken regardless of whether the individual is ultimately charged or convicted of a crime.

Where Mugshots Are Maintained

In Grand Forks County, mugshots are primarily maintained by:

The Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office as part of booking records
The Grand Forks Police Department for arrests made by city officers
The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation in statewide databases
The Grand Forks County Correctional Center for current inmates

Finding Mugshots

Members of the public seeking mugshots in Grand Forks County have several options:

Direct Request to Law Enforcement: Individuals may submit a public records request to the arresting agency:
- Requests must include the name and date of birth of the subject
- Approximate date of arrest should be provided if known
- Requesters must pay applicable fees for reproduction
- Identification may be required from the requester
Current Inmate Roster: For recently arrested individuals who remain in custody, limited booking photos may be available through the Grand Forks County Corrections inmate roster.
Court Records: In some cases, mugshots may be included in court files if submitted as evidence. These can be requested through the Clerk of Court.

Can Mugshots Be Found Online

While some mugshots may be available online, Grand Forks County does not maintain a comprehensive public database of all booking photographs. Limited online access may include:

Current inmate roster photographs
Images published by local media outlets
Third-party websites that aggregate mugshots from public sources

It is important to note that third-party mugshot websites may not maintain accurate or up-to-date information, and some may charge fees for removal of photographs even after cases have been dismissed or resolved favorably.

Obtaining Mugshots Officially

The most reliable method for obtaining official mugshots is through a formal records request to the Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office:

Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office Records Division
122 S 5th St #210
Grand Forks, ND 58201
(701) 780-8280
Grand Forks County Sheriff's Office

Restrictions on Mugshot Access

While mugshots are generally considered public records, access may be restricted in certain circumstances:

Juvenile mugshots are confidential under North Dakota law
Images related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld
Photographs may be redacted if release would endanger an individual
Sealed or expunged records will not include accessible mugshots

Individuals concerned about their mugshots being publicly available should consult with an attorney about potential options for limiting access through the legal processes previously described.