Stevens County DUI Records
Stevens County DUI records are kept at the District Court in Morris. This is a small county in west-central Minnesota with about 10,000 people. It sits in the Eighth Judicial District. DWI arrests from Morris, Chokio, Donnelly, and surrounding communities all get processed at the Stevens County Courthouse. You can search for DUI case records online through the state's free court search system or get copies by contacting the Court Administrator. This page covers how to access Stevens County DUI records, what the law says about DWI charges, and where to look for information about your case.
Stevens County Overview
Stevens County District Court DUI Information
The Stevens County Courthouse sits at 400 Colorado Avenue in Morris. Court Administrator Rachel Schmidt runs court operations. You can reach the court at 320-349-7010 or by fax at (320) 589-7288. The courthouse is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Free parking is available in the public lot in front of the building.
Morris is a college town, home to the University of Minnesota Morris. That brings a mix of residents and students. DWI enforcement covers both town streets and the county roads that cross this rural area. Under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, it is a crime to operate a vehicle with a blood alcohol level of 0.08 or above, or while impaired by any controlled substance or cannabis.
Stevens County is part of the Eighth Judicial District, which also includes Big Stone, Chippewa, Grant, Kandiyohi, Lac qui Parle, Meeker, Pope, Renville, Swift, Traverse, Wilkin, and Yellow Medicine counties. The district administration coordinates policies across all these courts.
| Court | Stevens County District Court - Eighth Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address | Stevens County Courthouse 400 Colorado Avenue Morris, MN 56267 |
| Phone | 320-349-7010 |
| Fax | (320) 589-7288 |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Stevens County |
How to Search Stevens County DUI Records
Use Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) to search for DUI records in Stevens County. The system is free. Search by name, case number, or citation number. DWI cases show up under criminal and traffic case types. You can view charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes directly in the search results.
MCRO lets you view and download public documents from case files at no charge. The criminal complaint, court orders, and other filings are available online for cases filed after July 2015. Older Stevens County DUI records may need to be requested directly from the court. Contact Rachel Schmidt's office at 320-349-7010 to ask about older cases.
For a more complete criminal history search, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension runs criminal history searches at $8 per name. The BCA uses fingerprint data to link records, so it catches DUI convictions from any county in the state. This is a better option if you need to see someone's full DWI history across Minnesota.
The Stevens County weekly public court calendar gets posted at 7:00 AM each business day and updates hourly. Check it to see when DUI cases are scheduled for hearings.
Stevens County Court Search Portal
The Stevens County court page lists courthouse details and local court resources.
This page has the courthouse address, parking info, phone number, and links to court programs and the weekly calendar.
The MCRO system provides online access to Stevens County DUI records from anywhere.
Enter a name or case number in MCRO to find DUI case details for Stevens County and all other Minnesota courts.
DUI Penalties in Stevens County
Minnesota has four levels of DWI charges. Stevens County prosecutors apply the same standards used statewide. Fourth-degree DWI is a misdemeanor for a first offense with no aggravating factors. The cap is 90 days in jail and $1,000 in fines under Section 169A.27.
Aggravating factors bump up the charge. These include a BAC of 0.16 or more, a child under 16 in the car, or a prior DWI within ten years. One factor means third-degree gross misdemeanor. Two or more mean second degree. Maximum penalty for both is one year in jail and $3,000 in fines. Felony DWI under Section 169A.24 comes with three or more priors in ten years. The sentence can reach seven years in prison and a $14,000 fine.
The chemical test consequences are separate from the criminal case. Under Section 169A.52, failing a breath test means license revocation for at least 90 days on a first offense. Refusing the test brings a full year of revocation. Minnesota's implied consent law under Section 169A.51 means every driver on state roads has already consented to chemical testing.
Note: Repeat DWI offenders in Stevens County may face vehicle plate impoundment, vehicle forfeiture, and mandatory participation in the ignition interlock program.
Stevens County DUI Case File Details
A DUI record in Stevens County includes the criminal complaint describing the arrest, field sobriety tests, and chemical test results. The defendant's name, date of birth, and address appear in the complaint. The specific statute violations are listed along with a narrative of what the officer observed.
The case docket tracks all court events from the initial filing to the final outcome. Every hearing, motion, and order is recorded. The disposition shows whether the person was convicted, acquitted, or had charges dismissed. Sentencing details include jail time, fines, probation, community service, and treatment programs. All of this is part of the public record.
Most DUI records in Stevens County are open to the public. Anyone can request copies. Some documents like sealed juvenile records or certain evaluations may be restricted. The court charges fees for plain and certified copies.
Nearby Counties
Stevens County shares borders with several west-central Minnesota counties. Check these if the DUI arrest may have occurred near a county line.