February 1, 2025

Recently, Hennepin County opened up applications from those seeking to expunge criminal convictions from their juvenile records. This new program is a follow-up on the county’s Clean Slate Act changes.

According to the program, it would expand the county’s prosecutor-led expungement program. This program aims to provide second chances to more county residents. Minnesota’s Clean Slate Act went into effect on January 1, 2025.

This Act allows adult offenders to clear low-level, non-violent offenses from their records. However, they must avoid committing further crimes during the waiting period to qualify for the Clean Slate Act. Depending upon the offense in question, the waiting period can take up to 10 years. Expungements under the Clean Slate Act require no action on the parts of the individuals affected because they are entirely automatic.

The newly expanded prosecution-led expungement program has accepted applications since 2020. According to the expansions, Hennepin County residents can file applications with the County Attorney’s Office’s website. This option also allows them to request help sealing records of offenses the County Attorney’s Office prosecuted. This process is free, though it does not guarantee that the Office will approve the applications. Regardless, there are no repercussions for applying. 

This process starkly contrasts traditional applications from individuals seeking expungement on their own. In this case, there are no filing fees, it does not require further filing, and it removes the need to appear in court. The Hennepin County Attorney’s Office will handle all the steps needed to eliminate the many barriers individuals face when seeking an expungement.

Hennepin County then expanded this program to youth offenders. As such, the county is now accepting online applications for youth offenders through the same Help Seal My Record portal. To qualify for this expungement program, individuals must:

  • Have committed the offense in question while under the age of 18
  • Have committed eligible offenses, including misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor offenses (i.e., fourth and fifth-degree drug offenses and property cases)

Individuals not eligible for this program may file a petition for expungement on their own. In these cases, the county’s prosecutors may still file a letter of agreement on behalf of the individual. These letters of agreement would state that they do not object to the expungement.

With these expanded options for expungement, Hennepin County employers should ensure that they work with a trusted employment screening provider. Trusted partnerships can help guarantee that any reports they receive are both accurate and free from obsolete record information.

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