Duluth DUI Records Search
Duluth DUI records are maintained by the Duluth Police Department and processed through the St. Louis County District Court. Duluth is the third-largest municipal police force in Minnesota, with about 158 sworn officers patrolling the city. You can search for DUI case records online through the free state court database or request police reports from DPD under the Data Practices Act. The St. Louis County court handles all DWI charges from Duluth arrests. Whether you need to look up a DUI case or get copies of a DWI arrest report, Duluth offers several ways to access these records.
Duluth Overview
Duluth Police DUI Records
The Duluth Police Department is the third-largest municipal police department in Minnesota. DPD has about 158 licensed officers and 40 support staff, with a 2025 budget of over $29 million. The department runs three divisions: Patrol, Investigative, and Administrative. All DUI arrests in Duluth go through DPD, and each arrest generates a police report that becomes part of the public record.
To get a DUI police report from Duluth, you submit a data practices request to DPD. Reports include the officer's narrative, field sobriety test results, and chemical test data. You can make your request in person, by mail, or through the city's data practices process. Contact the department for current fees and processing times.
| Department | Duluth Police Department (DPD) |
|---|---|
| Address | 2030 N Arlington Ave Duluth, MN 55811 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Non-Emergency | (218) 730-5020 |
| Website | duluthmn.gov/police |
The Duluth Police Department page has information about services, community programs, and how to reach the department for DUI record requests.
DPD is nationally recognized for innovative policing programs and community engagement efforts.
How to Search DUI Records in Duluth
There are a few ways to search for Duluth DUI records. The state court system, the police department, and state agencies each hold different pieces of the record.
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system is free and covers St. Louis County District Court. Search by name or case number to find DWI cases filed in Duluth. You can see the charges, hearing dates, case status, and docket entries. Most DUI records in the court system are public, though some fields may be restricted.
For the actual arrest report, contact Duluth PD. The police report covers what happened at the scene. It includes the officer's observations, the reason for the stop, test results, and the arrest details. The court record covers what happened in the legal case after the arrest. If you need both parts of the Duluth DUI record, you will have to contact each agency separately.
The Duluth city portal is the main entry point for city services, including police records and data practices requests.
Use this portal to navigate to police services, data practices forms, and other city resources related to DUI records in Duluth.
Note: The BCA also maintains criminal history records that include DWI convictions from Duluth.
St. Louis County DUI Court Cases
All Duluth DUI cases are filed in the St. Louis County District Court, part of the 6th Judicial District. St. Louis County is geographically the largest county in Minnesota, and the court system has locations in Duluth, Hibbing, and Virginia. Duluth DWI cases are handled at the Duluth courthouse.
DWI charges in Duluth follow the same state law that applies everywhere in Minnesota. Under Minn. Stat. 169A.20, driving while impaired includes alcohol, drugs, and hazardous substances. The degree of the charge depends on prior offenses and aggravating factors. Fourth-degree DWI is a misdemeanor. Third-degree under Minn. Stat. 169A.26 is a gross misdemeanor. First-degree felony DWI under Minn. Stat. 169A.24 applies to the most serious repeat offenders.
The St. Louis County District Court page has court contact information and details about local services for Duluth DUI cases.
This court processes all DWI filings for Duluth and handles requests for DUI case copies and certified documents.
DWI Laws and Duluth DUI Records
Duluth DUI cases are governed by the same state DWI laws as the rest of Minnesota. The implied consent statute under Minn. Stat. 169A.51 requires drivers to submit to chemical testing when an officer has probable cause. Refusing the test in Duluth is a crime and leads to automatic license revocation.
Penalties in Duluth DUI cases vary by offense level. A fourth-degree DWI carries up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Gross misdemeanor DWI means up to one year and $3,000. Felony DWI under Minn. Stat. 169A.24 carries up to seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine. All penalties and outcomes become part of the Duluth DUI records.
Duluth's location on Lake Superior and its many seasonal events bring visitors and increased traffic. DPD runs extra DWI patrols during holidays, summer months, and special events. These enforcement efforts contribute to the volume of DUI records generated in the Duluth area each year.
Getting Copies of Duluth DUI Records
Copies of Duluth DUI records come from multiple sources. Court records come from the St. Louis County Court Administrator. Police reports come from DPD. Driving records with DUI entries come from the Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division.
You can view court case info for free on the MCRO system. Certified copies need a visit to the courthouse or a written request by mail. DVS driving records show license revocations, plate impoundments, and DWI-related entries tied to Duluth cases. The BCA criminal history captures DWI convictions from Duluth and the rest of the state.
License Impact After a Duluth DUI
A DUI arrest in Duluth triggers an administrative license revocation. Under Minn. Stat. 169A.52, a failed chemical test means at least 90 days without a license. A refusal means at least one year. This action is separate from the criminal case in St. Louis County court.
Duluth residents may qualify for the ignition interlock program under Minn. Stat. 171.306. The interlock device requires a clean breath test before the car starts. This lets you drive during the revocation period with restrictions. Full reinstatement after a Duluth DWI follows the rules in Minn. Stat. 171.178 and requires clearing all conditions set by the court and DVS.
St. Louis County DUI Records
Duluth is in St. Louis County, and all DUI cases go through the St. Louis County District Court. For more on DUI records across the county, visit the St. Louis County page.
Nearby Cities
Other Minnesota cities where you can search for DUI records: