Morton County Arrest Records
How To Look Up Arrest Records in Morton County in 2026
MortonRecords.us provides data and publicly available information related to arrest records in Morton County, North Dakota. Members of the public may find booking details, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through official government sources and third-party directories. Record categories available through official channels include arrest logs, booking records, criminal history summaries, court case filings, and inmate custody status. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the requesting agency and the disposition of the underlying case.
Official arrest records in Morton County may be searched through the Morton County Sheriff's Office, the South Central Judicial District Court, the North Dakota Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the North Dakota Courts public access portal. The following sections detail each available method.
Online Methods:
1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records
The Morton County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals taken into custody within the county. The Sheriff's Office public safety hub provides access to current inmate information and recent arrest activity. Available data includes arrestee name, booking date, charges, and custody status. The roster is updated on a rolling basis as bookings and releases occur.
Individuals arrested in Morton County and held at the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center may also be located through the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center inmate search, which allows the public to search current detainees by name.
2. Local Police Departments
The City of Mandan Police Department serves as the primary municipal law enforcement agency within Morton County. Arrest information originating from Mandan Police Department activity may appear in court filings accessible through the state courts portal. Press releases and public safety notices issued by the department periodically include arrest information for matters of public interest.
Mandan Police Department
205 2nd Ave NW
Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3250
Mandan Police Department
3. County Clerk of Court Case Search
Arrest records are frequently linked to criminal case filings in the South Central Judicial District. Members of the public may search case records by defendant name through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal. This system returns case numbers, charge descriptions, hearing dates, and case dispositions associated with arrests that resulted in formal charges.
Morton County Clerk of District Court
210 2nd Ave NW
Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3355
North Dakota Courts
4. State Law Enforcement Database
The North Dakota Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) maintains the state's central criminal history repository. Members of the public may submit a criminal history record check request to obtain a statewide summary of an individual's arrest and conviction history. The standard fee for a public name-based criminal history check is $15.00, payable by check or money order made out to "ND Attorney General." The BCI record includes arrests from all jurisdictions within North Dakota that have reported to the state repository.
North Dakota Attorney General – Bureau of Criminal Investigation
4205 State St
Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 328-5500
Bureau of Criminal Investigation
For individuals currently incarcerated in a state correctional facility, the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Resident Lookup provides current custody status and facility assignment.
In-Person Access:
Sheriff's Office:
Morton County Sheriff's Office
210 2nd Ave NW
Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3330
Morton County Sheriff's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Requestors should present a valid government-issued photo ID
- Specific information such as the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date expedites the search
- Copy fees are assessed per page in accordance with North Dakota Century Code § 44-04-18, which governs fees for public records copies
Clerk of Court:
Morton County Clerk of District Court
210 2nd Ave NW
Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3355
North Dakota Courts
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- Criminal case files are open for public inspection during business hours
- Copy fees: $0.25 per page for standard copies; certified copies carry an additional certification fee
By Mail:
Written requests for arrest records may be directed to the Morton County Sheriff's Office at 210 2nd Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554. Requests should include the subject's full legal name, date of birth, approximate date of arrest, booking number if known, and the requestor's return mailing address and contact information. Payment for copies should be enclosed in the form of a check or money order. Processing time for mailed requests is typically 5–10 business days, subject to volume.
By Phone:
- Morton County Sheriff's Office: (701) 667-3330
- Phone inquiries are limited to general custody status and basic booking information
- Detailed record copies require an in-person visit or written request
- Requestors should have the subject's full name, date of birth, and approximate arrest date available
Through Legal Channels:
Attorneys of record may obtain more detailed arrest documentation, including police reports and investigative materials, through the formal discovery process. Subpoenas directed to the custodial agency compel production of records not otherwise available to the general public. Defense counsel may also access records through the South Central Judicial District's case management system.
Information Needed for Search:
- Full legal name (first and last name at minimum)
- Date of birth or approximate age
- Approximate date of arrest
- Booking number, if known
- Jurisdiction of arrest (Sheriff's Office, Mandan PD, or other agency)
Are Arrest Records Public in Morton County
Arrest records in Morton County are public records under North Dakota law. Pursuant to § 44-04-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, all government records are presumed open to public inspection unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Arrest records fall within this presumption of openness because they document the exercise of governmental authority and serve the public interest in transparency, community safety, journalistic accountability, and informed background screening.
