Minnesota Expungement Attorney
Do you have a criminal record weighing you down? You may be able to file a petition to have this sealed or cleared (expunged), allowing you the opportunity to face a future that is no longer limited. A Minnesota expungement lawyer with our firm can assist you, helping you understand the process, whether you qualify, and how to go about clearing your record.
Call (763) 323-6555, or contact us by e-mail, to schedule a free consultation. Protect your rights if you’re seeking expungment.
Expungement is a legal process that involves striking records or information in regard to criminal charges. In Minnesota, expungement is typically limited to sealing court records that relate to a criminal conviction, prohibiting their disclosure (except under specific circumstances). It generally takes about 3 to 4 months to successfully expunge criminal records.
The law is rather complicated in this area, given some recent decisions from the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Minnesota Court of Appeals. At present, any record that originates from the Courts may be expunged, even if they rest in an agency of the executive branch of the government (such as the BCA). Records created by law enforcement agencies, such as a police department (again, an executive branch agency) are difficult to expunge, given the separation of powers doctrine.
The court will grant the petition to seal the record, unless the agency or jurisdiction whose records would be affected establishes by clear and convincing evidence that the interests of the public safety outweigh the disadvantages to the petitioner of not sealing the record. The court basically will look at three criteria:
- The seriousness of the offense (more serious means less chance of expungement);
- Time that has elapsed since the offense (the more time, the more likely the court will expunge); and
- The rehabilitative measures taken by the petitioning defendant (such as community service, counseling, stable employment, etc.).
To seek an expungement, one must serve a sworn petition for expungement and proposed expungement order on the prosecutor’s office that had jurisdiction over the offense for which an expungement is sought. It must also be filed with any other state and local government agencies whose records would be affected as a result of the expungement. The petition would outline three main issues: the basic facts of the case, the reason for expungement and any rehabilitative measures that the person seeking expungement has taken.
ALWAYS A FREE CONSULTATION
Call our law firm now for a free consultation with one of our experienced Minnesota expungment attorneys: (763) 323-6555.
Client Testimonial: ”It was difficult to make a decision on whom to have represent me during my criminal record expungement application process. Many states have laws making navigating through an expungement process a non-difficult event. Minnesota is not one of these states. I searched long and hard for an experienced attorney to handle the complex Minnesota expungement process, I really wanted to make the right decision. I was extremely careful on who I selected to represent me and am happy with my decision to have Jason C. Brown be my legal representative during my expungement process. Jason was encouraging and reassuring from start to finish. His informative and helpful personality is to be commended. I appreciated his ability to communicate and guide me through this difficult and confusing process. He stood up for me and represented me in an impressive manner to the Judge the day of the hearing. His knowledge of the law was apparent that day. I’ll never forget the e-mail from Jason announcing that my application for expungement was granted. Thanks to Jason I can go on with my life without a cloud following me around.” – Greg E., St. Cloud, Minnesota
Our Minnesota expungement lawyers represent clients throughout Minnesota, including the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Duluth, Rochester, Mankato, St. Cloud, Moorhead, Apple Valley, Blaine, Bloomington, Brooklyn Park, Burnsville, Coon Rapids, Eagan, Eden Prairie, Edina, Lakeville, Maple Grove, Maplewood, Minnetonka, Plymouth, Richfield, Roseville and Woodbury.
We defend those seeking expungement in Hennepin, Ramsey, Anoka, Sherburne, Wright, Scott, Dakota, Chisago, Washington and Isanti County.
Available 24/7 • Reasonable Fees • Credit Cards Accepted
Former Prosecutor • Former Criminal Investigator • Former Judicial Law Clerk
