2025 Session Last amended: 2023 session

§ 609A.01 — Expungement of Criminal Records

Plain-Language Summary

This section establishes the legal framework for expungement (sealing) of criminal records in Minnesota. It explains that expungement means a court order sealing records so they cannot be seen or disclosed, except by court order or statutory authority. Expungement does not destroy records or return them to the person.

609A.01 EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS.

This chapter provides the grounds and procedures for expungement of criminal records under section 13.82; 152.18, subdivision 1; 299C.11, where expungement is automatic under sections 609A.015, 609A.017, or 609A.035, or a petition is authorized under section 609A.02, subdivision 3; expungement is automatic under section 609A.055; expungement is considered by a panel under section 609A.06; or other applicable law. The remedy available is limited to a court order or grant of expungement under section 609A.015 sealing the records and prohibiting the disclosure of their existence or their opening except under court order or statutory authority. Nothing in this chapter authorizes the destruction of records or their return to the subject of the records.

History:

1996 c 408 art 9 s 7; 2023 c 52 art 7 s 11; 2023 c 63 art 5 s 1

History: History: 1996 c 408 art 9 s 7; 2023 c 52 art 7 s 11; 2023 c 63 art 5 s 1

Practical Notes

When this applies: When you want to understand what expungement means and what it can do. Who this affects: Anyone with a criminal record in Minnesota considering expungement. Key points: Expungement seals your record from public view but does not destroy it. Courts and certain agencies can still access sealed records under specific circumstances. This chapter covers both automatic expungement (no petition needed) and petition-based expungement. Start by checking section 609A.015 for automatic eligibility or section 609A.02 for the full list of grounds.

Source: Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes