Minnesota Instructions — Expungement (Sealing) of Criminal Records is a process that allows individuals to seal or expunge criminal records from public view. It is a way to remove the stigma of a criminal past and often, to improve the chances of employment opportunities. The Minnesota Department of Corrections, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the county attorney's office have authority to expunge or seal criminal records. Generally, Minnesota law requires that individuals have a clean history and have stayed out of trouble for a certain time period before they can apply for expungement of their criminal records. There are two types of Minnesota Instructions — Expungement (Sealing) of Criminal Records. The first is a limited expungement, which seals only certain portions of a criminal record, such as arrest records, court records, and conviction records. The second is a complete expungement, which seals all information related to the criminal offense from public view. To apply for Minnesota Instructions — Expungement (Sealing) of Criminal Records, individuals must submit an expungement petition with the court in the county where the case was heard. The petition must include all relevant documents, such as the arrest record, conviction record, court records, and other supporting documents. The court will then review the petition and determine if the individual is eligible for expungement. Expungement of criminal records can be a lengthy and complex process, so it is important that individuals consult with an attorney before submitting a petition. An attorney can help guide individuals through the expungement process and make sure all documents are properly filed. Additionally, an attorney can provide advice and assistance in navigating any legal issues that may arise.