Expungement of Theft Crimes in Minnesota Can Mitigate Impact on Criminal Record
Efforts by law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in the state and federal courts of Minnesota to zealously pursue theft and other offenses has resulted in many otherwise law abiding individuals enduring the burden of a misdemeanor or felony record.
Expungement Strategies
A skilled criminal defense lawyer in the Twin Cities can develop strategies to mitigate the long-term impact of a criminal charge for a minor theft or other offense if an acquittal or dismissal is not realistic based on the facts and circumstances. However, convictions that do not result in jail time can still have a lasting negative impact on your future.
Today employers, landlords, and others are able to conduct a criminal background check without investing too much time or money. When a landlord or employer is weighing your application for housing, a promotion, or a new job, the untimely discovery of a criminal charge can hurt you. Fortunately, Minnesota has a new law that can protect your reputation and mitigate the impact of a prior criminal case. Many people do not take action toward clearing their criminal record until they have suffered a negative consequence, such as denial of a security clearance and termination from employment. However, Minnesota criminal defense lawyers at Gerald Miller, PA might be able to assist you in sealing your record depending on the disposition of your case:
Stay of Adjudication or Diversion
If you received a stay of adjudication or diversion, you might qualify for expungement if you have completed the terms and conditions of your program without further criminal charges for one year following completion.
Misdemeanors (and Petty Misdemeanors)
Expungement may be available two years after completion of the terms and conditions of your sentence if you do not pick up another criminal case.
Gross Misdemeanors
Eligibility for expungement of this more serious class of misdemeanor requires four years without picking up a criminal case after completion of your sentence for a prior conviction.
Less Serious Felonies
Some lower level felonies qualify for expungement if you are not charged with another criminal case for five years after satisfaction of the sentencing terms from your prior case.
While these requirements might mean you qualify for expungement, there is no guarantee that the court will seal your record.
The High Stakes of Clearing Your Criminal Record
The high stakes involved in clearing your criminal record of a theft crime or other offense make it important to seek legal advice when navigating the complex process of sealing criminal records in Minnesota. If you are currently facing criminal charges, immediate legal advice from an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you prevent being weighed down by the adverse effects of a misdemeanor or felony conviction in the first place by providing a tenacious defense. We also can evaluate your chances for expungement because eligibility is barred for some offenses, such as sex offenses and crimes of violence.
If you have been arrested and/or charged with misdemeanor or felony theft charges in Minnesota, we invite you to speak to a Criminal Defense Lawyer at Gerald Miller, P.A. as soon as possible. Whether we are challenging the legality of a search, seeking exclusion of statements obtained in violation of Miranda protections, or exposing false allegations from a vindictive spouse seeking an advantage in a divorce, we work diligently to build a strong defense and tenaciously defend your rights. We may also be able to help you with an expungement of theft crimes in Minnesota. You can call us 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at (612) 440-4620 to learn more about how we can make a difference for you.
