Legal Question in Criminal Law in Minnesota
petition for expungment
I am wondering about obtaining a petition for expungment, and if this is something I can do myself. Is it best to have an attorney do it, and if so what is approx. cost.
thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: petition for expungment
If you have 1-2 minor infractions and you were not convicted, you could probably prepare the paperwork yourself without an attorney. Most of the court districts have forms available for this. If more than that, you may want to retain an attorney. I'd be happy to talk with you in more detail about your particular case.
Re: petition for expungment
You can file a Petition for Expungement without the help of a lawyer. However, if you do not qualify for a statutory expungement, it may do more harm than good to have one granted. A lawyer could help you draft the most favorable expungement petition and proposed order (better than the forms the court provides); and ensure that all necessary people and entities are served the required papers. It is better to have a lawyer help you with it, to help ensure you get the best and most relief available, and that it has the full effect it should have.