Sealing Criminal Records through Prosecutor-Led Expungement

Important Note: The Hennepin County Attorney's Office cannot give legal advice or represent you in court.

To learn more about expungement in Minnesota:

Watch the expungement video
Read Minnesota Statute § 609A.02
Contact a community organization listed at the bottom of this page

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How Can the HCAO Help Me? (Prosecutor-Led Expungement)

What is Prosecutor-Led Expungement?

Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE) is a power that allows a prosecuting office to seal records of their own cases without the subject of the record having to ask the court. By applying through our free online program, people with certain criminal records can ask the Hennepin County Attorney's Office (HCAO) to seal their records for them.

You may qualify for the HCAO PLE program if:

Your case was handled by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office
You completed probation or parole
You were convicted of a crime listed in the law that allows for Prosecutor-Led Expungement (see the list at § 609A.02, subd. 3(b))
You haven't been convicted of another crime for the duration of the applicable waiting period (depending on the type of offense you're trying to seal)

If you qualify, we may help you seal your criminal record, which hides it from public view. This can make it easier to get a job or find housing. Remember, records are sealed, not destroyed. The following agencies can ask the court to reopen a sealed record:

Courts
Prosecutors
Law enforcement (including local police and the FBI)
The victim involved in the offense
Certain federal agencies (for immigration, naturalization, or travel purposes)
Certain state agencies (for jobs or licenses), including:
- Criminal justice agencies for purposes of evaluating a prospective employee
- Minnesota professional Educator Licensing and Standard Board for purposes of a background check

Can a record sealed through the Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE) program be used against me in the future in a criminal prosecution?

Yes. Some crimes have tougher penalties if you've been convicted before. these are called enhanceable offenses.

Example: A past DWI conviction can lead to more serious penalties if you get another DWI - even if the old record is sealed.

Who can apply for Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE)?

You can apply if:

Your case was charged or prosecuted by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office

You cannot apply if:

Your case was handled by a city attorney
Your case was handled in a different county

Can my Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE) application be denied?

Yes. We may deny your application if:

Your offense doesn't qualify under the law
Your offense does qualify, but you haven't waited long enough after your conviction
Other reasons that we will explain

If denied, we'll send you a letter or email explaining why.

Do I need to file anything with the Court if I apply through the HCAO Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE) program?

If you apply through our office, we'll handle everything.
If you apply on your own, you'll need to:
- File a Petition for Expungement (forms available at: https://mncourts.gov/help-topics/criminal-expungement/forms)
- Send copies to all agencies involved in your case

Will I have to go to court if I apply through the HCAO Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE) program?

No court appearance needed if we file for you.

Will I have to pay a fee if I apply through the HCAO Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE) program?

There is no fee if we file for you.

How will I know if I'm accepted or if my record is sealed?

If you don't qualify, we'll send you a letter or email
If you do qualify, you'll get a copy of the signed court order sealing your records in the mail directly from District Court

Can a record sealed through the Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE) program be used against me in the future in a criminal prosecution?

Yes. Some crimes have tougher penalties if you've been convicted before. These are called enhanceable offenses.

Example: A past DWI conviction can lead to more serious penalties if you get another DWI - even if the old record is sealed.

Privacy Notice

Hennepin County asks for private information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. We use this information only to check if you qualify.

We won't share your data unless:

You give written permission
A court orders us to share it

You don't have to provide the information, but we can't process your application without it.

How Do I Apply for Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE)?

Click here to start your application

We'll review your criminal history and let you know if you qualify. If you do, we'll start the paperwork. If not, we'll explain why.

Privacy Notice

Hennepin County asks for private information under the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act. We use this information only to check if you qualify.

We won't share your data unless:

You give written permission
A court orders us to share it

You don't have to provide the information, but we can't process your application without it.

What if the HCAO Can't Help Me? (Petition for Expungement)

What can I do if I don't qualify for Prosecutor-Led Expungement (PLE)?

The law only allows us to seal certain kinds of felony cases through our PLE program, and not all records will qualify. Even if your request is denied by our office, your record may still be eligible for seal, we just aren't able to do it for you.

If that happens, you can still ask the court to seal the records of your offense by filing a petition for criminal expungement. Additional information and the forms you will need can be found here: https://mncourts.gov/help-topics/criminal-expungement/forms

Will I have to pay a fee or go to court if I file a petition with the court?

Yes. You will need to pay a fee to file a petition with the court (or file a request to have that fee waived)
If you file on your own, your request will need to be heard by the court.

Is there anything I can do if the court denies my petition?

If the court denies your petition for expungement, you might consider applying for a pardon. A pardon is a special kind of forgiveness from the state that can help clear your record in a different way. It's a longer process, but it could give you more options in the future.

You can learn more about how to apply for a pardon by visiting the Minnesota Board of Pardons at: https://mn.gov/crc/apply/pardon/ or by asking the Hennepin County Self-Help Center for more information.

What About Automatic Expungement? (Clean Slate Act)

Explain the Clean Slate Act

The Clean Slate Act (CSA) started on January 1, 2025. It helps people by automatically clearing certain criminal records. You don't need to fill out forms or pay fees to get your record cleared. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) looks for records that qualify and tells the court to seal the records they have of the offense. The BCA and the court are the only two agencies whose records will be sealed.

Can anyone see my record if it's been automatically expunged under the Clean Slate Act (CSA)?

Yes. Records sealed automatically under the Clean Slate Act can still be seen by:

Criminal justice agencies (prosecution, law enforcement, etc.)
The Minnesota Department of Health
The Minnesota Department of Human Services
The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
Any employer who requests a background study from outside the state of Minnesota

Which Records Get Sealed?

Click here to view which records get sealed (PDF).

Where Can I Get Legal Advice?

If you have questions about your specific situation, these community-based organizations may be able to provide legal advice:

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