Want To Seal Your Minnesota Criminal Record? An Expungement May Be Possible.

Last updated on February 23, 2026

Do you want the opportunity to have a sealed record? Whether your charge was dismissed, you won a trial, or you have a conviction on your record there are options to get your record expunged. Many people think that once a charge is dismissed or you win a trial everything goes away.

That is false. If anyone were to run a background check there is still information as to the case – the arrest, the charges, and the court proceedings. When you apply for a job, look for housing, or even if you want to volunteer, the record may appear and hinder your opportunities.

Further, if you were convicted of any criminal charges, you still may qualify for expungement, even some felony charges will qualify. Learn more by reading these frequently asked questions about expungement.

Expungement Eligibility In Minnesota

Minnesota law establishes strict waiting periods that dictate when you can seek a clean slate. For instance:

• Petty misdemeanors: If your case resulted in a stay of adjudication or dismissal, you may be able to act immediately without a waiting period. This allows you to remove the shadow of an arrest from your record before it impacts your next background check.
• Misdemeanors: For most convictions at this level, you must typically wait two years after completing your sentence or discharge from probation.
• Gross misdemeanors: These offenses generally require a four-year waiting period following the completion of your sentence.
• Felonies: Certain felony charges qualify for sealing after a five-year waiting period, provided you have remained crime-free. However, Minnesota statutes permanently exclude specific violent crimes, such as murder or certain sex offenses, from expungement eligibility.

Your eligibility also changes if you have multiple convictions or current pending charges. The court will not consider an expungement application if you have an open case, as your entire legal standing must be resolved first.

These timelines depend entirely on the level of the offense and the final outcome of your case. Attorney Amanda can evaluate your history to help ensure every possible record is addressed simultaneously.

Record Sealing Vs. Expungement In Minnesota

A full expungement that completely destroys a record is exceptionally rare in our justice system. Most successful petitions result in “sealing,” which removes the record from public view while keeping it accessible to specific government entities.

When a record is sealed, it will no longer appear on background checks for housing or private employment. However, licensing boards and law enforcement agencies may still view the history for official purposes.

Amanda helps you understand exactly who can see what to help ensure there are no surprises as you move forward with your life.

The Process And Timeline

Clearing your record involves a precise legal schedule that involves:

• Formal petition filing: Documents must include case history, rehabilitation evidence and supporting records. Missing information frequently causes delays or rejection.
• Service and notice requirements: Prosecutors and agencies must receive copies. Proper notice protects your request from procedural challenges later.
• Potential hearing appearance: Judges often want personal testimony. Clear preparation helps show accountability, stability and future goals.
• Costs and timing: Filing fees often approach $350, though waivers may exist. Most cases take four to six months, depending on county schedules.

Having a tenacious attorney like Amanda can help ensure that your paperwork is accurate and your voice is heard by the court.

Take Action To Restore Your Reputation

Do not hesitate to contact Montgomery Law to discuss your expungement options. Every case is different, and Amanda Montgomery can tell you up front whether you will qualify for expungement based on your specific situation. She will also explain how the process works from beginning to end. Montgomery Law is dedicated to making your future brighter by putting this behind you and getting back the reputation you deserve.