Skilled Help With Minnesota DWI Expungements
Last updated on October 23, 2025
A Minnesota DWI follows you for years, affecting employment, professional licenses and personal relationships. Many clients seek strong defense against current DWI charges while wanting to understand options for sealing past convictions.
I’m attorney Charles Gerlach of Gerlach Law in St. Paul, a former prosecutor with over 25 years of experience handling DWI cases and expungement proceedings. My background allows me to provide comprehensive legal support from initial DWI defense through post-conviction relief options.
What Is DWI Expungement In Minnesota?
Expungement is a legal process that seals criminal records from public view, making them inaccessible to most employers and background check services.
For DWI offenses, expungement can provide a fresh start by removing the conviction from your public criminal history.
Minnesota law allows expungement for certain DWI convictions under specific circumstances. The process involves petitioning the court to seal your records and demonstrating rehabilitation.
When Are DWI Expungements Available?
DWI expungement eligibility depends on factors including conviction severity, criminal history and time passed since completing your sentence. First-time DWI offenders generally have better chances than repeat offenders.
Misdemeanor DWI convictions may qualify after completing all sentence requirements, including probation and treatment programs. Felony DWI cases face more stringent requirements and longer waiting periods.
How I Can Help With Your DWI Expungement
As someone who has prosecuted these cases, I understand what courts look for when evaluating expungement petitions. I help clients navigate both criminal defense and subsequent expungement proceedings to minimize long-term consequences.
As your lawyer, my approach includes case evaluation, strategic defense planning and comprehensive expungement preparation when appropriate.
I can also help you seek other types of expungements in Minnesota.
Benefits Of DWI Expungement
Successful expungement can restore opportunities that DWI convictions typically restrict. Employment prospects improve when background checks no longer reveal the conviction. Professional licensing boards may reconsider previous denials based on criminal history.
Additionally, housing applications become easier when landlords cannot access sealed records through standard screening services. For more information about expungements in Minnesota, visit this page.
Get In Touch Today
Contact me in Minnesota at 952-952-9723 for a free consultation. You can also use my online contact form to make arrangements.