Cass County Public Records / Cass County Arrest Records

Cass County Arrest Records

How To Look Up Arrest Records in Cass County in 2026

CassCountyRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to arrest records in Cass County. Members of the public may find booking records, charge information, custody status, and related court case data through this resource. Available record categories include arrest logs, booking photographs, bond information, charge classifications, and case disposition records. Information presented reflects what is available through official sources and may not reflect the most current status of a given case.

Records may be searched through official resources including the Cass County Sheriff's Office, the Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, and online search tools maintained by state and county agencies.

Online Methods:

1. County Sheriff's Office Arrest Records

The Cass County Sheriff's Office maintains booking records and jail roster information for individuals processed through the county detention facility. The Cass County Sheriff's Office provides access to current inmate information, including charges, booking dates, and custody status. The roster is updated on a regular basis and reflects individuals currently held in the facility. Search capabilities include name-based lookups and booking number queries.

2. Local Police Departments

The City of Fargo, which is the largest municipality in Cass County, maintains a police department that publishes press releases and arrest logs through the Fargo Police Department. These releases include arrest information for notable incidents and are available to the public through the department's official website. Additional municipalities within Cass County, including West Fargo and Casselton, maintain their own police departments with records available upon request.

3. County Clerk of Court Case Search

The North Dakota Supreme Court provides a statewide case search tool through the North Dakota Court System, which allows members of the public to search criminal case records by defendant name. Court cases linked to arrests in Cass County are accessible through this portal, including charge information, hearing dates, and case dispositions.

4. State Law Enforcement Database

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) maintains a statewide criminal history repository. Members of the public may request a criminal history record check through the North Dakota Attorney General's Bureau of Criminal Investigation. A fee applies for record checks, and the requester must provide identifying information including full legal name and date of birth.

In-Person Access:

Sheriff's Office:

Cass County Sheriff's Office
211 9th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 241-5800
Cass County Sheriff's Office

Records division is located at the main office address above
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Requesters should bring a valid government-issued photo identification
Fees for copies apply per page as described in the fee section below

Police Departments:

Fargo Police Department
222 3rd Street North
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: (701) 235-4433
Fargo Police Department

West Fargo Police Department
800 4th Avenue East
West Fargo, ND 58078
Phone: (701) 433-5500
West Fargo Police Department

Records requests at each department are processed through the respective records division. Requesters should present valid identification and provide the full name of the subject, approximate date of arrest, and any known case or booking number.

Clerk of Court:

Cass County Clerk of District Court
211 9th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 241-5600
Cass County District Court

Criminal records division handles case file inspection
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Copy fees apply per page

By Mail:

Written requests may be submitted to the Cass County Sheriff's Office at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103. Requests should include the full legal name of the subject, date of arrest if known, booking number if known, and the requester's full contact information. Payment for copies should be included with the request. Processing time varies and is subject to the volume of pending requests.

By Phone:

Cass County Sheriff's Office: (701) 241-5800
Fargo Police Department Records: (701) 235-4433
Phone inquiries provide limited information; callers may be directed to the online system or an in-person visit for detailed records

Through Legal Channels:

Attorneys may submit formal records requests on behalf of clients. Subpoenas may be issued for detailed records in the context of litigation. Discovery in criminal proceedings is governed by the North Dakota Rules of Criminal Procedure.

Information Needed for Search:

Full legal name (first and last at minimum)
Date of birth or approximate age
Approximate date of arrest
Booking number if known
Jurisdiction of arrest

Are Arrest Records Public in Cass County

Arrest records in Cass County are public records under North Dakota law. Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, all government records are presumed open to the public unless a specific statutory exemption applies. This presumption of openness reflects the state's commitment to government transparency and public accountability.

Arrest records are made available to the public for several recognized purposes, including government transparency, public safety awareness, community notification, journalism and academic research, background screening, and use in legal proceedings. As stated by the North Dakota Office of the Attorney General, "The open records law reflects the public policy of this state that government records shall be open and accessible to the public."

