Lyon County Public Records / Lyon County Arrest Records

Lyon County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Lyon County in 2026

LyonCountyRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to arrest records in Lyon County. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Record categories available through official and third-party channels include arrest logs, booking records, mugshots, criminal court case filings, and inmate roster information. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the source and the disposition of the underlying case.

Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking arrest record information.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office maintains booking and inmate information for individuals processed through the county jail. The Lyon County Sheriff's Office provides access to current inmate rosters and recent arrest information. Available data includes the arrestee's name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis, with most entries reflecting current or recent detentions.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Marshall Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Lyon County. Arrest logs and press releases containing arrest information are periodically published through the Marshall Police Department. Members of the public may contact the department directly to inquire about specific arrest records within city jurisdiction.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

Court cases arising from arrests in Lyon County are filed with the Minnesota Judicial Branch. The public may search for criminal case records, including cases linked to specific arrests, through the Minnesota Court Records Online (MCRO) portal. Searching by an individual's name will return associated criminal case filings, charge information, and hearing dates.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) maintains the state's criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record through the Minnesota BCA Criminal History Records portal. A fee applies for public record requests; current fees are listed on the BCA's official website. The repository includes arrest and conviction data from law enforcement agencies statewide.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Lyon County Sheriff's Office
607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-7666
Lyon County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Visitors should bring a valid government-issued photo ID and any known details about the arrest, including the arrestee's full name and approximate date of arrest
Copy fees apply; payment is accepted in cash or by check

Police Departments:

Marshall Police Department
208 E College Dr, Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-6760
Marshall Police Department

Records requests may be submitted in person during business hours
Staff will advise on applicable fees and processing timelines

Clerk of Court:

Lyon County District Court – Clerk of Court
607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-6734
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Lyon County

Criminal records division handles case file inspection and copy requests
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Copy fees are set by the Minnesota Judicial Branch and are subject to change; current fees are posted at the clerk's window

By Mail:

Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Lyon County Sheriff's Office at 607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258. Requests should include the arrestee's full legal name, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies but is typically completed within ten business days of receipt.

By Phone:

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office may be reached at (507) 537-6760 for general arrest record inquiries. Callers should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available. Phone inquiries provide limited information; staff may direct callers to the online system or an in-person visit for complete records.

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of litigation. Records obtained through discovery in criminal proceedings are governed by applicable court rules and Minnesota Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number (if known)
Location of arrest and jurisdiction

Are Arrest Records Public in Lyon County

Arrest records in Lyon County are public records under Minnesota law. Pursuant to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.82, arrest data collected by law enforcement agencies is classified as public data and is accessible to any member of the public upon request. This classification reflects the state's commitment to government transparency, public safety awareness, and accountability in law enforcement.

The public nature of arrest records serves several recognized purposes, including enabling journalism and investigative reporting, supporting background screening by employers and licensing agencies, facilitating legal proceedings, and allowing community members to remain informed about law enforcement activity in their area.

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Mugshot/booking photograph
Bond and bail information
Custody status
Basic demographic information (age, physical description)

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under Minnesota law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Active investigation data that would compromise an ongoing inquiry
Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants
Victim identifying information in certain case types
Information pertaining to witness protection participants

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The Minnesota Constitution and the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act together establish the framework for public access to government records. The balance between transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory classifications that distinguish between public, private, and confidential data. First Amendment principles support press access to arrest information, while due process considerations inform restrictions on the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA)
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681, which governs the use of consumer reports including criminal history data. Minnesota's ban-the-box law restricts when employers may inquire about criminal history during the hiring process. A critical distinction exists between arrest records and conviction records; an arrest without a resulting conviction does not establish guilt and carries different legal weight in employment and housing decisions.

What's in Lyon County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth and age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
Address at time of arrest (may be limited in public release)

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest (street address or general area)
Arresting agency (Sheriff's Office, Police Department, State Patrol, etc.)
Arresting officer name and badge number (in some records)
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information, if applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Minnesota statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification (felony degree or misdemeanor class)
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Gang-related designation, if applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records releases
Personal property inventory

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status (in custody, released, or bonded out)
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance (PR bond), or no bond
Bail bondsman information, if applicable
Release date and time, if released
Release conditions, if public

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment, if available

Prior Arrest History (may be included):

Previous arrests in the county
Previous booking numbers
Historical charges
Prior arrest history is not always included in a current arrest record

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest or police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Substance abuse information
Social Security number (redacted)
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and investigative information
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences imposed
Background checks are comprehensive screenings drawing from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Lyon County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Lyon County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, Minn. Stat. § 13.03, government entities may charge for the actual cost of searching for and retrieving data, as well as for copies.

