Expungement in Minnesota
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Minnesota allows expungement for dismissed charges and certain convictions after a waiting period.
How Minnesota treats Expungement
Minnesota permits expungement of dismissed charges immediately and convictions after a waiting period, commonly five years for felonies and two years for misdemeanors. Violent offenses and certain sex crimes are generally ineligible. The process involves petitioning the district court in the county where the conviction occurred. Successful expungement seals records from public view, though law enforcement and some agencies retain access.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.