Faribault County DUI Records
Faribault County DUI records are kept at the District Court in Blue Earth, Minnesota. If you need to look up a DWI case or find out about past impaired driving charges filed in this county, there are a few ways to search. The court handles all criminal traffic matters for the area, and DUI case files go back many years. You can check records online through the state system or visit the courthouse on North Main Street. The Fifth Judicial District oversees Faribault County court operations. Staff at the clerk's office can help you pull up case details and get copies of what you need.
Faribault County Overview
Faribault County DUI Court Information
The Faribault County District Court sits in the county courthouse in Blue Earth. This is where all DUI cases get filed, heard, and stored. The court has full jurisdiction over criminal traffic cases, which includes DWI charges under Minnesota Statute 169A.20. That law makes it a crime to drive with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or higher, or while under the influence of any substance that impairs your ability to drive.
Court Administrator Tammy Bauman runs the clerk side of things at the Faribault County courthouse. The office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can call ahead at (507) 526-6273 to ask about a specific DUI case or find out what you need to bring for a records request. The fax number is 507-618-5869 if you need to send forms that way. On-street parking is free around the courthouse, so getting there is pretty simple.
| Court | Faribault County District Court |
|---|---|
| Address |
Faribault County Courthouse 415 North Main Street Blue Earth, MN 56013 |
| Phone | (507) 526-6273 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Judicial District | Fifth Judicial District |
How to Search DUI Records in Faribault County
The fastest way to look up a DUI case in Faribault County is through Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). This is a free tool run by the state court system. You can search by name, case number, or citation number. The system pulls up case details, hearing dates, and docket entries for DWI and other criminal traffic cases filed in Faribault County. Keep in mind that pending cases without a conviction may not show up when you search by the defendant's name.
You can also search in person at the courthouse in Blue Earth. Go to 415 North Main Street and ask the clerk to look up the case you need. Bring the full name of the person or a case number if you have one. Staff can print copies for you right there. The court also has eCheck-in for certain case types, which makes the process a bit faster if you have a scheduled hearing.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) keeps a separate criminal history database. A BCA check costs $8 per name and links records through fingerprints. This is more thorough than MCRO for checking someone's full DUI history across the state. You can run a search online or call (651) 793-2400 for help.
Note: MCRO should not be used as a formal criminal history tool per the court system's own guidance.
Faribault County DWI Charges and Penalties
DUI cases in Faribault County follow the same state laws that apply across all of Minnesota. The charges range from misdemeanors to felonies depending on prior offenses and the facts of the case. A first-time DWI with no aggravating factors is a fourth-degree DWI, which is a misdemeanor. Aggravating factors include a BAC of 0.16 or higher, having a child in the car, or having a prior DWI on record.
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.27, a fourth-degree DWI carries up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Third-degree DWI under Statute 169A.26 is a gross misdemeanor with penalties up to one year in jail and $3,000 in fines. Second-degree charges under 169A.25 bump things up further. First-degree DWI is a felony reserved for repeat offenders or those with certain prior criminal history, and it can mean up to seven years in prison.
Every DUI arrest in Faribault County also triggers an implied consent process. Under Statute 169A.52, refusing a breath or blood test leads to automatic license revocation. This is a separate action from the criminal case. The revocation goes through the Department of Public Safety, not the court. You have the right to challenge it, but you must act fast. The timeline is tight.
What Faribault County DUI Records Show
A DUI record from Faribault County District Court contains the details of the criminal case from start to finish. The file includes the complaint, which lays out the facts of the arrest. It shows the charges, the BAC level if tested, and whether any aggravating factors were present. Court documents also show all hearing dates and what happened at each one.
The case disposition is the most important part for most people searching these records. It tells you if the person was found guilty, pled guilty, or had the case dismissed. Sentencing details are in there too. That includes jail time, fines, probation terms, and any conditions the judge set. If the court ordered an ignition interlock device under Statute 171.306, that shows up in the record as well.
DUI records in Faribault County are public unless a judge has sealed or expunged them. Anyone can request copies. You do not need to be a party to the case. The clerk can provide plain copies or certified copies, though certified ones cost more.
Faribault County Court Resources
The Faribault County District Court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website has contact details, court calendars, and local procedures for DUI cases filed in the county.
This page shows the court location, phone number, and hours for the Faribault County courthouse in Blue Earth. You can also find links to local court programs from here.
For searching DUI records online, the MCRO case search portal lets you pull up Faribault County cases from any computer.
The MCRO system is free and does not require an account. Just pick Faribault County from the court location list and type in a name or case number to start your search.
License Consequences for Faribault County DUI Cases
A DWI arrest in Faribault County affects your driving privileges right away. The arresting officer can take your license at the scene if you fail or refuse the test. The Department of Public Safety handles license revocations separately from the court case. Under Statute 171.178, getting your license back requires meeting specific conditions that depend on the severity of the offense and your prior record.
For a first offense, the revocation period is usually 90 days. A second offense within ten years bumps it to one year. You may be able to get a limited license or join the ignition interlock program to drive sooner. The Minnesota DVS handles all reinstatement paperwork. You can check your license status through the DVS online portal.
Note: License revocation timelines run independently from the criminal case, so your license may be revoked even if the DUI charge is later dismissed.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Faribault County. DUI cases must be filed in the county where the arrest took place. If you are not sure which county handled a case, check the location of the traffic stop.