What Arrest Information Is Public:

Arrestee name and known aliases
Date and time of arrest
Location of arrest
Arresting agency
Charges filed at time of arrest
Booking number
Booking photograph (mugshot)
Bond and bail information
Current custody status
Basic demographic information including age and physical description

Limitations on Public Access:

Juvenile arrest records are restricted or sealed under North Dakota law
Expunged arrest records are removed from public access following a court order
Sealed records are subject to court-ordered confidentiality
Information related to active investigations may be withheld
Undercover officer identities are protected
Confidential informant information is exempt
Victim identifying information may be restricted in certain case types
Witness protection participants are exempt from disclosure

Constitutional and Legal Basis:

The North Dakota Constitution, Article I, Section 9, provides that courts shall be open and that justice shall be administered without denial or delay. The balance between public transparency and individual privacy is addressed through statutory exemptions under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18.1, which identifies categories of records that may be withheld. First Amendment protections support press access to arrest information, while due process considerations inform the distinction between arrest and conviction.

Who Can Access Arrest Records:

General public
Media organizations
Employers, subject to restrictions under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act
Landlords, subject to applicable restrictions
Licensing agencies
Background check companies
Attorneys and legal professionals
Academic researchers

Restrictions on Use:

Employers using arrest records for hiring decisions must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act as enforced by the Federal Trade Commission. The distinction between an arrest and a conviction is legally significant; an arrest does not establish guilt. North Dakota does not currently have a statewide "ban the box" law applicable to private employers, though federal contractors are subject to federal guidance on this issue.

What's in Cass County Arrest Records

Personal Identification Information:

Full legal name
Aliases or "also known as" names
Date of birth
Age at time of arrest
Sex and gender
Race and ethnicity
Height and weight
Eye color and hair color
Identifying marks such as scars and tattoos
Address at time of arrest, which may be limited in public records

Arrest Details:

Arrest date and time
Location of arrest by street address or general area
Arresting agency, which may be the Sheriff's Office, a municipal police department, or the North Dakota Highway Patrol
Arresting officer name and badge number, where available
Booking date and time
Booking number or arrest number
Warrant information where applicable

Charges Information:

Specific criminal charges
Statute numbers violated
Charge descriptions
Classification by felony degree or misdemeanor class
Number of counts for each charge
Domestic violence designation where applicable
Gang-related designation where applicable

Booking Information:

Booking facility name and location
Intake process timestamp
Booking photograph
Fingerprints are collected during booking but are not typically included in public records

Custody and Bond Information:

Current custody status, including whether the individual is in custody, released, or bonded out
Bond amount set by the court
Bond type, which may include cash bond, surety bond, personal recognizance bond, or no bond
Release date and time if the individual has been released
Release conditions where publicly available

Court Information:

Court case number assigned
Court jurisdiction
Scheduled arraignment date
Court location
Judge assignment where available

What's Typically NOT in Public Arrest Records:

Detailed narrative of the arrest from the police report
Witness statements
Victim information
Evidence collected
Investigative techniques
Medical or mental health information
Social Security number, which is redacted
Bank account or financial information

Difference Between Arrest Records and Related Documents:

Police reports contain more detailed incident narratives and are subject to separate request procedures
Court records document legal proceedings that occur after an arrest
Criminal records reflect convictions and sentences rather than arrests alone
Background checks are comprehensive screenings that draw from multiple sources

How Much Does It Cost to Get Arrest Records in Cass County?

The cost to obtain arrest records in Cass County is governed by North Dakota's public records fee structure. Under N.D.C.C. § 44-04-18, agencies may charge fees for the actual cost of providing copies of records. Inspection of records at a public office is available at no charge.

Standard Fee Schedule:

Record Type	Fee
Paper copies (per page)	$0.25 per page (standard)
Certified copies	Varies by office; contact agency
Electronic records	Actual cost of duplication
Search fee	No statutory search fee for standard requests
State BCI criminal history check	$15.00 per request (subject to change)

Inspection of records at the Clerk of Court or Sheriff's Office is available at no charge during regular business hours
Copies of court records are available through the Clerk of Court at the standard per-page rate
Certified copies carry an additional certification fee set by the individual office
The North Dakota BCI charges a fee for criminal history record checks submitted by members of the public
Accepted payment methods at county offices include cash, check, and money order; individual offices should be contacted to confirm current accepted methods
Fee waivers may be available for indigent requesters or in cases where the public interest in disclosure is demonstrated; requesters should inquire directly with the relevant office

How To Delete Arrest Records in Cass County

North Dakota law provides for the expungement of certain arrest records, which results in the sealing or destruction of records and their removal from public access. Expungement differs from sealing in that expunged records are treated as though they do not exist for most purposes, while sealed records remain in existence but are restricted from public view. Under North Dakota law, the terms are used in the context of specific eligibility criteria.

