Governor Mark Dayton signed the Second Chance Expungement Bill into law yesterday. The new law will give much needed relief to individuals whose employment goals and housing options have been hindered by past criminal convictions. Unlike the current law where a finding or admission of guilt prevents someone from ever sealing arrest and booking records held by law enforcement, the new law will allow for the sealing of all records related to the arrest, booking, charges, and conviction under certain circumstances. This is a significant step in helping people who may have made youthful mistakes, but are being denied employment opportunities and housing years after the conviction. The new law goes into effect on January 1, 2015.
You may benefit from the new Minnesota expungement law if you meet any of the following requirements:
- Successfully completed the terms of a diversion program or stay of adjudication more than one year ago;
- Were convicted of a petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor and have remained law abiding for two (2) years following the completion of probation;
- Were convicted of a gross misdemeanor and have remained law abiding four (4) years following the completion of probation; or
- Were convicted of a listed low-level felony offense and have been law abiding for five (5) years following the completion of probation
Read the entire bill here.
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Coley Grostyan is an experienced Minnesota expungement attorney who has a successful track record of sealing arrest and conviction records for his clients.