Post-Conviction Help

Expungements (sealing a criminal record)

In Hennepin County, free service to eligible clients is provided by a partnership of the Council on Crime & Justice and the Volunteer Lawyers Network. Call 612-752-6677 for more information.

In Ramsey County, free service to eligible clients is available from the Neighborhood Justice Center (651-222-4703) and Legal Aid (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 at 651-201-6700. Time limits may apply.

Prisoner assistance

For civil legal 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 the Appellate office of the Minnesota Public Defender at 651-201-6700. See also The Innocence Project Of Minnesota for help overturning wrongful convictions when new evidence could prove innocence.