Being convicted of a crime is challenging, and convicts often face consequences for years after they serve their sentences. A criminal record is one of the most significant hurdles to getting back on the right track and living a normal life. Criminal records often make finding a job and a place to live difficult. They also carry a stigma that may significantly impact your reputation and personal relationships. In Minnesota, you do not even have to have been convicted of having a criminal record, as it displays any run-in with the law, including arrests.
If you have been arrested for, charged with, or convicted of a crime in Minnesota, you may be eligible to have your criminal record sealed or destroyed through expungement. The skilled attorneys at Knutson + Casey have been helping the criminally accused expunge their criminal records and get a new lease on life since 1992. We understand how damaging a criminal charge from your past may be and will work tirelessly to help you secure a clean slate.
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In Minnesota, only certain crimes are eligible for expungement. If you have been accused of one of the following crimes, your attorney may be able to help you get your record expunged:
Additionally, several low-level, non-violent felony offenses may be expunged from your criminal record five years after your sentence was served, including the following common offenses:
This is not an exhaustive list, and several other charges may be eligible for expungement. You can find the complete list in Minnesota Statute § 609A.02. The experienced attorneys at Knutson + Casey will review every detail regarding your case to determine if your charges may be expunged and work with you to develop the best path forward.
Having your record expunged does not destroy it. Expungement seals your criminal record, meaning it will not be accessible to the public. However, certain parties may still access this information under specific circumstances. If you are ever under investigation for a crime, your record may be accessed by police officers, the FBI, the courts, prosecutors, and other parties involved in enforcing the law.
Additionally, your record may be seen by criminal justice or other state agencies when applying for jobs with these entities. Fortunately, your record will not appear during most standard pre-employment background checks, which makes it significantly easier to find a quality job and advance your career. In other words, while your criminal record will still exist, it will be inaccessible in most cases, allowing you to start a new chapter.
At Knutson + Casey, our seasoned criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to helping you get your life back after a past criminal conviction. We understand the unique complexities of Minnesota’s criminal justice system and are ready to apply our 30 years of experience to your case. When you retain our services, rest assured that your case is in capable and compassionate hands. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our trusted attorneys will help, call us at (507) 344-8888 or complete our contact form today.