Minneapolis Criminal Record Expungement
When a person is arrested but the state does not have enough evidence to convict a person for a crime, the state will frequently dismiss all charges against the suspect. A jury may also find the person not guilty. When either event occurs, the suspect is considered not guilty of the accused crime. The arrest, however, will still show up as a criminal record. This can be detrimental especially when seeking future employment opportunities and finding a place to live.
When this occurs, your best resolution is to expunge your arrest. An expungement is a type of lawsuit in which the suspect in the prior investigation seeks to have the record of their arrested sealed or destroyed. Although expungements deal with criminal records, they are considered civil lawsuits. Each city, county, and state law enforcement agency keeps its own records of criminal records. Furthermore, a criminal record can be found through the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
Employers in Minnesota may research District Court criminal records at the county courthouse before hiring you. They may also search the BCA for criminal records of potential employees.
If you are currently under investigation or have already been charged with a crime, speak with our experienced criminal defense lawyers. We represent persons throughout Minneapolis, St Paul, Hennepin County, Anoka County, Ramsey County, and throughout the Twin Cities area.
Call us at (763) 421-6366 for a free, no obligation consultation.
Types of Criminal Record Expungements
Serious crimes and felonies such as murder and sex offenses are never expunged in an expungement lawsuit. Less serious crimes are the most commonly expunged crimes in Minnesota such as misdemeanors. By expunging a criminal record, a suspect will have enhanced job opportunities and living situations.
Even if you were considered “not guilty” in a criminal case and the charges were dismissed, you still have a criminal record. When a person pleads or is found “guilty” it is often more difficult to expunge such a conviction. Expungement processes in Minnesota typically take at least 63 days. If a judge grants expungement to the suspect, another 60 days must pass before the court can seal a record.
Protecting Your Rights
The experienced Minnesota expungement lawyers of Brandt Criminal Defense will use our extensive knowledge of the legal system to create a defense for your situation. With our skill and experience we may be able to have your charges dropped or reduced. To learn more about penalties, fines, and how to protect your rights with representation call our lawyers today at (763) 421-6366.
