A criminal record can follow you around like a shadow. It can prevent you from finding housing, job opportunities, and education. But the good news is that, under certain circumstances, you can get rid of that criminal record with an expungement. Hiring an experienced expungement lawyer like those at Martine Law can help remove those barriers and set you up for success. Let us fight for your future.
Our Minneapolis Expungement Services
Expungement is the legal process of sealing criminal records from public view. While the records are not destroyed, they become inaccessible to the general public, including potential employers and landlords.
Under Minnesota law, you are entitled to expungement if your case is resolved in your favor, meaning:
- You were acquitted by a jury
- Your charges were dismissed
- You were exonerated after being convicted
In certain situations, however, you may still be able to petition for expungement when the court did not rule in your favor, for example:
- You received a stay of adjudication or completed an ordered diversion program and haven’t had any new charges for a year
- You received a stayed sentence for a misdemeanor and have not had any new criminal convictions for 2-4 years (depending on the level of misdemeanor)
- You received a stayed sentence for certain felony offenses and have had no criminal convictions for five years
Some offenses, like certain felonies, are only eligible for partial expungement, which seals your public court records but leaves your records open for other government agencies. However, most of the time you can receive a full expungement, which means that your records are sealed everywhere. The only people who can see your criminal record after a full expungement are law enforcement and certain potential employers like a school or childcare agency.
The expungement process involves several steps, including filing a petition with the court, notifying relevant agencies, and attending a court hearing. At Martine Law, we handle all aspects of the process, ensuring that every detail is meticulously managed.
- We review your criminal history and discuss your eligibility for expungement at an initial consultation.
- We prepare and file the necessary paperwork, including the petition for expungement, affidavits, and supporting documents.
- We notify all relevant parties, including law enforcement agencies and the prosecuting attorney, of your expungement request.
- We represent you at the court hearing, presenting a compelling case for why your record should be expunged.
- After a successful expungement, we ensure that all agencies comply with the court order to seal your records.
We believe that every person should be able to exercise their right to an expungement. We use our decades of experience in criminal defense to protect your future and keep the government honest.
What Our Clients Say
“The part of Xavier's law firm I like the most is his commitment to developing a practice that earnestly serves his clients. Many lawyers just create firms no better than the old fashioned firm's they trained in -- not Xavier. He's committed to using best methods for better results.”
Matthew L.
“I worked with Xavier and his team for two of my cases and got the best outcome for both. Court is stressful enough but I really felt they were there to help. The best set of lawyers I ever worked with!”
Karen S.
“If you find yourself on the wrong side of the police I can't think of a better attorney to help you.”
Donald C.
“Xavier was so helpful during an unfortunate time in my life, very easy to talk to and non-judgmental! He was very thorough and professional in regards to my case, which ultimately led to a great outcome.”
Amber P.
Our Minneapolis Expungement Case Process
STEP ONE:
Call (612) 979-1305 to speak to an Intake Specialist. We’re available 24/7.
STEP TWO:
We’ll discuss your situation and desired outcomes, and determine if we can help.
STEP THREE:
If we’re a good fit, we’ll fight to get you the best results possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the expungement process take?
The expungement process can take several months, depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule. We will provide you with a timeline based on your specific situation.
Can all criminal records be expunged in Minnesota?
Not all criminal records are eligible for expungement. Generally, if a case was resolved in your favor (acquittal, dismissal, etc.), you can get your records expunged no matter the type of offense. But if the case was not resolved in your favor, you will only be eligible for expungement under certain circumstances. Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the outcome, and other factors. Our attorneys can assess your case to determine if you qualify.
What happens if my expungement is granted?
If your expungement is granted, your criminal records will be sealed, making them inaccessible to the public. This means that potential employers, landlords, and others will not be able to see your expunged records during background checks.
Can an expunged record be accessed by anyone?
Expunged records are sealed from public view but can still be accessed by certain government agencies under specific circumstances, such as during a criminal investigation or for immigration purposes.
Do I need a lawyer to get my record expunged in Minnesota?
While it is possible to file for expungement on your own, having an experienced lawyer can significantly increase your chances of success. A lawyer can navigate the legal complexities of the expungement process, ensure all paperwork is correctly filed, and effectively represent you in court.
Areas Served
- St. Paul
- Minnetonka
- Bloomington
- St. Louis Park
- Brooklyn Park
- Maplewood
- Plymouth
- Richfield
- Lakeville
- Roseville
- Blaine
- Inver Grove Heights
- Maple Grove
- Brooklyn Center
- St. Cloud
- Shoreview
- Eagan
- Rosemount
- Burnsville
- Chanhassen
- Eden Prairie
- White Bear Lake
- Apple Valley
- Farmington
- Edina
- Lino Lakes
- Fridley
- Mankato
- Chaska
- Isanti
- Cambridge
- Litchfield
- Rochester
- Savage
- Elk River
- Big Lake
- Waseca
- Buffalo
- Champlin (Incl. Hassan Township)
- New Brighton
- Mounds View
- Crystal
- Vadnais Heights
- Golden Valley
- Annandale
- St. Michael
- North St. Paul
- Hastings
- Mendota Heights
- New Hope
- Little Canada
- West St. Paul
- Arden Hills
- Northfield
- Mound
- South St. Paul
- St. Anthony
- Sartell
- Minnetrista
- Hopkins
- Waite Park
- Robbinsdale
- Dayton
- Rogers
- Lake Elmo
- Coon Rapids
- Andover
- Carver
- Red Wing
- Hutchinson
- Faribault
- Shakopee
- Prior Lake
- Jordan
- Richmond
- Owatonna
Hire an Experienced Expungement Lawyer in Minneapolis Today
If you have a criminal record holding you back, Martine Law is here to help. We make it our mission to stand up for our clients and make sure that they get their future back. Contact us today to speak to an Intake Specialist.
