Minneapolis Expungement Lawyer

Minneapolis Expungement Lawyer Christopher Keyser is a thorough and skilled advocate with a proven record of getting criminal records sealed, currently holding a success rate of over 97% for expungement cases throughout Minnesota.* Mr. Keyser knows how to present persuasive expungement petitions and make convincing arguments before judges to ensure the greatest chance of sealing any criminal record. Minnesota Expungement Attorney Christopher Keyser is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist, a Super Lawyer Rising Star, and has a Superb 10.0 rating on Avvo.com.

Our initial assessment of your Minnesota expungement case will be direct and honest. We will explain the positives and negatives of your case, and provide an opinion on your chances of successfully sealing your criminal record. We handle all expungement cases throughout Minnesota. Call us at 612-338-5007 for a free expungement case evaluation.

To read client testimonials for Minneapolis Expungement Lawyer Christopher Keyser, visit his testimonials page.

Sealing Minnesota Criminal Records

We have sealed over 350 criminal records for our clients. Here is a small sample of our recent expungement victories:

• Felony Drug Possession, State v. A.M. (Dakota County)
• Terroristic Threats, State v. S.A. (Anoka County)
• Felony Drug Possession, State v. J.V.H. (Ramsey County)
• Felony Theft, State v. L.A. (Ramsey County)
• Terroristic Threats, State v. S.A. (Anoka County)
• Theft, State v. L.T. (Hennepin County)
• Obstructing Legal Process, State v. T.H. (Hennepin County)
• Theft, State v. C.S. (Anoka County)
• Criminal Sexual Conduct, State v. D.F. (Hennepin County)
• Theft, State v. L.T. (Hennepin County)
• Assault and Disorderly Conduct, State v. M.B. (Hennepin County)
• Assault and Damage to Property, State v. B.S. (Hennepin County)
• Theft, State v. D.J. (Hennepin County)
• Theft, State v. S.M. (Hennepin County)
• Theft, State v. D.P. (Hennepin County)
• Theft, State v. I.A. (Hennepin County)
• Theft, State v. G.T. (Ramsey County)
• Disorderly Conduct, State v. D.C. (Hennepin County)
• Disorderly Conduct, State v. G.A. (Washington County)
• Theft, State v. J.P. (Hennepin County)
• Theft, State v. D.P. (Ramsey County)
• Theft, State v. A.W. (Dakota County)
• Domestic Assault, State v. M.A. (Hennepin County)
• Prostitution, State v. A.V. (Ramsey County)
• Domestic Assault, State v. P.A. (Hennepin County)
• Criminal Damage to Property, State v. D.R. (Hennepin County)
• Prostitution, State v. A.V. (Ramsey County)
• Domestic Assault, State v. C.P. (Washington County)
• Theft, State v. D.J. (Hennepin County)

Minnesota Criminal Record Expungement

In Minnesota, an expungement is the sealing of a criminal record. Once sealed, the record cannot be disclosed or viewed by the public except under court order. An expungement does not mean your record is physically destroyed. Unfortunately, certain criminal convictions cannot be expunged – these include the following offenses: Murder, Kidnapping, Criminal Sexual Conduct, Indecent Exposure, and Sex Crimes Involving Minors. These offenses cannot be expunged if they are convictions, even if the conviction was later vacated and the case dismissed. Dismissed offenses without a guilty plea can be expunged.

Expungement FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What is the benefit of an expungement?

Having a criminal record carries several consequences. The obvious penalties include incarceration (jail), fines, and probation. A criminal record can prevent you from successfully getting employment, housing, or carrying a firearm. Expunging or sealing a criminal record can solve these issues by preventing access to your record from the eyes of potential employers or landlords. Depending on the facts surrounding your record, an expungement can dramatically improve your quality of life.

Which records can I get sealed?

It is important to understand that a criminal record (including the citation or arrest, fingerprints, booking data, court proceedings, and conviction) is public record held by various groups and government agencies. A criminal record may be held by the court, the prosecutor’s office, the police department, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the FBI, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Human Services, and the Department of Health, among others. Records held by the court are “judicial branch” records, while records held by every other agency are “executive branch” records.

If I pleaded guilty and was convicted, can I still get an expungement?

Yes, in many cases. In Minnesota, there are two types of expungements: Statutory and Inherent Authority. With a statutory expungement, a petitioner may ask the court to seal  government records including both judicial (court) and executive branch (police, prosecution, etc.) records. Cases eligible for statutory expungement include those “resolved in the petitioner’s favor” (meaning the case was dismissed without pleading guilty), certain drug offenses, and certain juvenile offenses where the person was certified as an adult. Non-felony convictions (petty misdemeanors, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors) are eligible for statutory expungement after a certain period of time. To learn more about the steps to seal a criminal record, visit our in-depth article “How to Get a Criminal Record Expunged.”

Minnesota’s Second Chance Law

As of January 1, 2015, Minnesota’s expungement statute was broadened to include a larger number of convictions eligible for statutory expungement. Under Minnesota’s current expungement law, people with criminal convictions now have more opportunities to seal their records. Changes to the expungement law includes expanding the list of criminal convictions eligible for expungement. For a helpful visual guide to Minnesota expungement law, read our 2015 Expungement Law Changes: A Second Chance infographic.

How long does the expungement process take?

The typical expungement case takes approximately 6 to 7 months to complete. Our Minneapolis expungement lawyer drafts all necessary paperwork for our clients and serves copies of your expungement petition to all agencies holding records you wish to seal. Your expungement petition must be scheduled for a court and all agencies must be served notice at least 60 days from hearing date. After the court hearing, and if the court grants your expungement request, the government has 60 days to appeal. Your expungement order will not take effect until the 60-day appeal period has passed and there is no government appeal. The sum of all these events (paperwork, court hearing, court decision, and appeal period) is approximately 6 to 7 months. Court dockets and case scheduling vary by county, which may also affect how quickly or slowly the expungement process takes.

How much does an expungement cost? Is there a filing fee?

If your case was dismissed and you petition for a statutory expungement, there is no court filing fee required. If you have a conviction and petition for an expungement, there is a $305.00 court filing fee (fees vary slightly by county so be sure to consult an expungement attorney or the district court where the expungement petition will be filed to verify). Our success is a product of the time, research, persuasive writing, and skillful argument made to the court. In short, “you get what you pay for.” Entrusting your expungement petition to an experienced expungement attorney is a prudent measure to improve your future.

Because each case is unique, please call our office at 612-338-5007 for a price quote for attorney fees. We offer free consultations.

*Over 97% success rate is determined by the number of cases successfully sealed since 2008. Cases are considered successful when the court grants the expungement petition and orders public criminal records sealed. Success rate is not a promise or guarantee for future case results.