Free 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.

Parole Violations (if reincarcerated), Jail Conditions, Civil Legal Help for Prisoners

If the lawyer who represented you cannot help, contact Legal Assistance to Minnesota Prisoners at: 651-290-6413.

Post-conviction Petitions to State and Federal Courts

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.