Standard Fee Structure:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25 per page (standard)
Certified copies	Varies by office; typically $5.00–$14.00
Electronic records	May be provided at no charge or at actual cost
Search fee	Agencies may charge for staff time on complex requests
BCA criminal history (public request)	$8.00 per subject (current BCA fee)

Inspection of public records at the agency's office is available at no charge; fees apply only to copies
Certification fees vary by office and document type
Electronic format records may be provided at reduced or no cost depending on the agency
Accepted payment methods at the Lyon County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash and check; individual offices should be contacted to confirm current accepted payment methods
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where disclosure is determined to be in the public interest; requesters should inquire directly with the relevant agency

Members of the public may inspect arrest records in person at no cost. The BCA's online criminal history search portal charges a per-subject fee for public requests, while law enforcement agency checks conducted for official purposes may be processed at no charge.

How To Delete Arrest Records in Lyon County

In Minnesota, the legal process for removing arrest records from public access is referred to as expungement. Expungement is a court-ordered remedy that seals or destroys records related to an arrest or criminal case, restricting public access. Sealing limits who may view the records, while statutory expungement under Minnesota law may also require the BCA and other agencies to seal their copies.

Distinction Between Expungement and Sealing:

Under Minn. Stat. § 609A.02, Minnesota provides for both judicial expungement (court records only) and statutory expungement (which extends to executive branch agency records, including law enforcement). Statutory expungement provides broader relief and is available in specific circumstances defined by law.

Eligibility for Expungement:

A petition for expungement may be filed in the following circumstances:

The case was resolved in favor of the petitioner (acquittal, dismissal, or charges not filed)
The petitioner successfully completed a diversion program or stayed adjudication
The petitioner was convicted of a qualifying offense and has completed the sentence, with a sufficient waiting period having elapsed
Certain first-time drug offenses and low-level misdemeanors may qualify after a waiting period

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the criminal record from the BCA and the court to identify all records subject to expungement
Complete the expungement petition forms available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch self-help center
File the petition with the Lyon County District Court Clerk of Court at 607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258
Serve copies of the petition on all agencies that hold records related to the arrest, including the BCA, the arresting law enforcement agency, and the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled expungement hearing; the court will consider the petition and any objections filed by agencies
If granted, the court issues an expungement order directing all named agencies to seal or destroy their records

Contact Information for Expungement Assistance:

Lyon County District Court – Clerk of Court
607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-6734
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Expungement

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
1430 Maryland Ave E, St. Paul, MN 55106
Phone: (651) 793-2400
Minnesota BCA

Tenth Judicial District Public Defender's Office
Individuals who cannot afford an attorney may seek assistance from the public defender's office in pursuing expungement. Eligibility is based on income.

What Happens After Arrest in Lyon County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Following an arrest in Lyon County, the arrested individual is transported to the Lyon County Jail, located at 607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest within the county. The individual remains in custody during transport.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the booking facility, the following steps are completed:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph (mugshot) is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to the state and federal databases
A criminal history and outstanding warrants check is conducted
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are administered
Housing classification is determined

The booking process typically takes between one and four hours depending on facility volume.

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under Minnesota law, an arrested individual must be brought before a judge or judicial officer without unnecessary delay, and no later than 36 hours after arrest (excluding weekends and holidays) if held in custody. At the first appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained

Hearings may be conducted via video conference. Court schedules are available through the Minnesota Judicial Branch.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
Amount is set by the presiding judge or magistrate

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount
The bondsman assumes financial responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk

No Bond:

The individual is held without the possibility of release on bond
Circumstances include serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision compliance.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release typically takes between one and eight hours
Personal property is returned
A court date is provided in writing
Written conditions of release are issued
Failure to appear at all court dates results in bond forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody pending further proceedings
Housing assignment, inmate orientation, commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

Tenth Judicial District Public Defender
Serving Lyon County
Phone: (320) 589-7100
Minnesota Board of Public Defense

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. An application is completed at or shortly after the first appearance.

Private Attorney:

Defendants have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of proceedings. The Minnesota State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service provides referrals to licensed attorneys. Attorney visits at the jail are confidential.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Lyon County Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an Information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges. For felony matters, a grand jury indictment may be sought in appropriate cases.

Lyon County Attorney's Office
607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-6724
Lyon County Attorney

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the defendant is formally informed of the charges and enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

Discovery involves the exchange of evidence between the prosecution and defense, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings.

