Mankato-Embezzlement-LawyerA criminal charge can haunt you for life. But if you’re like many people, you don’t want one mistake to limit your opportunities. As a well-versed criminal defense attorney could explain, depending on what you’re charged with, you may be able to get your Minnesota criminal record expunged.

The Mankato expungement lawyers at Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. can advocate for your rights and wishes amid the expungement process so you can increase your chances of sealing your criminal record.

 

 

What Expungement Means In Minnesota

Expungement means having a district court judge hide or “seal” your criminal record so that it doesn’t interfere with your life goals. For example, you won’t have to worry about a prospective employer or landlord finding out about your criminal charge after expungement.

Here is a breakdown of how it typically works in Minnesota:

Step 1: Find Your Criminal Case History

Depending on where you were charged, you will have to obtain a copy of your criminal record from a Minnesota District Court or the Minnesota county you were charged in. Or, if you currently reside in Minnesota and want to expunge a criminal charge in a different state, you will need to obtain a copy of your criminal record from that state.

Step 2: Obtain Personal Information Related To Your Criminal History

Ensure you have a list of all your previous addresses, the date of your criminal charge, and your current address.

Step 3: Obtain The Appropriate Expungement Forms

Once you have all the necessary information from Step 2, you can effectively obtain and fill out the following forms:

  • The Notice of Hearing And Petition for Expungement
  • Order Concerning Sealing of Records
  • Affidavit of service

Ensure you get all three forms for EACH criminal case you wish to expunge. You can find copies of these forms on the Minnesota State Courts webpage.

Step 4: Fill Out The Expungement Petition

There are multiple parts to the Minnesota expungement petition. Filling these out to the absolute best of your ability is crucial. Here are all the different parts of the form and what they entail:

  • Part 1: This is for filling out your personal information. You must write your full name or any other legal name you go by and your birthday. Ensure the names and birthdays you put on this part of the petition match those in your criminal record.
  • Part 2: This is for filling out your current and previous addresses. Write out your home address when you faced arrest or criminally charged. Also, ensure you have the complete information for all the addresses you’ve lived at, like house number, building number, street name, city, zip code, etc.
  • Part 3: This is where you make your case for your expungement. Courts will evaluate what you write here to determine whether or not they will approve your expungement. You may want to have an attorney help you write this section.

There are a lot of steps in the expungement process, but you don’t have to go through them alone. Our Mankato lawyers are here to guide and support you every step of the way for an expungement case.

Expungement For Minnesota DUI/DWIs

Minnesota has some of the strictest drunk driving laws in the nation. Those who’ve gotten a DUI/DWI in the state know how much it can affect their life if found guilty. However, there are some cases where you can get your DUI/DWI in Mankato expunged with the help of a lawyer. If your DUI/DWI was only a misdemeanor, petty misdemeanor, or gross misdemeanor, you may be able to apply for expungement after four years.

We can help you determine whether your DUI/DWI qualifies for expungement. Call Kohlmeyer Hagen, Law Office Chtd. today to schedule your consultation.

Expungement And Firearms Restoration

While an expungement can seal your criminal record, you may still face restrictions on purchasing or owning firearms and ammunition. However, courts can sometimes decide to restore your right to firearms. On top of expungement, we can also help advocate for your right to firearms so that you can live a free and fulfilling life.

Seek Help From a Mankato Attorney About Your Expungement Case

Don’t pay for one mistake with the rest of your life. Speak with our firm to begin the process with the help of a Mankato expungement lawyer today. Visit our contact page to set up a consultation.