North Dakota Criminal Records

Are criminal records public in North Dakota?

The North Dakota Open Records Statute allows people to search for and easily access criminal records. The purpose of the statute is to hold the government accountable when handling documents about citizens of the United States. Additionally, third-party companies can have access to criminal record databases.

How do I find criminal records in North Dakota?

In the State of North Dakota, there are several different ways of performing background checks, although getting legitimate results can be a complicated task. The institutions to go to when it comes to criminal background checking are the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, a branch of the Attorney General's Office; the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation; and the North Dakota State Court.

What is Megan's Law in North Dakota?

Megan's Law in North Dakota is a law that requires individuals that have been convicted of sex offenses to be put on a registry. The registry contains their personal information, location, vehicles, and past sex offenses. People considered low-risk must register for 15 years, moderate risk registers for 25 years, and high-risk registers for life.

How do I find sex offenders in North Dakota?

North Dakota has a sex offender registry online where you can search for lists of low and moderate-risk offenders and directly search for high-risk offenders and sexually violent predators. Their registry is different than most other states because you cannot directly search for low-risk offenders.

Are mugshots public record in North Dakota?

Mugshots appear on most criminal-related records in North Dakota. They will be on inmate records, sex offender registries, arrest records, and others. Mugshots are used to confirm the identity of an offender from a victim and are also used if someone is a fugitive.

Can I get rid of my criminal record in North Dakota?

Because of a law enacted in 2019, people can make their criminal records confidential through a process called sealing. Misdemeanor convictions require three years of waiting for eligibility, and felonies require five years of waiting. Felonies involving violence take ten years.

How do I get my record expunged in North Dakota?

To seal your record in North Dakota, you have to file a petition to do so at the criminal court that heard your case. It is recommended to get an attorney for this process because there is no guarantee the court will grant the sealing of your record.

What is a felony in North Dakota?

North Dakota felonies are any crime that is punishable above 360 days. There are Class AA, A, B, C felonies, with AA having the highest possible sentence and C having the lowest possible sentence for a felony. Examples of felonies include premeditated murder, DUI resulting in great bodily harm, manslaughter, and rape.

What is a misdemeanor in North Dakota?

A misdemeanor is a crime that can only be sentenced to up to 360 days in North Dakota. Class A misdemeanors carry this maximum punishment as well as a maximum fine of $3000. Class B misdemeanors only can result in a maximum of 30 days in prison and a fine up to $1500. Examples of misdemeanors include trespassing, vandalism, urinating in public, and low-level assault.

How far back can employers check a criminal background in North Dakota?

North Dakota employers can see past convictions no matter how long ago they were committed. However, you have a federal right to request a copy of all the criminal information they gather about you. Additionally, employers cannot inquire about arrests older than seven years.

How do I find inmates in North Dakota?

North Dakota has an inmate locator tool that lets you search by first or last name and will bring up a list of results according to the name. Clicking on one of the results will let you see a mugshot of them, their facility they're being held at, and the estimated release date.

How do I search for arrest records in North Dakota?

Arrest's record can be found in North Dakota in the same way as getting a criminal background check through either the courts or the Bureau of Information in North Dakota. You could also contact a police department about recent local arrests.

What's inside an arrest record in North Dakota?

Arrest records in North Dakota contain information relating to the arrest of an individual. It will have the police report, name of the arresting officer, date and location of the arrest, the crimes charged, and the local detention facility the individual was taken to.

How do I find court records in Cass County?

Cass County court records can be accessed using a statewide court record search website in North Dakota. You can search by name, location, case number, etc. There are criminal, traffic, civil, and family records that are all accessible this way.

How do I find police reports in North Dakota?

Police reports in North Dakota are found on a city or county level, and many cities maintain websites that keep track of all recent police reports. The information contained in a police report will be a description of the incident and details of the arrest.

How do you check for arrest warrants in North Dakota?

North Dakota arrest warrants can be found by contacting the local police department in your area. Additionally, certain websites maintain arrest warrant information and can provide them. Arrest warrants give the police power to find an individual that a criminal complaint has been filed for.

How do I find someone's parole status in North Dakota?

North Dakota manages inmate's paroles through the Parole Board. You can contact them to get information on someone's parole. Additionally, the North Dakota Department of Corrections might have information on the inmate's parole status.

Is DUI a felony in North Dakota?

Typically, in North Dakota, a DUI will not be a felony unless it is an individual's fourth felony or there were aggravating circumstances. Aggravating circumstances are things like having a minor in the car, causing injury or death, and a few others.

Are juvenile criminal records sealed in North Dakota?

Typically, juvenile criminal records will be sealed by the courts in North Dakota. If the juvenile was tried as an adult, however, then the conviction will still appear on their record. Certain agencies will be able to access them, like the military and anyone who receives a court order.