Minnesota Expungement Lawyer

Arneson and Geffen, PLLC is experienced in Minnesota expungement laws and will do everything possible to have your record sealed. The process of expungement seals one’s criminal record from public view.  As information becomes more accessible, and easier to access, expungement can help those negatively affected by the publication of criminal records.

Why Expungement?

If you have been arrested, charged,  or convicted of a crime, then you understand the negative impact it can have on your life. Not only are you punished under the Minnesota law, but you may also discover that the worst actually happens after you have completed your sentence.

This is because a criminal record followings you around from place to place. Many employers, landlords, financial institutes and schools will perform a criminal background check on all applicants which means your past will continue to haunt you in the future. You may have trouble finding decent employment, finding a place to live, obtaining a loan or even getting into a school. Expungement can put an end to these constant problems.

Expungement Rules and Regulations

The rules of expungement are not set in stone because of some inconsistent findings between the Minnesota Supreme Court and the Minnesota Court of Appeals.  However, every expungement case is assessed on an individual basis but, in general, the following factors will determine your ability to have your conviction erased.

  • Amount of time since the offense.  As a general rule of thumb, wait at least two years to petition to expunge a misdemeanor conviction and longer for a felony.
  • Rehabilitation measures taken. In general, if you have displayed good public behavior since the arrest, avoiding any additional arrests, participating in counseling, anger management and/or rehabilitation as requested by the judge, then you will have a better chance of having your conviction taken off the record.
  • Case resolved in your favor.  If you were found not guilty or the case was dismissed by the judge or the prosecutor or you entered into a pre-trial diversion program (without entering a plea of guilt) you will have a much easier time expunging the record.  If the case was not resolved in your favor, the expungement request must be requested under the court’s inherent authority, which is a tougher process.
  • Drug offenses.  Certain drug offenses may be expunged pursuant to statute which makes the process easier.
  • Seriousness of the crime. Certain convictions can never be sealed, such as sexual assault and DWI.

Arneson & Geffen, PLLC  can help you with expungement of a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor or felony conviction.  Contact one of our skilled attorneys by calling 612-465-8581 for a free consultation.

Expungement Lawyer Minnesota

Arneson & Geffen, PLLC 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.