Brainerd
Expungement Lawyers

Roughly a fourth of Minnesotans have at least one criminal conviction on their records. Such records, even if they are for nonviolent offenses which occurred years ago, make it harder to get a job, obtain student aid, and do other things many people take for granted. In 2015, lawmakers significantly expanded Minnesota’s expungement statute. Now, more people than ever have a chance to erase their past mistakes, at least to an extent.

At Carlson & Jones, our experienced Brainerd expungement lawyers know the law, and they know how to make it work for people like you. Our attorneys have over a half-century of combined experience. So, we also understand that a criminal conviction can be a significant hurdle in the race for a better life. That’s just one reason we work so hard for you.

Statutory Expungement

Some people qualify for statutory expungement. This procedure clears both law enforcement and judicial records. Eligibility requirements include:

• No other gross misdemeanor or felony convictions within the past ten years, and
• The charge to be expunged was dismissed before trial.

Certain offenses, mostly sex crimes, are ineligible for statutory expungement. Other qualifications apply as well. For example, Crow Wing County judges can only grant statutory expungement if the proceeding has specific benefits for the petitioner. In other words, simply filling out forms is not enough.

Inherent Authority Expungement

Minnesota judges have absolute control over judicial records. So, they have nearly absolute power to seal these judicial records, assuming such sealing is in the petitioner’s best interests. Inherent authority expungement does not affect law enforcement records.

Frequently, landlords, employers, and others only care about conviction records. Therefore, arrest and other law enforcement records might not be an issue. If someone asks about a lingering arrest record, and explanation like “I hired a lawyer and the lawyer took care of it” usually ends the inquiry.

Hire a Brainerd Expungement Attorney Now to Clear Your Criminal Record

A criminal past need not adversely affect your future. With sound legal counsel, you can reinstate your lost reputation and freedom. If you are stuck with the label of having a criminal record that you would like to erase for a better life ahead, work with a seasoned legal expert. For a free consultation with an experienced Brainerd expungement lawyer, contact Carlson & Jones, P.A. at (218) 736-9429. After-hours visits are available.