How to Look Up a Court Date in Minnesota
Minnesota posts district court hearings online through MCRO. The catch: open criminal cases don't come up by the defendant's name, so you'll usually need the case number.
Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
Use MCRO's Hearing Search
- Open Minnesota Court Records Online and choose Hearing Search.
- Search by case number for the most reliable result. You can also search by name, attorney, attorney bar number, or judicial officer.
- Note the date, time, courtroom, and courthouse, then double-check with the court the day before.
Search tips
- Open criminal cases need the case number. Name searches don't return pending criminal cases.
- Name searches are exact. Use a wildcard (*) or "Sounds Like" to widen them.
- No spaces in case numbers. Use only letters, numbers, and hyphens.
- Citation number works too. If you got a ticket, Case Search accepts the citation number.
Other ways to find a court date
- County jail roster: many rosters list the next court date for people in custody. Find the county.
- Court administration: call the court administrator in the county where the case is filed.
- Courthouse terminals: public access computers at any Minnesota district courthouse search statewide records and show more than the website.
Missing a court date can lead to a warrant. If you think you've missed one, see how to check for a warrant.
Common questions
Why doesn't my case show up when I search my name?
MCRO doesn't return pending criminal cases, meaning cases without a conviction, in name searches. Search by case number or citation number instead.
Where do I find my case number?
It's on the citation, complaint, or release paperwork. Many county jail rosters also list case numbers and court dates.
Related guides
How to Find Out if Someone Is in Jail in MinnesotaCounty rosters, state prison, federal custody, and what to do when you can't find someone.How to Check for a Warrant in MinnesotaWhere county warrant lists live, what they miss, and what to do if you find one.How to Find Someone in a Minnesota PrisonUsing the DOC Offender Locator, and when to check federal or county records instead.How Bail Works in MinnesotaYour right to bail, conditional release, bail schedules, and how fast you see a judge.Minnesota county guidesJail roster links and contacts for each county
Sources
Checked against official pages on October 31, 2026. Agencies change their sites, so confirm details before you act on them.