North Dakota Arrest Records

Is North Dakota an Open Arrest Records State?

North Dakota is an open arrest records state, operating under the principles of governmental transparency and public accountability. Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, all government records, including arrest records, are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. This statutory framework ensures that citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities and judicial proceedings. The North Dakota Open Records Law establishes that public entities must provide reasonable access to records during normal business hours, with minimal restrictions on who may request such information. This policy serves the public interest by enabling oversight of governmental functions and promoting informed civic participation in matters of criminal justice.

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), operating under the Office of the Attorney General, serves as the central repository for criminal history information in the state. While certain sensitive information may be redacted to protect privacy interests or ongoing investigations, the general policy favors disclosure over concealment in accordance with the state's commitment to open government.

How to Look Up North Dakota Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking North Dakota arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information. The state has implemented multiple access points to facilitate public record retrieval:

North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 125
Bismarck, ND 58505-0100
Phone: (701) 328-5500
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The BCI maintains the central criminal history repository and provides record checks for a nominal fee as prescribed by N.D.C.C. § 12-60-16.9.
County Sheriff's Offices maintain local arrest records and booking information. Each county operates independently, with varying procedures for record requests. Major offices include:
Cass County Sheriff's Office
211 9th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 241-5800
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Burleigh County Sheriff's Department
514 East Thayer Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 222-6651
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
North Dakota Court System provides online access to criminal case records through their public portal. Users may search by name, case number, or attorney to locate court proceedings related to arrests. The system operates 24 hours daily, with periodic maintenance windows typically scheduled during non-business hours.
North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
3100 Railroad Avenue
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 328-6390
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
The DOCR maintains the Resident Lookup system for currently incarcerated individuals.

Requestors should note that pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.1, certain information may be redacted from arrest records, including confidential informant identities, juvenile records, and active investigation details.

Contents of a North Dakota Arrest Record

North Dakota arrest records typically contain comprehensive information regarding the circumstances and processing of an individual's arrest. Standard elements included in these records are as follows:

Biographical Information: Full legal name, aliases, date of birth, physical description (height, weight, identifying marks), and state identification number
Arrest Details: Date, time, and location of arrest; arresting agency; officer identification; incident report number
Offense Information: Statutory citations of alleged violations; severity classification (felony, misdemeanor); brief narrative of circumstances
Processing Data: Booking photographs (mugshots); fingerprint records; property inventory
Case Disposition: Initial appearance information; bail or bond determinations; preliminary hearing outcomes
Agency Information: Jurisdiction of arrest; case numbers; internal tracking identifiers

Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 12-60-16.6, criminal justice agencies must report arrest information to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation within established timeframes to ensure record accuracy and completeness. The information contained in arrest records serves multiple governmental functions, including identification verification, criminal history compilation, and statistical analysis for law enforcement resource allocation.

Understanding the North Dakota Open Records Act

The North Dakota Open Records Act, codified in N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18 through § 44-04-32, establishes the framework for public access to governmental records. This legislation mandates that all records of public entities are open to inspection by any person during reasonable office hours. The Act applies broadly to all branches of government, including law enforcement agencies and the court system, with specific provisions addressing criminal justice records.

Key provisions of the Act include:

Response Requirements: Public entities must respond to record requests within a reasonable time, not exceeding 30 days for complex requests
Format Options: Records may be provided in paper or electronic format, according to the requestor's preference when feasible
Fee Structure: Agencies may charge reasonable fees for copies, not exceeding actual cost of reproduction
Denial Procedures: Any denial of access must be provided in writing with citation to specific statutory exemptions
Enforcement Mechanisms: The Office of Attorney General may issue opinions regarding compliance, and violations may result in mandamus actions or penalties

Exemptions relevant to arrest records are enumerated in N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.7, which addresses criminal intelligence and investigative information. Active investigations may be temporarily shielded from disclosure when release would interfere with enforcement proceedings, deprive a person of fair adjudication, constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy, or reveal confidential sources or techniques.

The North Dakota Attorney General's Office provides guidance on open records compliance through published opinions and educational materials available at their office:

North Dakota Attorney General's Office
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 125
Bismarck, ND 58505
Phone: (701) 328-2210
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Expungement of Arrest Records in North Dakota

North Dakota law provides mechanisms for the expungement or sealing of certain arrest records under specific circumstances. The process is governed primarily by N.D.C.C. § 12-60.1, which establishes criteria and procedures for record sealing. Individuals seeking expungement must understand the following key provisions:

Eligibility Requirements: Expungement may be available for:
- Arrests not resulting in conviction (after statute of limitations expires)
- Misdemeanor convictions (after 3-5 years without subsequent offenses)
- Certain non-violent felonies (after 5-10 years without subsequent offenses)
- Juvenile records upon reaching majority age
Petition Process: Applicants must file a petition in the district court where the case was adjudicated, including:
- Complete criminal history information
- Statement of rehabilitation efforts
- Certified copies of relevant court documents
- Filing fee as established by the court
Judicial Consideration: Courts evaluate petitions based on:
- Nature and severity of the original offense
- Applicant's criminal record before and after the offense
- Evidence of rehabilitation and community contribution
- Public safety considerations and victim input
Effect of Expungement: When granted, expungement:
- Seals court and law enforcement records from public view
- Permits the individual to legally deny the arrest/conviction in most circumstances
- Does not eliminate records from law enforcement databases for official use

Petitions for expungement are filed with the Clerk of District Court in the county where the case originated. The North Dakota Court System provides standardized forms for this process at:

North Dakota Supreme Court
600 East Boulevard Avenue, Dept. 180
Bismarck, ND 58505-0530
Phone: (701) 328-2221
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

How to Find Local Arrests in North Dakota?

Members of the public seeking information about recent local arrests in North Dakota may access several official and community resources. Local arrest information is distributed through various channels to promote public awareness while maintaining appropriate privacy protections:

County Sheriff's Daily Booking Reports: Many county sheriff departments publish daily booking logs on their official websites or make them available at their administrative offices. These reports typically include names, charges, and booking dates for individuals processed within the previous 24-48 hours.
Municipal Police Department Arrest Logs: City police departments maintain similar booking information for arrests within their jurisdictions. These records are generally available through:
- In-person requests at the records division
- Department websites with dedicated public information sections
- Automated telephone information systems
Local Media Crime Reports: News organizations regularly compile and publish arrest information obtained from law enforcement agencies. These reports may appear in:
- Daily newspaper police blotters
- Television news crime segments
- Radio news broadcasts
- Online news portals with dedicated crime sections
Court Calendars and Dockets: Initial appearances following arrests are scheduled on publicly accessible court calendars, which list defendant names and charges. These calendars are available at:

North Dakota District Courts
Various locations throughout the state
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
District Court Case Search

Community Notification Systems: Some jurisdictions utilize opt-in notification systems that alert subscribers to significant arrests or public safety concerns in specific geographic areas.

Individuals seeking local arrest information should note that pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 12-60-16.6, certain information regarding juveniles, victims, and sensitive investigations may be redacted from public arrest reports.

Search Arrest Records in North Dakota

Counties

Benson Cass Stark