Record Expungment
Minnesota law provides for various strategies and remedies for keeping a citizen’s record clean, or trying to clean it up following a conviction. Minneapolis lawyers use strategies such as "expungement" and "pardon extraordinary." A person may have rights under Minnesota expungement law under certain conditions. "Pardon extraordinary" is only available from a state pardons board, not through the courts. Find more information by contacting Paul Edlund, attorney in Minnesota for a consultation today!
Criminal Record Expungement
Criminal expungement is the process of going to court to convince a judge to seal a criminal record. When a record is sealed, it does not show up in a criminal records search performed at the courthouse. An expungement does not erase a criminal courthouse record, but it prevents it from being viewed by the public.
Complete Minnesota criminal records are comprised of all of the files and records of any crime that the State of Minnesota has filed against a citizen. Each city, county and state law enforcement agency, prosecutor's office and courthouse keeps its own records. In addition, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has statewide records of criminal convictions. This information is available to the public. For example, a potential employer can search the both county records and BCA to discover information on potential employees.
Expungement involves striking records or information in court files, computers and other depositories relating to criminal charges. Expungement in Minnesota is generally limited to the sealing of the courts records relating to a criminal conviction and prohibiting the disclosure of their existence except under court order or some other statutory authority.
Criminal Records
Records of serious crimes like murder and sex offender crimes are never expunged. Similarly, augmentable offenses, like DWI, are not expunged. Less serious crimes may be expunged only if a judge can be convinced that the benefits of criminal record expungement to the accused outweigh the disadvantages to the public. However, it’s important to note that even if the court grants an expungement of a conviction, the records kept by some agencies, including the BCA, might not be sealed.
Even those who have their criminal charges dismissed or who are found "not guilty" can still have a criminal record. However, it is typically easier to expunge these types of criminal records. Likewise those who never entered a guilty plea and for those who successfully completed a pre-trial diversion program, an expungement is more likely. Pleading guilty to or being found guilty of a crime is more difficult to expunge.
An expungement is never guaranteed.
Record Expungement
Expunging a criminal record does not mean that the record is completely clean. If expungement is granted, a sealed state court record of the offense still exists but it is basically invisible to the general public. Employers and other members of the general public cannot see sealed records.
A criminal record, even if the charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty, can lead to serious consequences in your life down the road if it’s not dealt with correctly. Retaining a criminal defense lawyer can help you clean up your public record and otherwise protect your rights. With your future at stake, contact successful Minnesota lawyer Paul Edlund as soon as possible. Serving Minneapolis, St. Paul, the Greater Twin Cities Metro and beyond, Mr. Edlund is a reputable attorney with an exceptional reputation. The earlier a lawyer is involved with your case, the better your attorney will be able to defend you: Contact Paul Edlund today for a consultation!
PHONE: 612.338.2829