The Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys received an order today from a judge granting a petition for expungement on a theft case for her client. The Client was charged with theft from 2004 which affected his ability to get a good job. Back in 2004, upon completed a diversion program, the charges were eventually dismissed after the probationary period was completed. However, the theft charge kept appearing on background checks when he applied for jobs and was embarrassing for him. This prohibited him from getting certain jobs and getting promotions in other companies. The client qualified for an expungement under Minnesota Statute 609A.02 Subd. 3(A)(2) which allows expungement if the Petitioner has successfully completed the terms of a diversion program and has not been charged with a new crime for at least one year since the completion of the program. Along with the Petition filed with the court, proper notice was also sent to each agency involved with the case and who holds records in the case.
When filing an expungement, many different documents must be served on the court and all agencies involved. Most important, is to ensure that the correct agencies are served. In almost all expungement cases, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), Sheriff’s Office, county attorney, City attorney, Department of Heath, Department of Human Services, and District Court must be served. This list is not inclusive and many more agencies might have to be served depending on your specific case. If an agency is left out, it is possible the charge will continue to show on a background check and the charges would not be fully sealed from the public. In some cases, the court requires a $330.00 filing fee to file an expungement petition in court. In some cases where there was diversion or a continuance for dismissal, the filing fee will be waived. In most cases, the judge will hear from the Petitioner in court. It is also possible to avoid having an actual hearing in some cases. To find out specifics about whether a filing fee applies or whether a hearing is mandatory in your case, Contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys.
A felony theft conviction will likely hurt your chances to get a job and find housing because it is a crime of dishonesty. If you have been charged with a theft or any other crime, contact Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys for a free consultation. There may be an option to seal your records depending on the time of case, past criminal record, and how much time has passed since the offense. To learn more about expungements and eligibility contact the expungement attorneys at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys. Max Keller offers free consultations. Call 952-913-1421 or visit www.kellerlawoffices.com to learn more. The attorneys at Keller Criminal Defense Attorneys have handled hundreds of expungement cases. Do not wait until you are job hunting or until the conviction shows up on a background check. It is important to get an expungement before the job interview or application to avoid having to explain the charges.
