Post-Conviction Help

Expungements (sealing a criminal record)

In Hennepin County, free service to eligible clients is provided by a partnership of the Self-Help Center and Volunteer Lawyers Network. Apply at the Self-Help Center on the skyway level of the Hennepin County Government Center. Call 612-752-6677 for more information.

In Ramsey County, free service to eligible clients is available from Legal Aid.  Please call 651-222-5863. For most other counties in Minnesota, call your local Legal Aid office for representation or a referral.

Appeals and plea withdrawals

If the lawyer who represented you cannot help, contact the Appellate office of the Minnesota Public Defender: 612-627-6980. Time limits may apply.

Prisoner assistance

On issues of parole violations (if reincarcerated), jail conditions, and civil legal help, if the lawyer who represented you cannot help, contact Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners at 651-290-6413.

Post-conviction petitions

For petitions to both state and federal court, if the lawyer who represented you cannot help, contact Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners at 651-290-6413. See also The Innocence Project Of Minnesota for help overturning wrongful convictions when new evidence could prove innocence.