Hennepin County Attorney’s Office To Hold Expungement Clinic for Low-Level Felonies
At Brooklyn Center’s Hennepin County Service Center, criminals can receive sentences that follow them around for life.
But on Nov. 19 in this same building, the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office is offering hope in the form of the third Hennepin County Expungement Clinic and Community Fair.
“When people commit crimes, it is important that they are held accountable, but it is equally important that after that accountability, they have an opportunity to move beyond their past,” said Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty.
Thursday morning, Moriarty joined other community leaders to promote an upcoming expungement clinic, aimed at helping certain people who’ve been incarcerated have their criminal records sealed.
“Expungement can be life-changing,” said Huldah Hiltsley, the newly-elected DFL representative in the Minnesota House from Brooklyn Park. “It restores dignity and opens doors to stability and success, allowing individuals to contribute fully to society and enrich our community.”
Huldah Hiltsley, the newly-elected DFL representative in the Minnesota House for Brooklyn Park, spoke at a news conference about the Hennepin County Expungement Clinic.
Officials from the Attorney’s Office say the only people eligible for expungement are adults with felonies originating in Hennepin County. However, the office will not assist with cases involving child abuse, domestic assault, homicide or sexual assault.
“It’s going to be some of the what’s considered lower level felonies,” said Clare Diegel, director of the Professional Standards Division with the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office. “A lot of drug possession, up to third-degree felonies would be eligible.”
Moriarty estimates that thousands of people are eligible to have their criminal records expunged, so her office is encouraging anyone who thinks they fall into that category to come to the clinic and begin the process.
“Ultimately, expungement is about fairness and justice and forgiveness,” said Tekoa Cochran, executive director of The Village BP. “It recognizes that people can change, grow, and contribute in meaningful ways. It is not just a legal remedy, it’s an investment in individuals, families, and the future of our community.”
The clinic takes place Tuesday, Nov. 19, at the Brookdale Library from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. Since the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office started the program in 2020, they’ve helped 2,720 people have their records expunged.
