Yes, arrest records are public in Fargo, North Dakota. This accessibility is governed by the North Dakota public records law, which mandates that records produced by government agencies are available to the public. This includes arrest records managed by local law enforcement agencies. The law aims to maintain transparency and openness within governmental operations, allowing citizens to obtain information that affects the community and their personal interests.
To get Fargo arrest records, you may utilize several methods available to the public. While online access offers a convenient option, other traditional methods are also viable. Here are the primary ways to search for arrest records in Fargo:
A Fargo arrest record typically includes the following information:
In Fargo, individuals may have the opportunity to expunge their arrest records, removing them from public access. Expungement eligibility and procedures are dictated by North Dakota law, which generally allows expungement if the arrest did not lead to a conviction, or if the individual meets specific criteria set forth by the law. To pursue expungement, one must file a petition in the court that handled the case. The court then reviews the petition and decides whether the circumstances justify sealing the arrest record, thus making it inaccessible through public records searches.