What Arrest Information Is Public:
- Arrestee name and known aliases
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest
- Arresting agency and, in some cases, arresting officer name
- Charges filed at the time of arrest
- Booking number
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Bond or bail amount and type
- Current custody status
- Basic demographic information including age and physical description
Limitations on Public Access:
- Juvenile arrest records are restricted under North Dakota law and are not available to the general public
- Expunged or sealed records are removed from public access by court order
- Information pertaining to active criminal investigations may be withheld to protect investigative integrity
- Identities of undercover officers and confidential informants are exempt from disclosure
- Victim-identifying information is protected in cases involving sexual offenses and certain violent crimes
- Witness protection participants are not identified in public records
Constitutional and Legal Basis:
North Dakota's open records framework reflects the constitutional principle that government operations must remain transparent to the public. The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution supports press access to arrest information as a matter of public concern. Due process considerations require that arrest records accurately reflect the status of charges, including dismissals and acquittals, to prevent undue prejudice to individuals whose cases did not result in conviction.
Who Can Access Arrest Records:
- Members of the general public
- Media organizations and journalists
- Employers conducting background screening (subject to Fair Credit Reporting Act restrictions)
- Landlords (subject to applicable housing discrimination laws)
- Professional licensing agencies
- Background check companies operating under FCRA compliance
- Attorneys and legal professionals
- Academic researchers
Restrictions on Use:
The federal Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) governs the use of arrest records in employment and housing decisions. Arrests that did not result in conviction may not be reported by consumer reporting agencies after seven years under standard FCRA provisions. North Dakota does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, but federal contractors are subject to applicable federal guidance. Employers and landlords are advised to distinguish between arrests and convictions when making adverse decisions.
What's in Morton County Arrest Records
Personal Identification Information:
- Full legal name and any aliases or "also known as" designations
- Date of birth and age at time of arrest
- Sex and race or ethnicity
- Height, weight, eye color, and hair color
- Identifying marks such as scars or tattoos
- Address at time of arrest (may be partially redacted)
Arrest Details:
- Date and time of arrest
- Location of arrest by street address or general area
- Arresting agency (Morton County Sheriff's Office, Mandan Police Department, North Dakota Highway Patrol, or other)
- Booking date and time
- Booking number or arrest number
- Warrant information, if the arrest was warrant-based
Charges Information:
- Specific criminal charges by statute
- Statute numbers violated under the North Dakota Century Code
- Charge classification (Class A, B, or C felony; Class A, B, or C misdemeanor; infraction)
- Number of counts per charge
- Domestic violence designation, if applicable
Booking Information:
- Booking facility name and location
- Intake timestamp
- Booking photograph
- Fingerprints (collected during booking but not included in public-facing records)
- Personal property inventory
Custody and Bond Information:
- Current custody status (in custody, released, or transferred)
- Bond amount as set by the court
- Bond type: cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance, or no bond
- Release date and time, if applicable
- Conditions of release, if made part of the public court record
Court Information:
- Court case number assigned upon filing of charges
- Jurisdiction (South Central Judicial District)
- Scheduled arraignment date
- Judge assignment, if available through the courts portal
What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:
- Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
- Witness statements and victim information
- Evidence collected during the investigation
- Medical or mental health screening results
- Social Security number (redacted by law)
- Bank account or financial information
Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:
- Police reports: Contain detailed incident narratives and investigative information not available in the booking record
- Court records: Document legal proceedings that follow an arrest, including hearings, motions, and dispositions
- Criminal records: Reflect convictions and sentences, not merely arrests
- Background checks: Aggregate data from multiple sources including court records, state repositories, and federal databases
How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Morton County?
The cost to obtain arrest records in Morton County depends on the requesting agency and the format of the records sought. Under § 44-04-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, government agencies may charge fees that do not exceed the actual cost of providing the records.
| Record Type | Fee | Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Public inspection (in-person) | No charge | Sheriff's Office / Clerk of Court |
| Standard paper copies | $0.25 per page | Sheriff's Office / Clerk of Court |
| Certified court copies | $0.25 per page + certification fee | Clerk of District Court |
| State criminal history check (name-based) | $15.00 | ND Attorney General BCI |
| State criminal history check (fingerprint-based) | $30.00 | ND Attorney General BCI |
| Electronic records (where available) | Varies | Requesting agency |
Accepted payment methods at the Morton County Sheriff's Office and Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order. The North Dakota Attorney General's BCI accepts payment by check or money order only, made payable to "ND Attorney General." Cash is not accepted at the BCI office.
Members of the public may inspect records in person at no charge. Fees apply only when copies are requested. Indigent individuals or those acting in the public interest may inquire about fee waiver provisions, though waivers are not guaranteed and are subject to agency discretion.
