DUI Records in Murray County

Murray County DUI records are kept at the District Court in Slayton, Minnesota. This small county in southwestern Minnesota is part of the Fifth Judicial District. All driving while impaired cases filed in Murray County go through the courthouse in Slayton. You can search for DWI records online at no cost using the state court records system, or you can contact the courthouse to request copies by phone, mail, or in person. The court also supports eCheck-in for criminal cases, which means defendants can check in electronically before their DUI hearing instead of waiting in line at the courthouse. Records are public and cover all offense levels from minor misdemeanors to serious felony charges.

Murray County District Court DUI Cases

The Murray County District Court in Slayton handles every DUI case that comes out of this county. It is part of the Fifth Judicial District, one of the larger districts in Minnesota covering fifteen counties across the southern part of the state. Judges rotate through the various courthouses in the district, including Murray County.

When a driver gets arrested for DWI in Murray County, the charging documents get filed at this court. The case goes through an initial appearance, possible pre-trial hearings, and either a plea agreement or trial. All of these proceedings create records. The register of actions tracks every event. Documents filed by the prosecution and defense become part of the public case file.

Minnesota statute defines this crime as driving while impaired. Statute 169A.20 makes it illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08 or higher, to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or to drive with any detectable level of a Schedule I or II controlled substance in the body. Murray County law enforcement applies this law throughout the county's roads and highways.

Searching for Murray County DUI Records

The quickest route to Murray County DUI records is Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO). This free system covers all 87 counties. You search by name, case number, or citation number. Results include charges, case status, scheduled hearings, and any public documents that have been filed in the case.

For a name search, enter the last name and first name. You can filter to Murray County or search all counties at once. The system shows a list of matching cases with basic details. Click on any case to see the full register of actions and available documents. No account is needed for basic searching, though accessing some documents may require one.

You can also get Murray County DUI records in person at the Slayton courthouse. Walk in during business hours and ask the staff. They search the system and make copies. Plain copies and certified copies are both available. Certified copies carry the court seal and are needed for certain official purposes. Mail and fax requests also work. Send the case number or the person's full name and approximate date.

DWI Offense Levels in Murray County

DUI cases in Murray County are charged at one of four degrees based on the facts and the driver's prior record. Fourth-degree DWI is a misdemeanor. It applies to first-time offenders with no aggravating factors. The maximum sentence is 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, though most first offenders do not serve time.

Third-degree DWI under Statute 169A.26 is a gross misdemeanor. It requires one aggravating factor. That factor could be a BAC of 0.16 or more, a prior DWI within ten years, having a child under 16 in the car, or refusing the chemical test. Second-degree is also a gross misdemeanor with two or more aggravating factors. Both carry up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine.

First-degree DWI is a felony charge under Statute 169A.24. It applies when the driver has three or more qualified prior incidents within ten years or a previous felony DWI. Penalties reach up to seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine. Murray County DUI records for felony cases are extensive, including chemical test results, prior conviction documentation, police reports, and sentencing records.

Murray County Court Records Access

The Murray County court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch site has courthouse contact info, office hours, and links to court programs.

Use this page to find the address, phone number, and any special programs or services offered by the Murray County court, including the eCheck-in feature for criminal cases.

To search for actual DUI case records, head to the MCRO public access portal where you can look up cases for free.

This search system returns case details, charges, and public court documents for DWI cases filed in Murray County and across the state.

License Revocation for Murray County DWI

A DUI arrest in Murray County triggers administrative license action separate from the criminal case. Statute 169A.52 sets the rules. Failing a breath test with a BAC of 0.08 or more means a 90-day revocation for a first offense. Refusing the test leads to a full year without a license. A BAC at twice the legal limit also triggers a year-long revocation even for a first offense.

The arresting officer takes the driver's license and issues a temporary 14-day permit. After that, the revocation takes effect unless the driver successfully challenges it through judicial review. The deadline to file for review is 60 days. Many Murray County drivers look into the ignition interlock program under Statute 171.306, which allows restricted driving with an approved breath-testing device installed on the vehicle.

Full license reinstatement follows Statute 171.178. Requirements include a chemical dependency evaluation, treatment if recommended, payment of reinstatement fees, and completion of any interlock period. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension records all of these offenses, so a Murray County DWI will show up on statewide criminal history checks. The State Law Library has a guide that explains these criminal history search procedures.

Nearby Counties

These counties are near Murray County. DUI cases are filed in the county where the arrest occurred.