Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota

MN Purchase Arrest Report

I have the post RE: MN Victim Impact Statement

I was also wondering about the availability of the police report pertaining to my arrest. I�m pretty sure that anyone that wants a copy of the arrest report can get it, but not until after I have been sentenced. Is that correct? If so, does that include the victim in the case?

I ask because the victim was able to get a copy of the arrest report from the records office/dispatch center recently. Subsequently, as I have been told, he showed the report to others and they also attempted to purchase copies but were denied. I am not sure how much of this to trust as fact but I do have confirmation that the victim was able to get a copy.

Is this proper? Should anyone, including the victim, be able to get a copy of the arrest report before I have even had my plea hearing? Thank you for you assistance.


Asked on 1/21/09, 10:52 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Maury Beaulier612.240.8005 Minnesota Lawyers

Re: MN Purchase Arrest Report

A copy of the complaint is a public record before or after a conviction adn can be obtained through the court administrator's office. Police reports can be acquired as well, but a request must be made to the particuular law encforcement agency that made the arrest.

For a consultation call 612.240.8005.

Read more
Answered on 1/22/09, 12:01 am
Thomas C. Gallagher Gallagher Criminal Defense

Re: MN Purchase Arrest Report

The Complaint is public, in the public court file. Police normally write a "public" police report, which is a brief summary. Normally the longer police reports are not available to the public while the case is pending, but I believe the allged victim's of the police may be able to get access.

FFI: http://www.liberty-lawyer.com

Read more
Answered on 1/27/09, 10:23 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Criminal Law questions and answers in Minnesota