Online access through the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal is available at no charge for basic case information. Fees apply for document downloads or certified copies ordered through the court system.
How To Delete Arrest Records in Morton County
North Dakota law provides two primary mechanisms for limiting public access to arrest records: expungement (destruction or removal of records) and sealing (restricting public access while retaining the record). Under § 12-60-16.6 of the North Dakota Century Code, individuals may petition for the sealing of criminal records under specified circumstances.
Expungement vs. Sealing:
- Expungement results in the physical destruction or permanent removal of the record from agency files and the state repository. Once expunged, the record is treated as though it never existed for most purposes.
- Sealing restricts public access to the record but does not destroy it. Law enforcement agencies and courts retain access to sealed records for official purposes.
Eligibility for Sealing or Expungement:
- Arrests that did not result in conviction (charges dismissed, acquittal, or no charges filed) are eligible for sealing upon petition to the district court
- Individuals who completed a deferred imposition of sentence and had charges dismissed may petition for sealing after the required waiting period
- Certain misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for sealing after a period of law-abiding conduct following sentence completion
- Felony convictions are not eligible for expungement under current North Dakota law, with limited exceptions
- Juvenile records are subject to separate sealing procedures under the juvenile court statutes
Steps to Petition for Sealing:
- Obtain the case number and full case details from the North Dakota Courts Records Inquiry portal
- Complete the petition for sealing form available from the Morton County Clerk of District Court
- File the petition with the South Central Judicial District Court and pay the applicable filing fee
- Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office (Morton County State's Attorney)
- Attend the scheduled hearing, at which the court will determine whether sealing is appropriate
- If granted, the court issues an order directing all relevant agencies to seal or destroy the record
Morton County State's Attorney's Office
210 2nd Ave NW
Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3360
Morton County
Morton County Clerk of District Court
210 2nd Ave NW
Mandan, ND 58554
Phone: (701) 667-3355
North Dakota Courts
Individuals seeking to seal or expunge records are advised to consult with a licensed North Dakota attorney, as eligibility requirements and procedural rules are case-specific.
What Happens After Arrest in Morton County?
Immediate Post-Arrest Process:
1. Transport to Jail
Following an arrest in Morton County, the arrested individual is transported to the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center, which serves as the primary detention facility for Morton County arrestees.
Burleigh/Morton Detention Center
514 E Thayer Ave
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 255-3113
Burleigh/Morton Detention Center
2. Booking Process
Upon arrival at the detention center, the arrested individual undergoes the standard booking process, which typically takes one to four hours depending on facility volume. The booking process includes:
- Recording of personal identification information
- Advisement of Miranda rights, if not previously given
- Booking photograph (mugshot)
- Fingerprint collection
- Criminal history and outstanding warrants check
- Personal property inventory and storage
- Medical and brief mental health screening
- Housing classification assignment
3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing
Under North Dakota law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate or judge without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours following a warrantless arrest. At the initial appearance:
- The court formally advises the defendant of the charges
- The right to appointed counsel is addressed for indigent defendants
- Bond or bail is set or denied
- The defendant is advised of rights
The South Central Judicial District Court handles initial appearances for Morton County arrests. Hearings may be conducted via video conference from the detention facility.
Bond/Bail Process:
Types of Bond:
Cash Bond: The full bond amount must be paid in cash or certified funds. The amount is refunded at case conclusion, minus applicable fees, provided all court appearances are made.
Surety Bond: The defendant or a family member engages a licensed bail bondsman, who posts the full bond amount in exchange for a non-refundable premium, typically ten percent of the bond amount.
Personal Recognizance (PR Bond): The defendant is released on a written promise to appear without monetary payment. Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, nature of charges, and assessed flight risk.
No Bond: The court may order detention without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or active out-of-state warrants.
Conditions of Release 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, release processing at the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center typically takes one to eight hours. The released individual receives personal property, a written court date, and conditions of release documentation. Failure to appear results in bond forfeiture and issuance of an arrest warrant.
Accessing Legal Representation:
South Central Judicial District Public Defender
514 E Thayer Ave, Suite 200
Bismarck, ND 58501
Phone: (701) 328-3600
North Dakota Public Defender
Individuals who cannot afford private counsel may apply for appointment of a public defender at the initial appearance. Private attorneys may visit clients at the Burleigh/Morton Detention Center by scheduling a confidential consultation through the facility.
