DUI Records in Swift County
Swift County DUI records are filed at the District Court in Benson. This rural county in western Minnesota is part of the Eighth Judicial District and has about 10,000 residents. DWI arrests from Benson, Appleton, Kerkhoven, and other Swift County communities all go through this courthouse. You can search DUI records online for free using the state court system, or you can contact the courthouse directly to request copies. This page explains how to look up Swift County DUI records, what the charges mean under Minnesota law, and what kind of information the case files contain.
Swift County Overview
Swift County District Court DUI Cases
The Swift County Courthouse in Benson processes all DUI and DWI cases filed in the county. It is part of the Eighth Judicial District, which covers a large portion of western Minnesota. DWI arrests by local police, the Swift County Sheriff, and state troopers all come through this court.
Minnesota calls impaired driving "DWI" in its statutes. Under Section 169A.20, it is a crime to drive with a BAC of 0.08 or higher. The same law covers driving while impaired by controlled substances and cannabis products. Swift County is a farming area with long stretches of highway, and DWI patrols cover both Highway 12 and county roads throughout the area.
The court publishes a weekly public court calendar. It gets posted at 7:00 AM each business day and updates throughout the day. You can check it to see when DUI hearings are set.
| Court | Swift County District Court - Eighth Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address | Swift County Courthouse Benson, MN |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Swift County |
Search Swift County DUI Records Online
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system covers Swift County and is free to use. Search by name, case number, or citation number. DWI cases appear under criminal and traffic case types. The system shows charges, hearing dates, and case outcomes along with public documents that you can view and download.
For older Swift County DUI records filed before July 2015, the online system may have gaps. Contact the courthouse to request those records directly. You can submit a Copy Request Form by mail, email, or fax. Include the case number if you have it, or the person's full name and date of birth.
The BCA criminal history search costs $8 per name and provides a statewide fingerprint-linked record. It is more thorough for checking a person's full DUI history across all Minnesota counties. The State Law Library has a guide that explains how to use both MCRO and the BCA system.
Note: Pending DUI cases without a conviction may not show up in an MCRO name search but can be found using the citation number from the ticket.
Swift County Court Records Portal
The Swift County court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch site has courthouse details and links to court resources.
From this page you can find contact information, the court calendar, and links to forms for record requests.
The MCRO search portal gives you online access to Swift County DUI records from anywhere with an internet connection.
Search for DUI cases filed in Swift County using a name, case number, or citation number through the statewide MCRO system.
Swift County DUI Penalties
DWI charges in Swift County follow Minnesota's tiered system. A fourth-degree DWI is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine under Section 169A.27. This covers first offenses with no aggravating factors.
Aggravating factors raise the charge level. A BAC of 0.16 or higher is one. A child under 16 in the vehicle is another. A prior DWI within ten years adds a third. One factor makes it a third-degree gross misdemeanor under Section 169A.26. Two or more factors make it second degree. Both carry up to one year and $3,000. First-degree felony DWI under Section 169A.24 applies with three or more priors in ten years. That is up to seven years and $14,000.
License revocation starts immediately after the arrest. Under Section 169A.52, a failed breath test means 90 days minimum revocation for a first offense. Refusing the test gets you a full year. The officer takes your license and issues a temporary permit good for 14 days. Repeat offenders face the ignition interlock program under Section 171.306.
What Swift County DUI Records Show
DUI case records in Swift County include the criminal complaint, which describes the traffic stop and arrest. The complaint covers what the officer saw, any field sobriety testing, and the chemical test results. It names the defendant and lists the statutes violated.
The case docket tracks every court event from filing through resolution. Hearing dates, motions, pleas, and rulings are logged. The final disposition tells you the outcome. If convicted, sentencing details show jail time, fines, probation terms, and any treatment programs ordered by the judge. These records are public and anyone can request copies from the Swift County court.
DUI Legal Help in Swift County
The Minnesota Judicial Branch Self-Help Center at (651) 435-6535 can help with general questions about court forms and procedures. If you cannot afford a lawyer for your DUI case in Swift County, you can apply for a public defender. Fill out the financial application at the courthouse and the judge will decide if you qualify.
License reinstatement after a Swift County DUI is handled by the Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services division. You can check your license status through the DVS online portal. Reinstatement may require completing a chemical dependency evaluation, paying fees, and satisfying any ignition interlock requirements under Section 171.178. The Minnesota Judicial Branch website has self-help resources and all official court forms.
Nearby Counties
Swift County borders several western Minnesota counties. Check these if the DUI may have been filed in a neighboring jurisdiction.