Eligibility for Expungement:

Pursuant to N.D.C.C. § 12-60-16.6, individuals may petition for expungement of arrest records in the following circumstances:

The charges were dismissed
The individual was acquitted at trial
The prosecutor declined to file charges
The individual successfully completed a diversion program
Certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period and upon meeting statutory criteria

Felony convictions are not eligible for expungement under current North Dakota law except in limited circumstances. Individuals with questions about eligibility should consult the North Dakota Legal Self Help Center for guidance on the petition process.

Steps to Petition for Expungement:

Obtain a copy of the arrest record and associated court case information from the Cass County Clerk of District Court
Complete the petition for expungement form available through the North Dakota Court System
File the petition with the Cass County District Court and pay the applicable filing fee
Serve the petition on the prosecuting attorney's office
Attend the scheduled hearing if the court sets one
If the court grants the petition, provide certified copies of the order to all agencies holding records, including the Sheriff's Office, police departments, and the North Dakota BCI

Contact Information for Expungement Matters:

Cass County District Court Clerk
211 9th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 241-5600
Cass County District Court

North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation
4205 State Street
Bismarck, ND 58503
Phone: (701) 328-5500
North Dakota Attorney General BCI

What Happens After Arrest in Cass County?

Immediate Post-Arrest Process:

1. Transport to Jail

Individuals arrested in Cass County are transported to the Cass County Jail, located at 211 9th Street South, Fargo, ND 58103. Transport time varies based on the location of the arrest and officer availability. The arrested individual is handcuffed during transport and may be held briefly at the scene while the arresting officer completes initial documentation.

2. Booking Process

Upon arrival at the Cass County Jail, the booking process begins. This process takes approximately one to four hours depending on facility volume. The following steps occur during booking:

Personal information is recorded
Miranda rights are read if not previously administered
A booking photograph is taken
Fingerprints are collected and submitted to state and federal databases
A criminal history check is conducted
Outstanding warrants are checked
Personal property is inventoried and stored
Clothing is exchanged for a jail uniform
Medical and brief mental health screenings are conducted
Housing classification is determined

3. First Appearance/Initial Hearing

Under North Dakota law, an arrested individual must be brought before a magistrate without unnecessary delay, and in no event later than 48 hours after arrest absent extraordinary circumstances. At the initial appearance:

The individual is formally notified of the charges
The right to appointed counsel is addressed for those who qualify
Bond or bail is determined
Rights are explained
The hearing may be conducted via video conference

The North Dakota Court System maintains court schedules and case information accessible to the public.

Bond/Bail Process:

Types of Bond:

Cash Bond:

The full bond amount must be paid in cash
The amount is refunded when the case concludes, minus applicable fees
The amount is set by a judge or magistrate based on the charges and the individual's history

Surety Bond:

A licensed bail bondsman posts the full amount on behalf of the defendant
The defendant pays a non-refundable premium, at present set at ten percent of the bond amount in most cases
The bondsman assumes responsibility for the defendant's appearance

Personal Recognizance (PR Bond):

The individual is released on a written promise to appear
No monetary payment is required
Eligibility is based on community ties, employment, criminal history, the nature of the charges, and flight risk assessment

No Bond:

The individual is held without bond in cases involving serious violent offenses, demonstrated flight risk, danger to the community, probation or parole violations, immigration holds, or out-of-state warrants

Conditions of Release:

Release conditions may include check-in requirements with pretrial services, travel restrictions, no-contact orders, drug and alcohol testing, GPS monitoring, and pretrial supervision.

