What crimes can be expunged in Minnesota?

In Minnesota, most misdemeanors and many felonies can be expunged after the required waiting period. However, certain serious offenses like violent crimes and sex offenses are typically ineligible.

How long is the waiting period for expungement in Minnesota?

Waiting periods in Minnesota vary by offense type. Arrests typically require 1 year, misdemeanors 3-5 years, and felonies 5-10 years from sentence completion.

Can I expunge a felony in Minnesota?

Many felonies can be expunged in Minnesota, but eligibility depends on the specific offense and classification. Class A felonies and certain violent or sexual offenses are generally ineligible.

Will expungement remove my record from background checks?

Yes, once expunged, the record should not appear on most background checks. However, some government agencies and law enforcement may still have access for specific purposes.

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Criminal Record Expungement

MinnesotaCriminal Expungement

Learn how to clear arrests and convictions from your criminal record in Minnesota.

At a Glance

Fee Waiver AvailableYou may qualify for free filing

Or $0-$322 filing fee if you don't qualify

NoClean Slate State

Check Eligibility →

Legal Terminology in Minnesota

Expungement

expungement

Sealing

sealing

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements for criminal record expungement in Minnesota.

Generally Eligible

All charges dismissed

Acquittals (not guilty verdicts)

Charges not filed after arrest

Successful diversion (1 year after completion)

Generally Not Eligible

Murder and Homicide

Murder in the first degree (§ 609.185)
Murder in the second degree (§ 609.19)
Murder in the third degree (§ 609.195)
Manslaughter in the first degree (§ 609.20)
Manslaughter in the second degree (§ 609.205)

Sex Offenses

Criminal sexual conduct (§ 609.342-345)
Solicitation, inducement, promotion of prostitution involving minor
Sex trafficking (§ 609.322)
Sexual extortion (§ 609.3458)
Offenses requiring sex offender registration

Offenses Against Children

Use of minors in sexual performance (§ 617.246)
Possession of pornographic work involving minors (§ 617.247)
Child abuse (severe cases)
Solicitation of children to engage in sexual conduct

DWI Offenses

First-degree DWI (felony)
Criminal vehicular homicide
Criminal vehicular operation causing injury

Registration Offenses

Offenses requiring registration as predatory offender
Failure to register as predatory offender

Waiting Periods

Dismissal/acquittalNo waiting period

Diversion1 year

Waiting periods typically start from completion of sentence, including probation.

Costs & Fee Waivers

Don't let cost be a barrier. Most people qualify for free filing.

Filing Costs

Recommended

Option 1: Fee Waiver

$0 — File for free

If you have limited income, you likely qualify to file without paying any fees.

Option 2: Pay Filing Fee

$0-$322

No fee for dismissals; ~$322 for conviction expungements

If you don't qualify for a fee waiver, you'll need to pay the filing fee.

Don't let filing fees stop you. Most people who apply for fee waivers are approved.

The Process

Verify Eligibility

Confirm your conviction qualifies for expungement

Obtain Your Criminal History

Get your BCA criminal history record

2-3 weeks

Complete Expungement Forms

Fill out required forms from Minnesota Courts

1-2 hours

File and Pay Fee

Submit petition and pay filing fee

1 day

Serve Required Parties

Provide notice to prosecutor and agencies

1-2 weeks

Hearing

Attend expungement hearing

1-2 hours

Order Processing

If granted, records are sealed

60 days

Legal Resources

State-sponsored program providing free expungement assistance at events throughout Minnesota

Official court forms and instructions for expungement

Free legal services for low-income Minnesotans including expungement help

Law school clinic helping those with criminal records, especially those with prison time

Free legal services in Ramsey, Dakota, and Washington counties

Free civil legal services for low-income residents in southern Minnesota

Free legal services in northeastern Minnesota

Free legal services in northwestern Minnesota

Hennepin County program for free record sealing assistance

Request your official criminal history record

Legal Authority

Minn. Stat. § 609A.01

Criminal Records; Expungement - Definitions

View source →

Minn. Stat. § 609A.02

Expungement of Criminal Records

View source →

Minn. Stat. § 609A.03

Petition; Service; Hearing; Order

View source →

Minn. Stat. § 152.18

First-Time Drug Offender Expungement

View source →

Eligibility Timeline Calculator

Find out exactly when you can file for expungement

What was the outcome of your case?

Date DA Declined to File

🏛️ Find Your Courthouse

Get court contact information, directions, and filing details for your county

Select Your County

📋 My Cases

Track your expungement progress across multiple cases

No Cases Yet

Add your first case to start tracking your expungement progress

📄 Generate Your Forms

After adding your case information above, use this tool to automatically generate your personalized expungement forms:

💡 Add a case above to generate your expungement forms.

Need More Help?

Consider consulting with a legal aid organization or attorney for personalized guidance.

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Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.