Benson County, ND Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Benson County District Court is part of the Northeast Judicial District, and the Clerk of District Court in Minnewaukan keeps the county's court records. It sits in the Northeast Judicial District, together with Bottineau and Cavalier counties.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | District Court, Northeast Judicial District |
| Court Type | Trial court of general jurisdiction in North Dakota |
| Main Address | 311 B Ave. S., Minnewaukan, ND 58351 |
| Main Phone | (701) 473-5345 |
| Website | ndcourts.gov court location page |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Minnewaukan) |
| Records Office | Clerk of District Court |
| Online Case Search | Case Search & Pay Fines on NorthDakotaCourts.org |
| Pay Fines Online | Case Search & Pay Fines on NorthDakotaCourts.org |
How to Search Benson County Court Records
Have the person's full name, a case number if you have one, and approximate dates ready before you search. Benson County records are kept by the Clerk of District Court in Minnewaukan.
Online
Go to NorthDakotaCourts.org and open Case Search & Pay Fines.
Search statewide case records by name or case number.
Use the same portal to look up fines that are due.
Best for: Quick case lookups from home
In Person
Go to the Clerk of District Court at 311 B Ave. S., Minnewaukan, ND 58351.
Bring the person's full name and any case number you have.
Call (701) 473-5345 before you visit to confirm the office can help.
Best for: Records questions that need staff help
By Phone
Call the Clerk of District Court at (701) 473-5345.
Ask the clerk which records the office can share by phone.
Have the case number ready to speed up the call.
Best for: Quick questions about a county case
Search by Name on NorthDakotaCourts.org
Go to NorthDakotaCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Benson County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
Benson County courts handled an estimated 1,116 new cases in CY 2025 and disposed of an estimated 1,106. The estimate scales North Dakota statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~1,116
Total filings in CY 2025
~1,106
Total dispositions in CY 2025
~1,116
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-8.2%
Change in total filings vs CY 2024
| Metric | CY 2025 | CY 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~1,116 | ~1,216 | ~-8.2% |
| Total Dispositions | ~1,106 | ~1,200 | ~-7.8% |
| Criminal Filings | ~893 | ~973 | ~-8.2% |
| Civil Filings | ~112 | ~122 | ~-8.2% |
| Family Law Filings | ~50 | ~55 | ~-9.1% |
| Probate Filings | ~9 | ~10 | ~-10.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~2 | ~2 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~50 | ~55 | ~-9.1% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: North Dakota statewide figures scaled by Benson County's 0.72% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Benson County?
Estimated total filings in Benson County moved down over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2025 | ~1,116 | ~1,106 | ~-8.2% |
| CY 2024 | ~1,216 | ~1,200 | ~-9.1% |
| CY 2023 | ~1,337 | ~1,301 | ~+8.9% |
| CY 2022 | ~1,228 | ~1,214 | ~+6.2% |
| CY 2021 | ~1,156 | ~1,142 | ~+6.2% |
Estimated filings changed -3.5% between CY 2021 and CY 2025, from 1,156 to 1,116. The largest annual change was -9.1% in CY 2024. The latest change of -8.2% reflects statewide North Dakota trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: North Dakota statewide figures scaled by Benson County's 0.72% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Benson County?
Criminal cases are estimated to be the largest category in Benson County, at about 80.0% of filings in CY 2025.
| Case Type | Filings CY 2025 | Share of Total | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | ~893 | ~80.0% | ~-8.2% |
| Civil | ~112 | ~10.0% | ~-8.2% |
| Family law | ~50 | ~4.5% | ~-9.1% |
| Juvenile | ~50 | ~4.5% | ~-9.1% |
| Probate | ~9 | ~0.8% | ~-10.0% |
| Mental health | ~2 | ~0.2% | ~+0.0% |
Mental health cases are estimated as the fastest-growing category and probate cases as the fastest-falling. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: North Dakota statewide figures scaled by Benson County's 0.72% share of the state population.
How Does Benson County Compare With North Dakota Overall?
Benson County is estimated to account for about 0.72% of the 154,399 cases filed in North Dakota courts in CY 2025.
| Metric | Benson County | North Dakota | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~1,116 | 154,399 | ~0.72% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-8.2% | -8.3% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~1,116 | 2,807 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~1,106 | 2,782 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~80.0% | 80.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~10.0% | 10.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~4.5% | 4.5% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide North Dakota figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: North Dakota statewide figures scaled by Benson County's 0.72% share of the state population.
