Information You Provide Directly
Search Queries
When a search tool on the site sends a name or case number to an outside provider, that provider receives and processes the input to return its result. The site does not store or log those search terms on its own systems.
Messages and Contact Submissions
If you send a message, we retain it to respond and manage the communication. It remains within our organization unless disclosure is required by law.
Information Collected Automatically
When a page loads, routine server and analytics information may record technical details of the visit, including:
- Timestamps for each page view
- The referring site, if one sent you here
- Pages visited and the time spent on them
- Your device type and operating system
- Your browser and browser version
- The IP address assigned to the device
Cookies and Analytics
Cookies are small files placed on a device. They and analytics services can help identify broad traffic patterns, such as pages that receive visits or paths where visitors leave. Browser settings can block cookies, although doing so can affect how parts of the site work.
How We Use Information
We use the information described above for routine site operations and related purposes:
- Diagnosing technical problems and maintaining the site
- Understanding which information pages visitors use
- Directing a submitted search to the applicable partner service
- Supporting site availability and loading performance
- Displaying advertising that may be relevant to a visitor's interests
No Court-Record Database Maintained Here
This site does not host, maintain, compile, or sell a database of court dockets or personal case-record information. It provides general Benton County guidance about records held by Benton County District Court, Court Administration, and the statewide search system. Minnesota judicial case records are governed by the Minnesota Rules of Public Access to Records of the Judicial Branch, not the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act, under Minn. Stat. ยง13.90. Rule 4 addresses accessibility to case records and Rule 8 places distinct limits on remote electronic access. This site is not a consumer reporting agency, and visitor information is not assembled into consumer reports about other people.
Outside Search Providers
Search features may be operated by outside companies. Information entered into one of those tools is handled under the provider's privacy policy, not this policy. The provider sets its own retention and sharing practices, which this site does not control. Review that provider's policy before sending a search.
Links to Other Sites
The site may link to court pages, public court-record portals, legal-aid resources, and outside search tools. A link takes you to a separate service, where that service's privacy policy controls. Read it before providing personal information.
Some advertising partners may use their own systems to track activity across sites for interest-based advertising. That activity occurs on their systems, not ours.
Information Sharing
We do not sell personal data. Information may be received by:
- Law enforcement or government bodies when a valid legal order requires it
- Advertising networks that serve advertisements on the site
- Analytics providers that measure traffic and performance
- Search providers that process a query submitted through their tool
Data Security
We use reasonable security practices for the information we collect. No internet-connected service is completely secure, however, and we cannot guarantee that a security incident will never occur.
Visitors Under 18
This site is intended for adults, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from a person under 18. If you believe a minor has sent us information, contact us so that it can be deleted.
Your Requests About Site Data
This policy does not define rights that may arise under Minnesota or federal law. For information held by this site, you may ask us to:
- Provide a copy of information we maintain about you
- Correct information that is inaccurate
- Delete information we hold about you
- Stop certain processing when applicable
Changes to This Policy
We may revise this policy. Any revised version will appear on this page with an updated effective date.
Effective date: August 27, 2026