Minnesota Expungement Lawyer

Are you seeking an expungement?

If you have a criminal record that is causing you difficulty in your personal and professional life, you may be able to have this record sealed or destroyed by filing a petition for an expungement. A Minnesota criminal defense lawyer can help you in understanding this legal option, as well as determining if you qualify and providing you with guidance throughout the filing process.

Expungement is a process that allows one to strike information or records regarding criminal arrests, charges, or convictions. In our state, expungement is generally limited to sealing court records that relate to a conviction, thereby prohibiting disclosure of that conviction (except under certain circumstances). In general, an expungement will take 3 to 4 months to obtain. At Heimerl & Lammers, we provide a wide variety of services related to criminal defense, including assistance in filing for expungements. As the filing process can be complicated and involve substantial paperwork, it is recommended that you contact our firm for assistance. We will ensure that all the relevant documents are filed with the necessary agencies in order to maximize your chances of a successful outcome to your petition.

Criteria for Expungement

In determining whether or not to grant an expungement, a court will look at three main criteria:

• The severity of the crime (serious crimes will have a decreased chance of expungement)
• The amount of time that has elapsed since the crime took place (Older offenses will have an increased chance of expungement)
• The rehabilitative measures taken by the individual who is petitioning (such as obtaining stable employment or engaging in community service)

For petitions that are approved, the court will seal the criminal record. If an agency or jurisdiction that would be affected by the expungement can provide clear evidence that public safety outweighs the disadvantages of not having one's record sealed, a court may decide against granting one's petition.

If you are considering filing for an expungement of a prior criminal conviction, contact a Minnesota criminal defense attorney who can assist you throughout the filing procedure.