This is an official Minnesota court form for use in an expungment case, Petitioner Instructions for Expungement, Sealing of Criminal Records. USLF amends and updates these forms as is required by Minnesota Statutes and Law.
Title: Minneapolis Minnesota Petitioner Instructions for Expungement and Sealing of Criminal Records Introduction: In Minneapolis, Minnesota, individuals who have past criminal records have the opportunity to seek expungement or sealing of their records. Expungement refers to the process of physically destroying or sealing criminal records, while sealing refers to restricting access to the records, making them inaccessible to the public. This detailed guide outlines the instructions and steps involved in petitioning for expungement or sealing of criminal records in Minneapolis. 1. Eligibility Criteria: Before proceeding with the expungement or sealing process, it is crucial to determine your eligibility. Typically, individuals who meet the following criteria may qualify: a) Completed sentence: You must have completed all court-ordered sentences, including probation, parole, or any other conditions imposed by the court. b) Waiting period: Certain offenses require a waiting period where a specific amount of time must pass after the completion of the sentence before becoming eligible for expungement or sealing. c) Now pending charges: You must not have any pending criminal charges or convictions. d) Eligible offense: Not all offenses can be expunged or sealed. Certain serious crimes may be excluded from the expungement process. 2. Gathering Documentation: To initiate the expungement or sealing process, you will need to gather the necessary documentation, which may include: a) Criminal record: Obtain a copy of your criminal record from the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension or the local police department. b) Sentencing and court documents: Gather any relevant sentencing orders, court judgements, or probation completion documents. 3. Filling Out the Petition: The next step is to fill out the appropriate petition form. Minneapolis offers different types of petitions, including: a) Expungement Petition: This form is used when seeking the destruction or sealing of criminal records related to specific charges or convictions. b) Juvenile Expungement Petition: If the offense was committed as a minor, this form is used to request expungement or sealing. c) Sealing Petition: This form is used without requesting the destruction of records and restricts access to certain individuals or entities. 4. Completing the Petition Process: Once the petition has been accurately filled out, it is important to: a) Sign and date: Ensure all necessary fields on the petition form are filled out, signed, and dated. b) Attach supporting documents: Compile all required documentation, including criminal records, sentencing orders, and other relevant paperwork. c) Submit the petition: File the completed petition, along with the supporting documents, at the appropriate court or administration office. Conclusion: The expungement and sealing process in Minneapolis, Minnesota, offers individuals a chance to remove or restrict public access to their criminal records, providing an opportunity for a fresh start. However, it is essential to carefully follow the instructions specific to your situation and seek professional assistance if needed. By understanding the eligibility criteria and completing the necessary petitions correctly, individuals can navigate the process successfully and potentially improve their future prospects.
