Minnesota

Adult criminal records for cases in which you were convicted are eligible for sealing in some situations. You have to file a petition in court to start the process, and it is up to the judge whether or not to grant your petition.  

• With certain exceptions, if you were convicted of a petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor, the record can be sealed two years after you complete your sentence.

 

• With certain exceptions, if you were convicted of a gross misdemeanor, the record can be sealed four years after you complete your sentence.

 

• If you were convicted of an eligible felony, the record can be sealed five years after you complete your sentence.

Adult criminal records for cases in which you completed a diversion or deferral program are eligible for sealing in some situations.  

• With certain exceptions, if you successfully completed a diversion program or a stay of adjudication, the record can be sealed one year after you complete the program.

 

• If your first offense drug charge was dismissed after you successfully completed a deferred prosecution, the record can be sealed immediately. You have to file a petition in court to start the process, and it is up to the judge whether or not to grant your petition.

Adult criminal records for arrests for which you were never convicted are eligible for destruction or sealing in some situations.  

• If you were arrested but no charges were filed and you were not indicted, or the charges were dismissed before probable cause was determined, fingerprints, photographs, and other identification data can be destroyed immediately. You have to file a request with the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension or the arresting agency to start the process. If you meet the criteria, your request will be granted.

 

• If you were arrested and charged but the case ended without a conviction, the record can be sealed immediately. You have to file a petition in court to start the process, and it is up to the judge whether or not to grant your petition.

Below is a general overview of when juvenile records can be expunged or destroyed in Minnesota. Please note that the Clean Slate Clearinghouse does not provide legal advice. Read the legal policies and statutes for detailed statutory information. Juvenile Record Clearance Policies Overview  

• Most juvenile court records can be expunged. You have to submit a request to the court to start the process, and it is up to the judge whether or not to grant your request. You may not be eligible for expungement under these rules if you have an adult felony conviction on your record.

 

• Most law enforcement records related to a juvenile’s interactions with police should be destroyed The waiting period varies depending on what happened in your case. You should not have to do anything to get the record destroyed.

  Find a Lawyer If you think you might be eligible to have your record expunged or destroyed, find a lawyer who may be able to help you. Some lawyers might help you for free, although you may still need to pay a fee to file the paperwork in court.   Court Forms and Resources If you cannot find a lawyer to help you, you may be able to file a petition on your own using these court forms and resources.