Benson County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are North Dakota statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Benson County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 12.5% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 99.3% of North Dakota's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
1,900
Violent crimes, North Dakota statewide, 2025
11,806
Property crimes, North Dakota statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
237.7
Violent crime rate per 100K, North Dakota statewide, 2025 (population 799,358)
-12.5%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, North Dakota statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (13,706 vs 15,658)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 12 | 1.5 | 20 | -40.0% |
| Rape | 371 | 46.4 | 421 | -11.9% |
| Robbery | 149 | 18.6 | 216 | -31.0% |
| Aggravated assault | 1,368 | 171.1 | 1,394 | -1.9% |
| Violent crimes total | 1,900 | 237.7 | 2,051 | -7.4% |
| Burglary | 1,632 | 204.2 | 2,179 | -25.1% |
| Larceny-theft | 8,900 | 1,113.4 | 9,864 | -9.8% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 1,217 | 152.2 | 1,496 | -18.6% |
| Property crimes total | 11,806 | 1,476.9 | 13,607 | -13.2% |
Rates use the North Dakota 2025 population of 799,358. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Benson County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Benson County Courthouse Locations
Benson County has 1 courthouse location, in Minnewaukan. Check your notice or paperwork for the assigned courthouse before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benson County Courthouse (Minnewaukan) | 311 B Ave. S., Minnewaukan, ND 58351 | (701) 473-5345 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Benson County?
Most trial matters for Benson County are heard in the district court in Minnewaukan, which is part of the Northeast Judicial District.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal case (felony or misdemeanor) | District Court, Northeast Judicial District | District courts are the state's trial courts of general jurisdiction. |
| Civil lawsuit | District Court, Northeast Judicial District | District courts are the state's trial courts of general jurisdiction. |
| Juvenile case | Juvenile court | Juvenile court sits alongside the district courts. |
| City ordinance violation | Municipal court | Municipal courts sit alongside the district courts. |
| Parking ticket | The agency that issued the ticket | Parking tickets are not handled by the district court. |
| Federal case | U.S. District Court for North Dakota | Federal cases are heard in federal court, not in the county court. |
| Appeal | Supreme Court of North Dakota | The Supreme Court of North Dakota is the state's highest court. |
Are Benson County Court Records Public?
Benson County court records are kept by the Clerk of District Court in Minnewaukan. The clerk can confirm which records are open to the public and which are restricted.
Online access
The statewide case search at NorthDakotaCourts.org lets you look up cases online. Online results may not show every document, so ask the clerk for records that are not online.
In-person access
Visit the Clerk of District Court at 311 B Ave. S., Minnewaukan, ND 58351, or call (701) 473-5345 to confirm which records the office can provide.
How to Search Benson County Court Records Online
You can look up case information for Benson County through the North Dakota public court records search.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, or family.
- Open the North Dakota Court Records Search portal.
- Search by name or case number, choosing the location or statewide search.
- Review the case details and the list of public documents.
- Request documents that are not online from the clerk of court in Benson County.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | North Dakota Court Records Search | Public criminal case information and lists of public documents, searchable by name or case number. | Some documents may not be viewable online; contact the clerk of court for copies. |
| Traffic | North Dakota Court Records Search | District court traffic cases appear in the search. | Some municipal court cases may not be in the statewide search; check with the city court. |
| Civil | North Dakota Court Records Search | Civil case information and public document lists, searchable by name or case number. | Documents may need to be requested from the clerk of court in Benson County. |
| Small claims | North Dakota Court Records Search | Small claims cases filed in district court may be searchable. | Availability of documents online can vary; confirm with the clerk of court. |
| Family law | North Dakota Court Records Search | Some divorce and custody case information may appear in the search. | Confidential or sealed family records are not available online. |
| Probate | North Dakota Court Records Search | Probate case information may be searchable. | Not all filings are viewable online; request copies from the clerk of court. |
| Juvenile | Clerk of District Court, Benson County (restricted access) | Juvenile records are not available in public search. | Juvenile and sealed cases are excluded from public court search. |
Use the statewide case search to look up Benson County cases online, and ask the clerk for documents that are not online.
- Identify the case type and the county where the case was filed.
- Open Case Search & Pay Fines at NorthDakotaCourts.org.
- Search by name or case number and note the case number from the results.
- Review the case details the portal shows.
- Call the Clerk of District Court at (701) 473-5345 to request documents that are not online.
