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Cass County, North Dakota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Cass County, North Dakota?

Arrest records are public documents in Cass County, North Dakota, pursuant to the North Dakota Open Records Law (N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18). These records are maintained by government agencies as part of their official duties and are accessible to members of the public upon request. The North Dakota Century Code establishes that records created by public entities during the course of official business are presumed open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by law. This transparency serves to maintain public oversight of law enforcement activities and ensures accountability within the criminal justice system. Certain sensitive information within arrest records may be redacted in accordance with privacy protections outlined in N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.7, particularly when such information involves ongoing investigations or juvenile offenders.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Cass County?

Cass County arrest records are available through various online platforms maintained by state and local agencies. The North Dakota Court System provides public access to district court case information for criminal cases, which often includes arrest data. The online availability of these records is authorized under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.21, which permits public entities to provide records in electronic format. Users should note that while basic arrest information is typically accessible online, comprehensive records may require additional steps to obtain. The North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry system serves as the primary portal for accessing digitized court records, including those related to arrests in Cass County. Access to these online systems may be subject to user registration requirements and nominal fees for certain detailed reports.

How to Look Up Cass County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Cass County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels. The following methods are available for record retrieval:

  • Submit a records request in person at the Cass County Sheriff's Office located at 1612 23rd Avenue North, Fargo, ND 58102. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: (701) 241-5800.
  • Access the North Dakota Court System's online portal for criminal case searches, which includes arrest information for cases processed through the court system.
  • Visit the Cass County Courthouse at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Telephone: (701) 451-6900.
  • Submit a written request for records to the Cass County State's Attorney's Office at P.O. Box 2806, Fargo, ND 58108-2806. Telephone: (701) 241-5850.
  • Utilize public access terminals available at the Cass County Courthouse for conducting searches of the court's electronic filing system.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the full name of the individual, date of birth, and approximate date of arrest to facilitate accurate record retrieval. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.1, agencies may charge reasonable fees for record reproduction and staff time exceeding one hour.

Contents of a Cass County Arrest Record

Standard Cass County arrest records contain comprehensive information about the arrest event and the individual taken into custody. These records typically include:

  • Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases or previous names
  • Demographic information including date of birth, gender, and physical descriptors
  • Date, time, and specific location of the arrest
  • Statutory citations and descriptions of the alleged offenses
  • Name and badge number of the arresting officer(s)
  • Booking photograph (mugshot) taken during processing
  • Fingerprint records collected at the time of booking
  • Case number and incident report identifiers
  • Initial appearance information and bail determination
  • Custody status following arrest (released, detained, etc.)

In accordance with N.D.C.C. § 12.1-32-15, arrest records related to certain offenses such as sex crimes may contain additional information regarding registration requirements. Law enforcement agencies maintain these records in compliance with the North Dakota Criminal History Record Information Act (N.D.C.C. § 12-60-16.1), which establishes standards for record accuracy and completeness.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Cass County

The expungement process in Cass County allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances as provided in N.D.C.C. § 12-60.1. Individuals seeking expungement must:

  • File a petition with the Cass County District Court demonstrating eligibility under state law
  • Provide evidence that the arrest did not result in a conviction or that the conviction has been pardoned
  • Demonstrate completion of all court-ordered requirements including probation, fines, and restitution
  • Satisfy the waiting period requirements (typically 3-10 years depending on offense severity)
  • Pay applicable filing fees (approximately $80 as of 2025)

The court may grant expungement if the petitioner meets statutory requirements and if the court determines that the benefits of expungement outweigh the public interest in maintaining the record. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 12-60.1-02, certain serious offenses including violent crimes and sex offenses are ineligible for expungement. Successful expungement does not completely destroy records but restricts their visibility to the general public while remaining accessible to law enforcement agencies for official purposes. Legal assistance is advisable for navigating the technical requirements of the expungement process.

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