Compare These Top Vendors for Minnesota Public Records

Before you hire a new employee in Minnesota, you should include a search of Minnesota public records as part of your background check on the new candidate. A quick search of MN public records can reveal a potential employee's criminal past, financial problems such as bankruptcy or foreclosures, and even divorce filings in Minnesota.

Remember, the law can hold you responsible for actions taken by your employees. Thus, it is imperative to conduct a comprehensive background check that includes public records searches--especially if your business is in an industry that has high risks involving security or legal liability. A thorough search will include:

1. Minnesota criminal records

2. Minnesota bankruptcy records

3. Minnesota foreclosure records

4. Minnesota divorce records

5. Minnesota arrest records

6. General MN public records

Conduct a free Minnesota public records search

Free Minnesota court records are available, but you should view the information on free sites with caution. Many of them claim to offer free Minnesota arrest records, divorce records, bankruptcy records, and other types of public records information. However, it is very important to validate any free information found, because you could be subject to legal liability if you wrongly deny someone employment based on false records.

Search local government sites for free Minnesota court records

Under both the Federal and Minnesota versions of the Freedom of Information Act records of all public agencies in the state, including those related to criminal and civil court proceedings, are public records that must be made available to those who request them. Thus, you should be able to find common court records like Minnesota criminal records and Minnesota bankruptcy records because all courts keep records of their cases.

Use a paid online service to find Minnesota public records

Online services can save you tons of time and effort. The fee is usually worth it, as these sites can save you from having to contact the courts directly and from spending time attempting to validate information you may have found on free sites. Of course, not all online services provide the same information, so choose wisely before spending your money.

• Individual counties often charge fees for accessing and copying Minnesota Public Records. Find out fees before requesting records. Online services that display the records automatically might cost you less.
• Don't rely only on public records. Compare information discovered in MN public records searches with the information disclosed by the job applicant.
• School records are not public records, so ask applicants to provide transcripts of high school and/or college coursework.