The portal's coverage by case type is not listed here, so confirm with the clerk which case types it includes.
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Benson County
Fines and citations for Benson County can be paid online through North Dakota's statewide Case Search & Pay Fines portal.
- Online: Pay fines at Case Search & Pay Fines on NorthDakotaCourts.org. Search for your case number in the portal before you pay.
Parking tickets are handled by the agency that issued them, not by the district court.
Benson County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Benson County court records?
Use NorthDakotaCourts.org to search by name or case number, or contact the Clerk of District Court at (701) 473-5345.
Are Benson County court records public?
Ask the Clerk of District Court at (701) 473-5345 which records are open to the public and which are restricted.
How do I find a criminal case?
Search by name at NorthDakotaCourts.org, or call the Clerk of District Court at (701) 473-5345 with the defendant's name.
How do I find a court date?
Check your notice or paperwork first, then call the Clerk of District Court at (701) 473-5345 to confirm.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online at Case Search & Pay Fines on NorthDakotaCourts.org, or ask the clerk about other options at (701) 473-5345.
How many cases are filed in Benson County each year?
Annual court filing counts for Benson County are not published here, so no figure is given.
What is the most common type of case?
Case-type counts for Benson County are not published here, so the most common type cannot be determined from this page.
Is crime in Benson County rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 7.4% to 1,900 in 2025 from 2,051 in 2024, and property crimes fell 13.2% to 11,806 from 13,607, as reported to the FBI. These are North Dakota statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Benson County District CourtMore Info
| Address: | 311 B Ave. S., Minnewaukan, ND, 58351 |
| Phone Number: | 701-473-5345 |
| Fax: | 701-473-5596 |
| Website: | https://www.ndcourts.gov/court-locations/benson-county |
Useful Links
- North Dakota Supreme Court Access Supreme Court opinions, case information, and court rules in North Dakota. Useful for legal research.
- North Dakota Court Records Public Search Use this portal to find statewide court case records by name, case number, or other identifying information.
- Benson County Courthouse - Official Website Visit the official site for details on local courthouse operations, public records access, and legal services.
- North Dakota Attorney General - Criminal Records Find resources related to criminal background checks and the legal enforcement of the state for public safety.
- State Bar Association of North Dakota Access resources for legal professionals, including ethics rules, lawyer directories, and continuous education programs.
- North Dakota Courts - Legal Self Help Center Provides self-help resources for individuals navigating the court system without representation, including forms and guides.
- North Dakota Legislative Branch Access information about legislative services, bills, laws, and the state constitution. Useful for legal framework understanding.
- CourtRecords.org - North Dakota Offers comprehensive information for obtaining court and public records within North Dakota, including contact details.
- North Dakota Unclaimed Property - Enforcement Provides information regarding unclaimed assets, how to claim them, and the process of returning funds to rightful owners.
- North Dakota Insurance Department - Legal Services Find state-specific insurance regulations, legal services, and consumer protection resources. An asset for legal professionals.
- North Dakota State College of Science - Criminal Justice Discover educational resources and programs related to criminal justice for aspiring law professionals in North Dakota.
- North Dakota Association of Counties Serves as a resource for local governmental jurisdictions, including legal documents, meeting minutes, and county services.
- North Dakota District Courts Details on the organization of North Dakota’s district courts, including locations, judge assignments, and contact information.
- Benson County District Court Information on services, jurisdiction, and operations of the District Court within Benson County for public convenience.
- North Dakota Law Help Offers legal help and information for low-income individuals on various topics including housing, family, and civil rights.
- Federal Judicial Center Educational and research agency for the federal courts, offering materials relevant to federal law practice and jurisdiction.
- WomensLaw.org - North Dakota Legal resource center focused on women's legal rights in North Dakota including domestic violence support services.
- Legal Assistance - North Dakota Courts Find information and links to legal aid offices, pro bono services, and public resources in North Dakota state courts.
- National Consumer Law Center (NCLC) Provides information on consumer law rights and resources, including publications focused on energy, housing, and debtor rights.
- National Center for State Courts Supports courts through education and best practices, offering resources for judiciary members across the United States.
Table of Contents
- Benson County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Benson County Court Records
- Benson County Court Statistics (CY 2025)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Benson County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Benson County?
- How Does Benson County Compare With North Dakota Overall?
- Benson County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Benson County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Benson County?
- Are Benson County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Benson County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Benson County
- Benson County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links