Politics & Government

Washington County Law Library Offers Criminal Expungement Workshop

People typically request an expungement when they have been denied a job, housing, or a professional license because of their criminal background.

Those looking to have their criminal records expunged are invited to an upcoming workshop from the Washington County Law Library.

People typically request an expungement when they have been denied a job, housing, or a professional license because of their criminal background, according to a release. (Expungement is the process of going to court to ask a judge to seal a court record.)

The workshop is set for 2-4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 19, in room LL13 at the Washington County Government Center in Stillwater.

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Attendees will learn about the basics of criminal expungement, what kind of offenses can be expunged, and the best way to work through the process.

Shawn Betts, a criminal defense attorney with more than 14 years of experience who has worked as a prosecutor for Maplewood and White Bear Lake, will lead the workshop.

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In addition to his private practice, he is the current administrator for the Washington County Criminal Defense Panel, and also serves on the Board of Directors of Criminal Defense Services, Inc.

Some topics covered in this session include:

  • the basics of the process;
  • how to fill out and file the petition; and
  • recent Minnesota Supreme Court case law affecting criminal expungement.

There will be time after the presentation for people to ask questions.

To register, call the Washington County Law Library at 651-430-6330 or email lawlibrary@co.washington.mn.us.

The event is part of a series of free legal workshops for the public held throughout Washington County.


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