Charging Decision:
The Morton County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges, request additional investigation, decline prosecution, or file modified charges. For felony matters, the State's Attorney may present the case to a grand jury. The arraignment, at which the defendant enters a formal plea, is scheduled after charges are filed.
Court Process Overview:
The pretrial phase includes discovery exchange, pretrial motions (including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges), pretrial conferences, and plea negotiations. Case resolution options include dismissal, diversion programs such as drug court or veterans court, plea agreements, or trial. If convicted, sentencing options include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, and treatment programs.
Timeline Overview:
- Arrest to first appearance: Within 48 hours
- First appearance to arraignment: Days to several weeks, depending on charge complexity
- Arraignment to resolution: Several months for misdemeanors; six months to over one year for felonies
- Right to speedy trial: Governed by the Sixth Amendment and North Dakota court rules
Rights Throughout the Process:
- Right to remain silent
- Right to counsel
- Right to a speedy and public trial
- Right to confront witnesses
- Right to present a defense
- Right against self-incrimination
- Right to appeal a conviction
How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Morton County?
Records Retention Overview:
Retention of arrest records in Morton County is governed by North Dakota state law, the North Dakota State Records Committee retention schedules, and individual agency policies. Records retention schedules establish minimum periods for which agencies must maintain records before authorized destruction.
Arrest Records Retention by Type:
Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):
Felony Convictions:
- Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, and the North Dakota BCI state repository
- Entered into the FBI's National Crime Information Center (NCIC) and Interstate Identification Index (III), where federal retention is effectively permanent
Misdemeanor Convictions:
- Retained permanently or for a minimum of ten years by local law enforcement and the Clerk of Court
- Reported to and retained by the state BCI repository
Arrest Records (No Conviction):
Dismissed Charges:
- Local law enforcement retains booking records for a minimum of three to seven years under standard retention schedules
- Court records are retained permanently in the electronic case management system
- Records may remain in the state repository unless the subject successfully petitions for sealing
Acquittals:
- Court records are retained permanently
- Local law enforcement retains arrest records per standard retention schedules
- Eligible for sealing upon petition
Charges Not Filed:
- Booking records are retained for a minimum of three years
- Eligible for sealing or expungement upon petition to the district court
Digital vs. Physical Records:
Physical Records:
- Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards: Retained per agency retention schedule, minimum three to seven years for non-conviction records
- Photographs: Retained with the associated booking record
Digital Records:
- Records management system entries: Retained permanently in most agency systems
- Court electronic records: Retained permanently in the North Dakota Courts case management system
- Computer-aided dispatch (CAD) records: Retained for a minimum of three years
Third-Party Databases:
Commercial background check companies and mugshot aggregator websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not subject to the same retention and removal obligations as government agencies. The FCRA requires that consumer reporting agencies maintain accurate records, but third-party websites operating outside the FCRA framework are not compelled to update or remove records following expungement unless subject to a court order.
Retention by Agency:
Morton County Sheriff's Office:
- Booking records: Minimum three to seven years for non-conviction arrests; permanent for conviction-related records
- Arrest reports: Retained per North Dakota State Records Committee schedule
- Phone: (701) 667-3330
Clerk of District Court:
- Felony case files: Permanent retention
- Misdemeanor case files: Minimum ten years
- Electronic records: Permanent in the court case management system
North Dakota BCI State Repository:
- Maintains arrest and conviction records from all reporting jurisdictions statewide
- Retention follows state criminal history repository policy; conviction records are permanent
FBI Database:
- NCIC and III records are retained at the federal level and accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide for background checks related to employment, firearms purchases, and other authorized purposes
Effect of Disposition on Retention:
- Conviction: Permanent retention across all databases
- Dismissal: Remains in databases unless sealed by court order; local retention per schedule
- Expungement/Sealing: Local records sealed or destroyed; state repository updated; FBI database may retain with a notation indicating the record has been sealed
- No Charges Filed: Shortest retention period; may be purged after three years; eligible for immediate sealing petition
Impact on Background Checks:
Under the FCRA, most employment background checks cover a seven-year lookback period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. North Dakota does not currently impose a shorter reporting period by state statute for conviction records. Arrests without conviction are not to be used as the sole basis for adverse employment decisions in jurisdictions with applicable fair chance ordinances.
How to Check Retention Status:
Members of the public may contact the Morton County Sheriff's Records Division at (701) 667-3330 or submit a written public records request to inquire about the retention status of a specific arrest record. Fees may apply for copies of responsive records.