Winona County DUI Records Search
Winona County DUI records are maintained at the District Court in the city of Winona, along the Mississippi River in southeastern Minnesota. The county is part of the Third Judicial District and is home to about 50,000 people. It has two colleges, which adds to the local population during the school year. DWI arrests from Winona, St. Charles, Lewiston, and surrounding areas all get filed at the Winona County Courthouse. You can search for DUI records online for free or request copies from the court. This page covers how to access Winona County DUI records and what the law says about these charges.
Winona County Overview
Winona County District Court DUI Cases
The Winona County Courthouse handles all DUI cases filed in the county. It sits in the Third Judicial District, which covers eleven counties across southern Minnesota. DWI enforcement in Winona County covers Interstate 90, Highway 61 along the river, and the network of county roads through the bluff country.
Under Minnesota Statute 169A.20, driving with a BAC of 0.08 or above is illegal. The law also covers impairment from controlled substances and cannabis. Winona is a college town with Winona State University and Saint Mary's University. The college-age population means DWI enforcement stays active, especially on weekends and during events.
The court publishes a daily calendar posted at 7:00 PM for the next day's activities. It updates hourly starting at 7:00 AM. You can check it for scheduled DUI hearings.
| Court | Winona County District Court - Third Judicial District |
|---|---|
| Address | Winona County Courthouse Winona, MN |
| Hours | Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM |
| Website | mncourts.gov - Winona County |
Find Winona County DUI Records
The Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) system covers Winona County and is free. Search by name, case number, or citation number. DWI cases show under criminal and traffic case types. You can view charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and download public documents from the case file at no charge.
For records filed before July 2015, MCRO may have gaps. Contact the Winona County court for older DUI records. Submit a Copy Request Form by mail or visit the courthouse during business hours. Public access terminals are available on site. The BCA criminal history system costs $8 per name and uses fingerprint-linked statewide data for more thorough searches.
The State Law Library has guides explaining both MCRO and BCA search options. The library is at the Minnesota Judicial Center in St. Paul and can be reached at 651-297-7651.
Winona County Court Records Access
The Winona County court page on the Minnesota Judicial Branch website lists courthouse info and local services.
This page provides contact details, court hours, and links to the daily calendar and record request forms.
The statewide MCRO search portal provides online access to Winona County DUI records from any location.
Search for DUI cases in Winona County by name or case number through the MCRO system.
Winona County DUI Penalties
DUI penalties in Winona County follow Minnesota's four-tier framework. Fourth-degree DWI under Section 169A.27 is a misdemeanor with up to 90 days and $1,000. This applies to first offenses with no aggravating factors. Most first-time offenders in Winona County face this charge.
Aggravating factors push the charge up. A BAC of 0.16 or more, a child under 16 in the car, or a prior DWI in ten years each count. One factor makes it third degree. Two or more make it second degree. Both are gross misdemeanors with up to one year and $3,000. Felony DWI under Section 169A.24 requires three or more priors in ten years. That can mean up to seven years in prison and $14,000 in fines.
License revocation is automatic. Under Section 169A.52, a failed test means 90 days minimum revocation. Refusing the test means a full year. Repeat offenders face plate impoundment and the ignition interlock program under Section 171.306. Minnesota's underage drinking and driving law under Section 169A.33 applies zero tolerance for drivers under 21.
Note: The underage zero tolerance law in Section 169A.33 is particularly relevant in Winona County given the large college student population.
What Winona County DUI Records Show
A DUI record in Winona County includes the criminal complaint with arrest details, field sobriety results, and chemical test readings. The defendant's name and statute violations are listed. The officer's narrative describes the traffic stop, arrest, and the reason for the DWI charge.
The register of actions tracks all court events from filing through disposition. Hearing dates, motions, pleas, and rulings are logged. Sentencing details include jail time, fines, probation, and treatment programs. These are public records available to anyone who requests them from the Winona County court.
DUI Legal Help in Winona County
If you cannot afford a lawyer for a DUI case in Winona County, the court can appoint a public defender. Apply at the courthouse with a financial affidavit. The Self-Help Center at (651) 435-6535 helps with forms and court process questions. The Minnesota Judicial Branch website has all official forms for free.
License reinstatement after a Winona County DUI goes through Driver and Vehicle Services. Check your status at drive.mn.gov. Reinstatement under Section 171.178 may require treatment completion, fee payment, and interlock participation. The Third Judicial District covers Winona and ten other southern Minnesota counties. Court fines can be paid through the payment center at pay.courts.state.mn.us or by calling 651-281-3219 in the metro area.
Nearby Counties
Winona County borders several southeastern Minnesota counties along the Mississippi River.