This morning, Governor Dayton signed legislation into law that drastically expands those eligible for an expungement of their criminal record in Minnesota. Previously, most seeking an expungement were eligible to have only the court records related to their case expunged, leaving many records related to a case still publicly available and preventing those with a criminal record from employment opportunities, housing, volunteering, and even entrance into educational programs. The new legislation expands availability of expungement to those convicted of any petty misdemeanor or misdemeanor two years after discharge from their sentence or probation, any gross misdemeanor four years after discharge from probation, and some felonies five years after discharge from probation or parole. The bill would also make eligible those who received a stay of adjudication or other diversion involving a guilty plea but that results in a dismissal of charges, one year from the date of discharge from probation. This new legislation will now make expungement a meaningful remedy for tens of thousands of Minnesotans deserving of a second chance at life. The legislation becomes effective January 1, 2015.
Blog Categories
- Assault
- Burglary
- Child Pornography Possession / Distribution
- Criminal Vehicular Operation
- Disorderly Conduct
- Domestic Assault
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- Expungement
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- Gross Misdemeanor
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- Juvenile Crimes
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- White Collar Crimes