>Stark County Arrest Records Online

Stark County, North Dakota Arrest Records

Are Arrest Records Public in Stark County, North Dakota?

Arrest records in Stark County, North Dakota are public documents accessible to all citizens pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, which establishes the state's open records law. This statute mandates that all government records, including arrest records, shall be open and accessible for inspection by the public unless specifically exempted by state or federal law. The North Dakota open records law promotes governmental transparency and accountability by ensuring citizens have access to information regarding law enforcement activities within the county.

Members of the public should note that while arrest records are generally public, certain information may be redacted to protect ongoing investigations, juvenile records, or personal identifying information as specified under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18.7. The Stark County Sheriff's Office maintains these records in accordance with state retention schedules established by the North Dakota Records Management Division.

Can Arrest Records be Found Online in Stark County?

Stark County arrest records are available online through several official digital platforms maintained by county and state agencies. The North Dakota Court System provides a comprehensive database where members of the public may search for criminal case information, including arrests that have led to formal charges. This digital accessibility is authorized under North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18.21, which permits government agencies to provide records in electronic format.

The Stark County official website also maintains links to public safety information and court resources where arrest data may be accessed. Online access to these records is provided as a public service, though certain limitations apply regarding the scope and currency of information available through digital platforms. Records available online typically include basic arrest information such as the individual's name, charges, and case status.

How to Look Up Stark County Arrest Records in 2025

Members of the public seeking Stark County arrest records in 2025 may utilize several official channels to obtain this information:

Visit the Stark County Sheriff's Office in person to submit a formal records request:

Stark County Sheriff's Office
66 Museum Drive E
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 456-7610
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Access the North Dakota Courts Public Search portal, which provides case information for arrests that have resulted in criminal charges.
Submit a written request to the Stark County Clerk of Court:

Stark County Clerk of Court
51 3rd Street E
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 456-7630
Official Website
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Utilize the Criminal Case Records Search function on the North Dakota Court System website, which allows searches by defendant name, case number, or citation number.

Requestors should be prepared to provide specific information such as the full name of the individual, approximate date of arrest, and any other identifying information that may assist in locating the correct records. Pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18.1, agencies may charge reasonable fees for searching, redacting, and copying records.

Contents of a Stark County Arrest Record

Stark County arrest records contain standardized information as required by North Dakota law enforcement protocols and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation. A typical arrest record includes:

Full legal name of the arrested individual and any known aliases
Date of birth and demographic information
Physical description including height, weight, and identifying marks
Date, time, and location of the arrest
Statutory charges filed at the time of arrest with corresponding North Dakota Century Code citations
Name of the arresting agency and officer
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprint information
Custody status and bail information
Case number and court assignment information

The comprehensiveness of arrest records may vary depending on the nature of the offense and the stage of the criminal justice process. Records related to ongoing investigations may contain redactions pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-19.1, which protects confidential criminal investigative information.

Legal Framework for Public Access to Arrest Records

The public's right to access arrest records in Stark County is governed by a comprehensive legal framework that balances transparency with privacy considerations. North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18 establishes the fundamental right of access, stating that "all records of public or governmental bodies, boards, bureaus, commissions, or agencies of the state or any political subdivision of the state, or organizations or agencies supported in whole or in part by public funds, or expending public funds, shall be public records, open and accessible for inspection during reasonable office hours."

The North Dakota Criminal History Record Information Act, codified in Chapter 12-60 of the North Dakota Century Code, further regulates the dissemination of criminal history information, including arrest records. This statute establishes procedures for maintaining accuracy and completeness of criminal history records while ensuring appropriate public access.

Federal regulations, including 28 CFR Part 20, also impact the management and dissemination of arrest records by establishing standards for criminal justice information systems that receive federal funding.

Limitations on Access to Certain Arrest Records

While most arrest records in Stark County are public, certain categories of records are subject to statutory exemptions or restrictions:

Juvenile arrest records are confidential pursuant to North Dakota Century Code § 27-20-52, except under specific circumstances authorized by law
Records pertaining to victims of sexual offenses may have identifying information redacted as required by North Dakota Century Code § 12.1-35-03
Arrests that have been expunged or sealed by court order are removed from public access
Records related to ongoing investigations may be temporarily withheld under investigatory exemptions in North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-19.1
Mental health holds and certain domestic violence protective information may be restricted under federal and state privacy laws

Government agencies in Stark County are required to cite the specific legal authority when denying access to arrest records or redacting information from such records.

Expungement of Arrest Records in Stark County

Individuals seeking to remove arrest records from public access in Stark County may petition for expungement under North Dakota Century Code § 12-60.1. The expungement process allows for the sealing of arrest records under specific circumstances, including:

Arrests that did not result in charges being filed
Cases where charges were dismissed or the individual was acquitted
Certain non-violent offenses after completion of sentence and a waiting period
Arrests resulting from mistaken identity or law enforcement error

The petition for expungement must be filed with the Stark County District Court. Pursuant to North Dakota law, petitioners must demonstrate that the public interest in keeping the records open is outweighed by the harm suffered by the individual due to the continued existence of the record.

Stark County District Court
51 3rd Street E
Dickinson, ND 58601
(701) 456-7630
Official Website

Successful expungement results in the sealing of records from public view, though certain government agencies may retain limited access for law enforcement purposes as specified in North Dakota Century Code § 12-60.1-04.

Using Arrest Records for Background Checks

Employers, landlords, and other entities in Stark County may utilize public arrest records for background screening purposes, subject to limitations imposed by state and federal law. The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) regulates the use of arrest record information by third-party background check companies, requiring disclosure to and consent from the individual being screened.

North Dakota Century Code § 12-60-16.6 establishes procedures for criminal history record checks for certain employment positions, particularly those involving vulnerable populations. Entities conducting background checks using Stark County arrest records should be aware of the following legal considerations:

Arrests that did not lead to convictions may have limited use in employment decisions under federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines
Certain licensed professions have statutory requirements regarding the consideration of criminal history
Public employers in North Dakota must consider evidence of rehabilitation and the relationship between the offense and job duties

The North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation provides additional guidance on the appropriate use of criminal history information for background screening purposes.

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