Criminal Records and Job Searching

Having a criminal record expunged, pardoned or sealed is not an option for everyone. Knowing more about these proceeding can help you find out what your options might be.

Some ex-offenders are able to get all or part of their criminal records cleared so it is no longer a barrier to their job search. The information below is for informational purposes only. Talk to a legal professional to find out if you are eligible to have items removed from your record.

Get a copy of your criminal record

To make sure that employers are seeing an accurate version of your criminal record, obtain a copy for yourself.

Review your record with a legal professional or someone from the probation or parole office so that you understand what information in documented.

You can do an online search for your criminal record. The online search might not show your complete criminal records, so it's best to ask for a printed copy to be mailed to you. Written requests must include your full name, any aliases and your date of birth. Ask the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension to find out what the fee is for getting a written copy of your record.

Contact the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension:

1430 Maryland Avenue
CJIS Section
St. Paul, MN 55106
Or call: 651-793-2420

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1. Criminal expungement

   Expungement means that the courts seal all or part of your criminal record from the public. If your record is expunged, those items are still on your record, but employers would not see them when they conduct a background check.

   Expungements can be difficult to obtain. Less serious crimes can be expunged if you can prove positive changes in your life that makes it less likely that you will commit another crime. Serious crimes like murder, aggravated assault, driving while intoxicated and sex offender crimes are never expunged in Minnesota.

   The Minnesota Judicial Branch has more information about criminal expungement, including how to find a lawyer to help you with the process.

2. Pardons

   A pardon is the forgiveness of fault, offense or guilt. Pardons are usually granted to someone who served their sentence and has lived a crime-free life. A pardon does not seal or erase a conviction, but it is a good sign of rehabilitation and trustworthiness.

   Pardons are granted by the Governor of Minnesota. The President of the United States grants pardons for federal crimes only.

3. Sealing a criminal record

   To seal a criminal record means that a court official hides all record of the criminal proceedings from public access. An employer would not know a criminal record existed if it were sealed. Likewise, a juvenile record sealed through the juvenile court would not show up on any type of background check.

   Someone with a sealed criminal record can lawfully respond to any questions about arrests, acquittals and convictions as if they never happened. Contact a lawyer to find out to proceed if you are a good candidate for having your record sealed.