Pretrial motions may include motions to suppress evidence, motions to dismiss, and motions for additional discovery. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution, plea negotiations, and trial readiness.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects; expungement may be available
Diversion Programs: Pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court; successful completion results in dismissal of charges
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea to agreed-upon charges with a negotiated sentence recommendation
Trial: A jury trial or bench trial is conducted; if found guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing (if convicted):

The judge may impose a sentence that includes incarceration, probation, fines and costs, restitution to victims, community service, treatment programming, or a combination of these options. Credit is applied for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: Within 36 hours (excluding weekends and holidays)
First appearance to arraignment: Days to weeks depending on charge level
Arraignment to trial or resolution: Months, varying widely by case complexity
Misdemeanors: Resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: May take six months to over a year depending on complexity
The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed under the Minnesota Constitution and applicable court rules

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Lyon County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-6760
Inmate Information: (507) 537-6760
Lyon County Sheriff's Office

Lyon County District Court – Clerk of Court
607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-6734
Minnesota Judicial Branch – Lyon County

Lyon County Attorney's Office
607 W Main St, Marshall, MN 56258
Phone: (507) 537-6724
Lyon County Attorney

Minnesota Board of Public Defense
Phone: (320) 589-7100
Minnesota Board of Public Defense

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends to assist with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Lyon County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Lyon County is governed by Minnesota state law and the records retention schedules established by the Minnesota Historical Society and applicable state agencies. Under Minnesota's records management statutes, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to follow approved retention schedules that specify how long various categories of records must be maintained before they may be destroyed or transferred to archival storage.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, the Minnesota BCA, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC)
Felony conviction records are maintained indefinitely across all repositories

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the state repository
Court records for misdemeanor convictions are maintained for a minimum of ten years under Minnesota court records retention schedules, with many retained permanently in electronic systems

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement records are retained for a minimum of several years even when charges are dismissed
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in the state repository unless expungement is ordered

Acquittals (Not Guilty):

Local law enforcement retains records for a defined period
Court records are often retained permanently
State repository records may be sealed or expunged upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a minimum period before becoming eligible for destruction
Local arrest logs are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
These records may be eligible for expungement in appropriate cases

No-Information (Prosecutor Declined):

Law enforcement retains records for the applicable retention period
These cases are among those most commonly eligible for expungement

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork, fingerprint cards, and photographs are retained according to the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule for law enforcement agencies
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and charge classification

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records are retained for a minimum of three years under standard schedules
Records management system entries are often retained permanently
Mugshot databases vary in retention policy by agency
Court electronic records are generally retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies may retain records indefinitely
These databases are not controlled by law enforcement and may not update when records are expunged
The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate and current information

Retention by Agency:

Lyon County Sheriff's Office:

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the Minnesota General Records Retention Schedule
Investigative files are retained based on charge classification and case outcome
Contact: (507) 537-6760

Marshall Police Department:

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable state retention schedule
Contact: (507) 537-6760

Lyon County District Court – Clerk of Court:

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a minimum of ten years
Electronic records are retained permanently in the Minnesota court electronic filing system

Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension:

The BCA maintains the state criminal history repository and retains records from all jurisdictions statewide
Retention policy is governed by state statute and BCA administrative rules
Minnesota BCA Criminal History Records

FBI Database:

The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and the Interstate Identification Index (III) retain records at the federal level, typically permanently
These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used for employment background checks, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction:

Records are retained permanently in most databases and constitute a permanent part of the individual's criminal history

Dismissal:

Records may remain in databases unless expungement is ordered; dismissed charges are not reported on most standard background checks

Expungement:

Physical records are sealed or destroyed at the local level; the BCA updates its repository upon receipt of the court order; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from all systems typically takes several weeks to months following the court order

No Charges Filed:

These records have the shortest standard retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable retention period expires; immediate expungement may be available in some cases

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent Arrests:

Available online through the Sheriff's Office inmate roster and the MCRO court search portal; updated regularly

Older Arrests:

May require an in-person request at the Sheriff's Office or Clerk of Court
Records may be stored in archives with a possible retrieval fee and longer processing time

Very Old Arrests:

Records may not be digitized and may exist only in paper form
Some records may have been destroyed pursuant to the applicable retention schedule
Contact the Lyon County Sheriff's Office Records Division at (507) 537-6760 for information about specific historical records

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court-ordered expungement, or in accordance with the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention requirements, including felony convictions, serious violent offenses, sex offenses, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. Minnesota law provides additional protections limiting the use of arrest records that did not result in conviction in employment decisions. Third-party websites may not reflect expungements or record updates, and individuals who have obtained expungement orders should monitor their records across multiple platforms.