4. Release or Continued Detention

If Bond Is Posted:

Processing for release takes approximately one to eight hours
Personal property is returned
A court date is provided in writing
Written conditions of release are issued
The individual must appear at all scheduled court dates or the bond is subject to forfeiture

If Bond Is Not Posted:

The individual remains in custody and receives a housing assignment
Inmate orientation is conducted
Commissary account setup, phone privileges, and visitation schedules are explained

Accessing Legal Representation:

Public Defender:

East Central Judicial District Public Defender
210 2nd Avenue North, Suite 201
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: (701) 297-6000
North Dakota Public Defender

Eligibility for appointed counsel is based on financial need. An application is completed at or shortly after the initial appearance.

Private Attorney:

Individuals have the right to retain private counsel at any stage of the proceedings. The State Bar Association of North Dakota provides a lawyer referral service. Attorney visits at the jail are conducted under confidential conditions.

Charging Decision:

Prosecutor's Review:

The Cass County State's Attorney's Office reviews the arrest and determines whether to file formal charges. The prosecutor may file an information, request additional investigation, decline to prosecute, or file different or additional charges based on the evidence presented.

Grand Jury:

For certain felony offenses, a grand jury may be convened to determine whether probable cause exists to proceed. The grand jury process results in an indictment if the panel finds sufficient cause.

Arraignment:

At arraignment, the formal charges are read and the defendant enters a plea of not guilty, guilty, or no contest. Most defendants enter a not guilty plea at arraignment, and subsequent court dates are set.

Court Process Overview:

Pretrial Phase:

During the pretrial phase, the prosecution and defense exchange evidence through discovery, including police reports, witness statements, physical evidence, and audio or video recordings. Pretrial motions may be filed, including motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges. Pretrial conferences allow attorneys and the judge to discuss case resolution and trial readiness. Plea negotiations may result in a reduced charge or agreed sentencing recommendation.

Case Resolution Options:

Dismissal: Charges are dropped due to insufficient evidence, witness issues, or legal defects; dismissal may create eligibility for expungement
Diversion Programs: Eligible defendants may complete pretrial intervention, drug court, mental health court, or veterans court, resulting in dismissal upon successful completion
Plea Agreement: The defendant accepts a guilty or no contest plea in exchange for an agreed outcome
Trial: The case proceeds to a jury or bench trial; if the verdict is guilty, a sentencing hearing is scheduled

Sentencing:

If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence that may include incarceration, probation, fines, restitution, community service, treatment requirements, or a combination. Credit is given for time served in pretrial detention. Appeal rights are explained at sentencing.

Timeline Overview:

Arrest to first appearance: within 48 hours
First appearance to arraignment: days to weeks depending on case complexity
Arraignment to resolution: months, varying widely by charge type
Misdemeanors: resolved within weeks to several months in most cases
Felonies: resolved within several months to over a year in complex cases
The right to a speedy trial is protected under the North Dakota Constitution, Article I, Section 12

Rights Throughout the Process:

Right to remain silent
Right to an attorney
Right to a speedy trial
Right to confront witnesses
Right to present a defense
Right against self-incrimination
Right to appeal a conviction

Important Contacts:

Cass County Sheriff's Office (Jail)
211 9th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 241-5800
Cass County Sheriff's Office

Cass County Clerk of District Court
211 9th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 241-5600
Cass County District Court

Cass County State's Attorney's Office
211 9th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 241-5850
Cass County State's Attorney

East Central Judicial District Public Defender
210 2nd Avenue North, Suite 201
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: (701) 297-6000
North Dakota Public Defender

What to Do If Arrested:

Remain calm and cooperative with law enforcement
Do not physically resist arrest
Exercise the right to remain silent by politely declining to answer questions
Request an attorney immediately and do not waive this right
Do not discuss the case with anyone other than an attorney
Contact family or friends for assistance with bail if applicable
Attend all scheduled court dates without exception
Comply with all conditions of release

How Long Are Arrest Records Kept in Cass County?

Records Retention Overview:

Retention of arrest records in Cass County is governed by North Dakota state law and the records retention schedules established by the North Dakota State Records Committee. Under North Dakota Century Code, law enforcement agencies and courts are required to maintain records in accordance with approved retention schedules. The North Dakota State Records Management Program publishes retention schedules applicable to government agencies statewide.

