Clearwater County DUI Records

Clearwater County DUI records are kept at the courthouse in Bagley, Minnesota. The Ninth Judicial District processes all impaired driving cases filed here. Court Administrator Carissa Scholz handles records requests and can help you find what you need. You can search for DUI cases online using the free state court system or call the courthouse at (218) 935-4020. This page explains how to look up DWI cases in Clearwater County, the types of records available, and the laws that come into play.

Clearwater County DUI Court Records

The Clearwater County District Court in Bagley handles all DUI and DWI cases in the county. It belongs to the Ninth Judicial District, which covers a large stretch of northern Minnesota. Despite being a smaller county, Clearwater sees its share of impaired driving cases, especially along the highways that pass through the area.

Under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, it is a crime to drive a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol, controlled substances, or both. The legal BAC limit is 0.08. For commercial vehicles, it is 0.04. The Clearwater County court keeps records of every DWI case that comes through, from the initial charges through the final outcome.

The courthouse is at 213 Main Avenue, Suite 303 in Bagley. Free parking is available in the surface lot and on the street. Court hours run Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How to Find DUI Records in Clearwater County

Use Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) to search for DUI cases filed in Clearwater County. The tool is free and available 24 hours a day. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. Results include charges, case status, hearing dates, and docket entries.

There are some gaps in the online system. Cases still pending without a conviction may not show up in a name search. You would need the case number. Documents filed before July 2015 have limited availability online. For older Clearwater County DUI records, call the court at (218) 935-4020 or fax a request to (218) 935-6489.

The BCA criminal history search is the right tool for a formal criminal history report. It costs $8 per name and uses fingerprint-based matching for more accurate results than a court records search alone.

DUI Charge Degrees in Clearwater County

Minnesota grades DWI charges on a four-degree scale. The level depends on aggravating factors and prior offense history. Fourth-degree DWI under Statute 169A.27 is a misdemeanor with no aggravating factors. It is the least serious charge level.

Third-degree DWI under Statute 169A.26 is a gross misdemeanor. One aggravating factor triggers this level. Aggravating factors include a prior DWI within ten years, a BAC of 0.16 or higher, a child under 16 in the vehicle, or a test refusal. Second-degree applies when two or more of these factors are present. Both are gross misdemeanors but carry different mandatory minimum penalties.

First-degree DWI under Statute 169A.24 is a felony. It applies when the driver has three or more qualified prior incidents within ten years or a previous felony DWI. Maximum penalties include seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine. All charge levels and their outcomes are recorded in the Clearwater County DUI case files.

License Actions from Clearwater County DUI Arrests

A DUI arrest in Clearwater County starts two separate processes at once. The court handles the criminal charges. The Department of Public Safety handles the license revocation. Both generate records, but they are managed by different agencies.

Under Statute 169A.52, failing a chemical test means at least 90 days without a license for a first offense. Refusing the test doubles that to one year. The arresting officer gives the driver a temporary 14-day permit and sends the paperwork to the state. Drivers can challenge the revocation through an administrative review or judicial review within 60 days.

The ignition interlock program under Statute 171.306 offers a way to drive sooner. Participants install a breath-testing device that blocks the ignition at 0.02 BAC. You can check your license status at the DVS website.

Clearwater County Court Resources

Visit the Clearwater County court page for contact details, directions, and links to the Ninth Judicial District administration.

From this page you can access the court calendar, which lists upcoming DUI hearings and other criminal cases in Clearwater County.

The MCRO search system provides free access to Clearwater County DUI records online.

Search results include case status, docket entries, and filed documents. The system covers all 87 Minnesota counties and runs 24 hours a day.

Getting Copies of Clearwater County DUI Records

The Clearwater County court provides plain and certified copies of DUI case files. Use the Minnesota Judicial Branch Copy Request Form and submit it by mail, email, or fax to (218) 935-6489. Include the case number if available. Without it, provide the person's full name, date of birth, approximate date of offense, and charges.

Certified copies carry the court seal. They cost more than plain copies. Some agencies require the certified version as proof of a conviction or case outcome. Do not remove the staple from a certified multi-page document, or it will no longer be valid.

Police reports from DUI arrests come from the arresting agency. In Clearwater County, that could be the Sheriff's Office, a local department, or the Minnesota State Patrol. Contact them directly for arrest reports and related law enforcement records.

Nearby Counties

Clearwater County is in northwestern Minnesota. DUI cases are filed where the arrest took place, so verify the location before searching.