Welcome to Dakota County Court, located at https://dakotacountycourts.org. This Privacy Policy explains how we handle information collected through our website and what visitors can expect when using our platform.
We respect your privacy and are committed to keeping your personal information safe. This page outlines how we collect, use, and protect the data associated with website visits, and what choices you have when interacting with our site.
Our website is an independent information resource. We are not affiliated with the Dakota County government, Minnesota Judicial Branch, or any other official court agency. The information we share is publicly available court-related data for educational purposes only.
Purpose of This Policy
This Privacy Policy describes the type of data our website may collect and how it is used. It also explains our practices for maintaining security, protecting visitor privacy, and handling any data automatically gathered through browsing activity.
We encourage visitors to read this policy carefully before using our website. By using our site, you agree to the practices described here.
If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, you should stop using the website immediately.
Information We Collect
Dakota County Court does not collect personal information unless it is voluntarily provided through direct contact, such as an email sent to our address (info@dakotacountycourts.org).
We do not operate user accounts, contact forms, or registration systems. The limited data collected on our website includes:
- Non-Personal Data Automatically Collected
- Browser type and version
- Operating system
- Date and time of visit
- Referring websites or links
- Pages viewed on our site
This information is collected automatically by web servers and analytics tools. It helps us improve the website’s performance, monitor traffic, and understand user behavior. None of this data identifies you personally.
- Personal Data Voluntarily Provided
If you contact us by email, your message may contain your name, email address, or other information you include. This data is used only for the purpose of responding to your message.
We do not share or sell this information to third parties.
How We Use Collected Information
The information we collect is used only to maintain and improve our website. We use it to:
- Review traffic patterns and visitor engagement.
- Fix technical errors and improve performance.
- Respond to user inquiries or feedback sent by email.
- Keep our website secure and accessible.
We do not use collected data for advertising, marketing, or commercial gain. We do not track individual browsing habits beyond general analytics.
Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use basic cookies — small text files stored on your device — to improve functionality and measure visitor traffic. Cookies help us:
- Identify popular pages and improve navigation.
- Analyze general usage trends.
- Manage website performance.
We do not use cookies to collect personal information or track users across websites.
You can control or delete cookies at any time through your browser settings. Disabling cookies may affect some functions, but you can still access most of the site without them.
Third-Party Analytics
To understand how our website is used, we may use analytics tools such as Google Analytics. These tools collect non-personal information, such as IP addresses and browsing behavior, to help us improve our site’s structure and content.
Google Analytics uses cookies to analyze visitor interactions. This data is aggregated and anonymized before being shared with us. We cannot identify users personally from this information.
You can opt out of Google Analytics by using browser add-ons or privacy settings available through Google.
Email Communication
When you contact us through info@dakotacountycourts.org, we receive only the information you choose to include in your message. We use this information solely to reply to your inquiry.
We do not send newsletters, marketing messages, or promotional emails. We do not maintain mailing lists or share contact details with anyone outside our website administration.
Once your inquiry is handled, your email may be archived for a limited time and then securely deleted.
No Legal or Official Communication
Our website and email address are for general informational communication only. We do not handle legal filings, court submissions, or official correspondence. If you need to contact an official court office, please visit the Dakota County Clerk of Court or the Minnesota Judicial Branch website for accurate contact information.
Messages containing legal, personal, or confidential data should never be sent to us, as we are not authorized to process such information.
Data Security
We take reasonable steps to keep website data safe. The site uses standard security measures to protect against unauthorized access, alteration, or misuse of data.
We regularly review our hosting environment and software updates to maintain site integrity. However, no website or online platform can guarantee complete security. By using our site, you accept the normal risks associated with online communication.
Links to Other Websites
Our website may include links to external websites for reference purposes. These links are provided to help visitors find additional public information related to Dakota County courts.
We are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy policies of external websites. Each linked site operates independently and has its own privacy policy.
When you follow an external link, you are subject to the terms and policies of that website. We encourage visitors to review those policies before sharing any information.
No Data Sharing or Selling
Dakota County Court does not sell, rent, or share any visitor information with outside parties. The limited data collected through cookies and analytics tools is used only for improving site performance and understanding general visitor trends.
We do not participate in advertising networks or user-tracking programs. Our focus is solely on providing accurate and helpful public information about Dakota County court records.
Children’s Privacy
Our website does not target children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect or store any information from minors. If a parent or guardian believes that a child has submitted personal information to us, please contact us at info@dakotacountycourts.org, and we will promptly delete the data.
Your Rights and Choices
As a visitor, you have the right to control your personal data and browsing activity. Depending on your location and browser settings, you may:
- Block or delete cookies.
- Adjust privacy settings to limit tracking.
- Request deletion of any personal data you have shared via email.
To request data removal, contact us directly at info@dakotacountycourts.org. We will review and handle your request within a reasonable timeframe.
Retention of Data
We keep data only as long as needed for basic website operation or to respond to your inquiry. Non-personal browsing data may be retained temporarily for statistical purposes before being deleted or anonymized.
Email correspondence is stored only for as long as necessary to manage communication. Once no longer needed, it is securely removed from our system.
Data Access by Service Providers
In some cases, our web hosting provider or analytics tools may temporarily process limited, non-personal data such as IP addresses or general traffic logs. These providers follow strict security standards and cannot use the information for their own purposes.
We select service providers based on their reliability, data protection practices, and compliance with privacy standards.
Updates to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in laws, technology, or website functions. Updates are published directly on this page.
When changes are made, the new effective date will appear at the top of the page. Visitors are encouraged to check this page from time to time to stay informed about how we protect their privacy.
Continued use of the website after updates means that you accept the revised terms of this policy.
Your Consent
By using https://dakotacountycourts.org, you consent to the terms outlined in this Privacy Policy. If you do not agree, please stop using the website immediately.
Contact Information
If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to contact us regarding privacy-related matters, please email us at:
Email: info@dakotacountycourts.org
Website: https://dakotacountycourts.org
We review all messages carefully and respond within a reasonable period of time. Please note that we cannot provide legal advice, process official records, or handle case-related matters.
Independent, Non-Government Source
Dakota County Court operates as an independent informational platform. We are not part of any government, court, or official judicial office. All the material published here is for educational use and public reference.
We do not claim any authority over official records or documents. For certified copies, case filings, or detailed inquiries, please contact the Dakota County Clerk of Courts directly through official channels.