Hennepin County has launched a new program to help people who were convicted of crimes as children get a second chance by sealing their records — a change that could make a big difference for Black youth in our communities.
Through an online portal, individuals can now apply to the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office to have their juvenile records expunged, removing them from public access. This means fewer barriers to jobs, education, and housing for those trying to move forward with their lives.
Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty emphasized how lasting the impact of a criminal record can be, even for minor offenses.
“Criminal records can follow youth forever and hurt their chances of building a better future,” Moriarty said. “This program helps change that.”
Breaking down barriers for disadvantaged communities
Historically, Black communities have been disproportionately impacted by the criminal justice system. Even minor offenses committed in childhood can haunt people for life, making it harder to find work, secure stable housing, or get into college. This new expungement program is a step toward breaking down those barriers and offering more fairness in the system.
The county has been accepting online expungement applications for adults since 2020. Now, youth records can be sealed too — a move that could help hundreds of young people leave past mistakes behind and build brighter futures.
What cases are eligible?
Not all crimes can be expunged through the program. Serious offenses like weapons charges, domestic violence, and sexual assault are excluded. But many lesser crimes are eligible, including:
- All misdemeanors
- Fourth- and fifth-degree drug offenses
- Property crimes
There’s also a waiting period. For misdemeanors, applicants must go one year without any new criminal convictions. For felonies, it’s three years.
For those who don’t qualify for this program, there’s still a way to petition the court for expungement. In some cases, prosecutors can even file a letter of support for the petition.
Real stories of redemption
Moriarty shared a story of a 27-year-old man who was charged with felony drug possession at 15. He hasn’t committed any crimes as an adult, and now his record has been wiped clean.
“We know that all children are capable of change,” Moriarty said. “A child should not be defined by a mistake they made when they were young.”
Since the program expanded in November to include youth, more than 800 people have applied to expunge their records.
Statewide efforts to clear criminal records
This new program comes at a time when Minnesota is taking broader steps to make expungement easier for everyone. The Clean Slate Law, which went into effect on Jan. 1, automatically clears certain nonviolent records. Before this law, even those eligible for expungement had to go through a lengthy petition process.
For Black communities in Minneapolis and across Hennepin County, this program could be life-changing. It’s a chance to shed the weight of youthful mistakes and build stronger futures.
“Our young people deserve the opportunity to grow and thrive,” Moriarty said. “This program gives them that chance.”