Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) offers a service to access district court records, but it’s crucial to understand its terms and limitations before you start searching. This guide breaks down everything you need to know to use MCRO effectively and responsibly.
Understanding MCRO: Unofficial Records and Scope
It’s vital to recognize that records online through MCRO are unofficial. While MCRO provides a valuable service, it is not the official court record. The Minnesota Judicial Branch does not certify the data found here and isn’t liable for any errors or omissions. For certified copies of court documents or official civil judgment searches, you must contact local court administration.
MCRO provides access to case records from all Minnesota district courts. The scope includes:
- Case search results
- Hearing search results
- Monetary judgment search results
- Case record information
- Registers of Actions
- Monetary judgment details
- Documents for publicly accessible district court cases
However, it’s important to be aware of the limitations on online records.
Remote Access Restrictions: What You Won’t Find Online
Due to privacy regulations, specifically Rule 8, subd. 2 of the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, certain case types and information are restricted from remote online access through MCRO. These restrictions mean that while full public access is available at courthouse terminals (MPA Courthouse) and the State Law Library, the online record access is limited.
The following case types and information are not available through MCRO but can be accessed at MPA Courthouses:
- Domestic Abuse (OFP) and Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) cases: Federal law (Violence Against Women Act – VAWA) prohibits displaying these online.
- Child Protection (CHIPS) and Juvenile Delinquency Felony 16 (D16) cases.
- Public documents in civil commitment cases.
- Party street addresses and comment fields: This applies across all case types to protect personal information. Criminal sentencing condition comments are an exception and are displayed.
- Pending criminal cases without conviction: These cases won’t appear in name-based searches (defendant name) but will appear if you search by case number.
MCRO will not notify you about data unavailability due to these restrictions during your searches. You need to be aware of these limitations when seeking records online.
Using MCRO Information Responsibly
As a user, you are responsible for understanding the information you find on MCRO and using it lawfully and appropriately. This includes:
- Understanding Search Results: You need to interpret the meaning of search results, case information, and documents. If you are unsure about any information, contact local court administration for clarification.
- Verifying Information Currency: You are responsible for ensuring that any Record Online information obtained from previous MCRO searches is still accurate, current, and complete. Court records can change, so always verify the latest information.
Reporting Errors and System Issues
If you encounter errors in case information or documents within MCRO, it’s important to report them. Please notify local court administration at the relevant district court to correct any inaccuracies in the online record system.
MCRO is Not for Background Checks
It’s critical to understand that MCRO is not designed for background checks. For official background checks, you should use the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension’s (BCA) Minnesota Public Criminal History Search (CHS) system. This system is accessible online at https://chs.state.mn.us/, at their office, or by phone at (651) 793-2400.
The BCA’s CHS system uses fingerprint linking for identity verification, which MCRO cannot provide. Using MCRO for background checks can lead to unreliable and incomplete information. For accurate criminal history records online for background purposes, always use the official BCA CHS system.
Caution with Name Searches: Reliability Issues
Name searches on MCRO can be unreliable due to common names and aliases. Exercise caution when reviewing search results, as individuals may share names, birthdates, or other identifiers. Even if a search seems to match, remember:
- Multiple people can have identical names and birthdates.
- Case parties may use aliases, including others’ names.
Therefore, carefully verify information and understand the potential for misidentification when using name-based record online searches.
Case Types: Understanding Court Classifications
The case type listed in MCRO search results and Registers of Actions reflects the initial case classification, not necessarily the final outcome. For example, a case might be initially classified as a Felony but result in a lesser sentence. To understand the final outcome, review the detailed information in the Register of Actions. The case type is not an indicator of guilt or final disposition in the online record.
MCRO Instruction Materials and Terms of Use
For detailed guidance on using MCRO, refer to the training materials and instruction guides available on the MCRO application homepage and the MCRO webpage: www.mncourts.gov/mcro.
By accessing and using MCRO, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and all application policies. These terms cover important aspects like:
- Copyright and intellectual property rights
- Prohibited activities (data mining, misuse of information)
- Data privacy and application monitoring
- Updates to terms and conditions
- Accessibility and contact information
It is your responsibility to regularly review the Terms and Conditions for updates. Continued use of MCRO implies acceptance of any changes.
Prohibited Uses of MCRO
You are explicitly prohibited from the following actions while using MCRO:
- Violating copyright or intellectual property rights.
- Data mining or using automated tools to extract data.
- Reverse engineering or distributing the application.
- Transmitting unlawful, harmful, or objectionable content.
- Impersonating others or misrepresenting affiliations.
- Disrupting the application or circumventing security.
- Modifying copyright notices.
- Misrepresenting content origin or ownership.
- Using MCRO in a way that could damage or impair the system.
- Using MCRO for any unlawful purpose.
Accessibility and Contact Information
The Minnesota Judicial Branch is committed to providing accessible court services. If you experience accessibility issues with MCRO, report them at https://www.mncourts.gov/Access-Case-Records/MCRO/Accessibility.aspx. For ADA accommodations, visit the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations page.
For questions about MCRO policies, visit the Minnesota Judicial Branch website contact page.
By understanding these terms and limitations, you can effectively and responsibly utilize Minnesota court records online through MCRO. If you do not agree with these Terms and Conditions, you should not use MCRO.
Rev. August 2022
