Search Houston County Warrant Records
Houston County warrant records are handled by the District Court and the Sheriff's Office at the Justice Center in Caledonia. This southeastern Minnesota county has a population of about 18,500 and is part of the 3rd Judicial District. Sheriff Brian L. Sweberg leads the office, which manages warrant service, jail operations, and records. The Justice Center opened in 2011 and houses the Sheriff's Office, Court Administration, Department of Corrections, County Attorney, and Victim Services. You can search for court records through the state online system or call the Sheriff at 507-725-3379 for warrant-related questions.
Houston County Overview
Houston County Justice Center
The Houston County Justice Center at 306 South Marshall Street in Caledonia is the hub for warrant processing in the county. The building houses several agencies under one roof, which makes coordination on warrant cases more efficient. Sheriff Brian L. Sweberg can be reached at extension 4101, and Chief Deputy Bill Hargrove is at extension 4102.
The jail within the Justice Center has capacity for 30 inmates in 41 unit cells with double bunking capability. Jail Administrator Rachel Meyer manages daily operations at extension 4120. People arrested on warrants in Houston County are processed and held here. The facility also offers programs including substance abuse treatment, education services, and work release for eligible inmates.
You can visit the Houston County Sheriff's Office page for more details on services and contact information.
The Sheriff's Office page provides details on staff, jail operations, and law enforcement services in Houston County.
| Office | Houston County Sheriff's Office |
|---|---|
| Address | 306 South Marshall Street, Caledonia, MN 55921 |
| Sheriff | Brian L. Sweberg - ext 4101 |
| Chief Deputy | Bill Hargrove - ext 4102 |
| Phone | (507) 725-3379 |
How to Find Houston County Warrants
The Minnesota Court Records Online system is the primary tool for searching court records in Houston County from home. Search by name or case number. The system shows case type, docket entries, hearing dates, and some documents. It covers all district courts in the state and is free to use.
In-person searches are available at the Justice Center in Caledonia during regular business hours. Court administration staff can look up cases and provide copies. For older records that may not appear in the online system, visiting the courthouse or calling is your best bet.
The Houston County official website provides links to county departments and public services.
The county website connects you to the Sheriff's Office, court administration, and other agencies involved with warrant records in Houston County.
Note: Under Minn. Stat. 13.82, active warrant index data is confidential until the person is arrested, served, or appears in court.
Warrant Laws That Apply in Houston County
Houston County follows Minnesota state law for all warrant matters. Under Minn. Stat. 626.08, search warrants require probable cause supported by a sworn affidavit. The application must describe the person, place, and property with enough detail to prevent broad or general searches.
A Houston County judge reviews the affidavit and decides if the standard has been met. Under Minn. Stat. 626.11, if the judge is satisfied that probable cause exists, the warrant must be issued. The word "shall" in the statute makes issuance mandatory once the legal bar is cleared. Warrants must be executed and returned within 10 days, or they become void under Minn. Stat. 626.15.
Service timing is regulated too. Standard hours for warrant service are 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. under Minn. Stat. 626.14. Nighttime service needs extra proof. Houston County also shares all warrant data with the BCA statewide system per Minn. Stat. 299C.115.
Resolving a Houston County Warrant
If you have a warrant in Houston County, act quickly. Call a lawyer or contact the court to discuss your options. For bench warrants from missed hearings, you may be able to set a new date. For arrest warrants on criminal charges, an attorney can help arrange a voluntary surrender that keeps you more in control of the process.
The Minnesota Judicial Branch website has court forms and self-help guides. Legal aid groups in the 3rd Judicial District serve Houston County residents who qualify for free legal help. You can also contact the Minnesota State Bar Association at (612) 752-6699 for a referral to a local attorney who handles criminal and warrant cases.
Houston County Jail and Custody Records
People arrested on warrants in Houston County are held at the Justice Center jail in Caledonia. The facility can house up to 30 male and female inmates in 41 unit cells with double bunking capability. Jail Administrator Rachel Meyer manages daily operations and can be reached at extension 4120 through the main phone number.
The jail offers visiting hours on Thursdays from 12:15 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Sundays from 5:15 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. All visits use video visitation through the Turnkey system. There is no face-to-face contact. Inmates have access to several programs, including substance abuse treatment, adult basic education, religious services, job search help, and work release for those who qualify.
Fingerprinting services are available at the Justice Center by appointment on Wednesday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. The cost is $10.00 per card. Call extension 4124 or 4126 to set up an appointment. This service is separate from the warrant records process but is available at the same building.
Communities in Houston County
Houston County communities include Caledonia, La Crescent, Houston, Spring Grove, and Hokah. None are above the major population threshold. All warrant cases are processed through the Houston County District Court at the Justice Center in Caledonia.
Nearby Counties
Houston County is at the far southeastern tip of Minnesota, bordering Wisconsin and Iowa. These nearby counties have their own court systems.