Traverse County DUI Records
Traverse County DUI records are filed at the District Court in Wheaton. This is one of the smallest counties in Minnesota by population, sitting along the western border near South Dakota. It is part of the Eighth Judicial District. DWI cases from Wheaton, Browns Valley, and surrounding rural areas all go through the Traverse County Courthouse. You can search for DUI records for free using the state court records system online, or contact the courthouse directly for copies of case files. This page covers how to access Traverse County DUI records, what DWI charges look like under Minnesota law, and what resources are available.
Traverse County Overview
Traverse County District Court DUI Cases
The Traverse County Courthouse in Wheaton processes all DUI and DWI cases filed in the county. Traverse County is part of the Eighth Judicial District, which covers a large swath of western and central Minnesota. Despite its small population, the county still sees DWI arrests on its highways and rural roads.
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, driving while impaired is a crime. The legal BAC limit is 0.08 for most drivers. The law also covers impairment from controlled substances and cannabis products. Traverse County sits on the state border, and DUI arrests can happen on Highway 75 or the various county roads that cross the area. The county sheriff and state patrol handle enforcement.
The court publishes a weekly calendar that gets posted at 7:00 AM each business day. It updates throughout the day so you can see when DUI hearings are on the schedule.
| Court | Traverse County District Court - Eighth Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address | Traverse County Courthouse Wheaton, MN |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Traverse County |
Search Traverse County DUI Records
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system is free and covers all 87 Minnesota counties including Traverse. Search by the person's name, case number, or citation number. DWI cases appear under criminal and traffic categories. The results show charges, hearing dates, and how the case ended.
Public documents attached to Traverse County DUI cases can be viewed and downloaded through MCRO at no charge. Documents filed before July 2015 may not be available online. For those older records, reach out to the courthouse directly. Submit a Copy Request Form by mail or visit in person.
For a more thorough search, the BCA criminal history system costs $8 per name. It uses fingerprint-linked records and covers the entire state. This is better than MCRO for checking a complete DWI history. The State Law Library guide explains the differences between these search tools.
Note: Minnesota counts prior DWI offenses from all 87 counties when determining the charge level, so a statewide search through BCA can be important.
Traverse County Court Records Portal
The Traverse County court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website lists courthouse details and available services.
From this page you can find the court calendar, contact information, and links to the copy request process.
The MCRO search portal provides online access to DUI records across all Minnesota courts, including Traverse County.
Use MCRO to look up Traverse County DUI case details by name, case number, or citation number.
DUI Penalties in Traverse County
Minnesota uses four degrees of DWI charges. Traverse County applies the same standards as every other county. 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. A BAC of 0.16 or more, a child under 16 in the car, or a prior DWI within ten years each count. One factor means third degree. Two or more mean second degree. Both are gross misdemeanors with penalties up to one year and $3,000. Felony DWI under Section 169A.24 applies with three or more priors in ten years and carries up to seven years and $14,000.
Administrative license revocation is separate from the criminal case. Under Section 169A.52, failing a test means 90 days for a first offense. Refusing means one year. Repeat offenders face plate impoundment, vehicle forfeiture, and the ignition interlock program under Section 171.306.
What Traverse County DUI Records Contain
DUI case files in Traverse County include the criminal complaint with details about the arrest, field tests, and chemical test results. The complaint names the defendant and lists the statute violations. It describes the circumstances of the traffic stop from the arresting officer's perspective.
The case docket tracks every court action. Hearing dates, motions, plea entries, and rulings are all logged. The final disposition shows the outcome. If convicted, sentencing details show jail time, fines, probation, and treatment requirements. These records are public. Anyone can request copies from the Traverse County court.
DUI Legal Help in Traverse County
If you face a DUI charge in Traverse County and cannot afford a lawyer, you can apply for a court-appointed public defender. Fill out the financial application at the courthouse. The Self-Help Center phone line at (651) 435-6535 helps with questions about forms and court procedures. The Minnesota Judicial Branch website has self-help materials for criminal cases.
License reinstatement after a Traverse County DUI goes through Driver and Vehicle Services. Check your license status at drive.mn.gov. Reinstatement conditions under Section 171.178 may include paying fees, finishing treatment, and completing any interlock program requirements. The process depends on the specifics of your case and how many prior offenses are on your record.
Nearby Counties
Traverse County borders several western Minnesota counties. Check these if the DUI case may have been filed in a neighboring jurisdiction.