Arrest Records Retention by Type:

Active Arrest Records (Conviction Resulted):

Felony Convictions:

Retained permanently by the Sheriff's Office, Clerk of Court, the North Dakota BCI, and the FBI's National Crime Information Center
Part of the individual's permanent criminal history record

Misdemeanor Convictions:

Retained permanently or for an extended period by local law enforcement and the court
The North Dakota BCI retains misdemeanor conviction records in the state criminal history repository

Arrest Records (No Conviction):

Dismissed Charges:

Local law enforcement retains booking records for a period consistent with the approved retention schedule, at present typically five to seven years
Court records may be retained permanently unless expunged
Records may remain in state and local databases unless the subject successfully petitions for expungement

Acquittals:

Local law enforcement retains records for a period consistent with the retention schedule
Court records are often retained permanently
Expungement may be available upon petition

Charges Not Filed:

Booking records are retained for a shorter period, at present typically three to five years
These records are among the most eligible for expungement under current North Dakota law

Digital vs. Physical Records:

Physical Records:

Booking paperwork and fingerprint cards are retained according to the applicable retention schedule
Photographs are retained for the duration of the applicable period
Evidence retention varies based on case outcome and charge classification

Digital Records:

Computer-aided dispatch records and records management system entries are often retained permanently or for extended periods
Mugshot databases maintained by third-party vendors are not subject to the same retention requirements as official government records
Court electronic records are often retained permanently

Third-Party Databases:

Commercial background check companies and mugshot websites may retain arrest records indefinitely and are not controlled by law enforcement. These entities are subject to the accuracy requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act when records are used for employment, housing, or credit purposes, but may not update records following expungement unless formally notified.

Retention by Agency:

Cass County Sheriff's Office
211 9th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 241-5800
Cass County Sheriff's Office

Booking records and arrest reports are retained according to the North Dakota records retention schedule
Investigative files are retained based on charge classification and case outcome

Fargo Police Department
222 3rd Street North
Fargo, ND 58102
Phone: (701) 235-4433
Fargo Police Department

Arrest records and incident reports are retained per the applicable schedule
Retention periods may vary by department and record type

Cass County Clerk of District Court
211 9th Street South
Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 241-5600
Cass County District Court

Felony case files are retained permanently
Misdemeanor case files are retained for a period consistent with the state retention schedule
Electronic records are often retained permanently

State Repository:

The North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation maintains the state criminal history repository, which includes arrest and conviction records from all jurisdictions within the state. The North Dakota BCI retains records in accordance with state policy and federal requirements.

FBI Database:

The FBI's National Crime Information Center and the Interstate Identification Index retain records at the federal level, at present on a permanent basis. These databases are accessible to law enforcement agencies nationwide and are used in background checks for employment, firearms purchases, and other purposes.

Effect of Disposition on Retention:

Conviction: Records are retained permanently in most databases and appear on background checks indefinitely
Dismissal: Records may remain in databases unless expunged; dismissed charges are often not reported on standard background checks
Expungement: Physical records are sealed or destroyed at the local level; the state repository updates its records; the FBI database may retain a notation; removal from all databases takes time and is not guaranteed
No Charges Filed: These records have the shortest retention period and may be purged automatically after the applicable period

Accessing Historical Arrest Records:

Recent arrests are available online through the Sheriff's Office and court case search portals
Older arrests may require an in-person request at the records division
Very old records may not be digitized and may require retrieval from physical archives, with a possible retrieval fee and longer processing time

Destruction of Records:

Authorized destruction of records occurs after the applicable retention period expires, following a court order for expungement, or in accordance with the approved records retention schedule. Documentation of destruction is maintained by the agency. Records subject to permanent retention, including felony convictions, serious violent offense records, sex offense records, and cases with ongoing appeals, may not be destroyed.

Impact on Background Checks:

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, most employment background checks cover a seven-year period for non-conviction records. Convictions may be reported indefinitely. North Dakota does not currently impose a statewide restriction on reporting convictions after a set number of years, though federal guidance and agency-specific policies may apply. Arrests without conviction are treated differently from convictions, and their use in employment decisions is subject to federal and state anti-discrimination guidance.

How to Check Retention Status:

Members of the public may contact the Cass County Sheriff's Records Division at (701) 241-5800 to inquire about the status of a specific arrest record. A public records request may be required, and fees may apply for copies of responsive documents.