Minneapolis Expungement Attorney | Protecting Your Reputation
Expungement in Minnesota involves sealing court records relating to your charges, arrest, indictment, trial, and related information. To learn more about expungement of charges that did not result in a criminal conviction, visit Expungement of Non-Conviction Charges in Minnesota.
The right to expunge your criminal file is found in Minnesota Statutes Chapter 609A. The type of expungement that may be applicable to you depends on your circumstances.
How to Expunge Your Criminal Record in Minnesota
If you want to expunge your criminal record in Minnesota, follow these steps.
Step 1: Learn about whether expungement is available in your circumstances
Read the information at the bottom of this page to learn about whether you qualify for expungement.
Step 2: Get your criminal case history
The court provides information on how to get a certified copy of your criminal case history.
Step 3: Download, prepare, and file the Minnesota expungement forms
Go here to download the Minnesota expungement forms or here. Preparing these forms is the challenging part of seeking expungement. Hiring an attorney to handle this for you is highly recommended. If you want to try to do it yourself, see this step by step guide.
6 Types of Expungement in Minnesota
There are six types of criminal record expungement in Minnesota. These articles provide an overview so you can identify the requirements for your situation:
- Expungement of Controlled Substance Offenses in Minnesota
- Expungement of Juveniles Prosecuted as Adults in Minnesota
- Expungement of Certain Criminal Proceedings Not Resulting in Conviction in Minnesota
- Expungement of Records Relating to Identification Data and Information held by Minnesota Law Enforcement
- Expungement of Criminal Convictions Under Minnesota Law and Inherent Judicial Authority
- Expungement of Petty Misdemeanor Convictions Under Minnesota Law
Common Expungement Questions & Answers
How long does expungement take in Minnesota?
The Minnesota expungement process takes at least four months. Under Minnesota law, the court must wait 63 days after you mail your paperwork to the government agencies before a judge holds a hearing to consider your request. If expungement is granted, the court will wait 60 days before sealing your record.
What happens to my criminal record when it is expunged?
Your criminal record is not destroyed. Rather, your criminal record is sealed, so it is “invisible” to the public. If the expunged crime was the only crime on your record, you will not have a court record available to the public.
Can potential employers see expunged court records?
No.
Can landlords see expunged court records?
No.
Can law enforcement see expunged court records?
Yes.
Can immigration agencies see expunged court records?
Yes.
Can you seal or expunge criminal records in the BCA or other government agencies?
A state court judge can order the BCA and other agencies to expunge a dismissed case. If you were convicted, the judge generally cannot order the BCA or other agencies to expunge or seal their records related to you.
