Yes. On your application you will be required to disclose all convictions.

First, determine whether you have ever been convicted of a crime of violence as defined in Minn. Stat. 624.712, subd. 5. Second, determine your most recent discharge or expiration date from a criminal sentence for misdemeanor or felony offense.

If you determine you were ever convicted of a crime of violence, you will be eligible ten years after your most recent date of discharge. If you determine you were not convicted of a crime of violence, you will be eligible five years after your most recent date of discharge. In either case, NO new convictions can occur or your waiting period will start over.

A new conviction for a misdemeanor, gross misdemeanor, or felony offense will typically start the waiting period over for seeking a pardon extraordinary. You must be crime-free for the five or ten years immediately preceding your appearance before the Board. 

It may. A thorough investigation is conducted by Board staff prior to the meeting and all gathered materials are given to the Board members for review, including court records, criminal history records, and driving records. The Board considers many factors when deciding whether or not to grant a pardon extraordinary and an applicant’s driving record is a part of the information provided to them.

No, all applicants are able to complete the pardon or commutation process without counsel. However, if you would like to hire an attorney to assist you in the process you may do so. 

You must submit a complete and signed application for a pardon extraordinary. Although not required, the Board encourages applicants to submit up to three letters of support or recommendation with their application. The three letters should be from people you have known for several years and must attest to your good character and reputation.

You can obtain a copy of your criminal history from the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the district courts. You do not need to submit a copy of your criminal record; however, you are responsible for including your full criminal history in your application. Failing to include all criminal convictions in your application may appear to the Board as an attempt to conceal your criminal history. This includes any convictions in other states or in federal court.

There is no fee to file a pardon application, but there is a nominal fee to obtain your record from the BCA. You must appear at the board meeting and pay any costs associated with travelling to appear at the meeting.

Yes, provided that you meet the eligibility requirements for seeking a pardon extraordinary.

Yes, however, the board rarely grants pardons for crimes such as murder or criminal sexual conduct absent extraordinary circumstances.

Yes. The board will not consider a pardon extraordinary application without the opportunity to question the applicant in person. Board meeting dates are updated on our website in the "Next Meeting" section.

If your pardon application is granted, Board staff will draft and circulate a pardon certificate to each Board member for signature, then send a copy of the signed certificate and a proposed order to vacate your conviction to the county court. Once the court order is signed and issued, it is sent to all law enforcement agencies involved in your conviction and to the BCA. The BCA will then alter your criminal history to reflect your pardon. Board staff will then send you a copy of your pardon certificate along with the court order setting aside the pardoned conviction. This process may take several months to complete.

No, unless you are in a court proceeding or are applying to be licensed as a peace officer. Because a pardon results in the setting aside of your conviction, the public criminal record, which lists criminal convictions, should be cleared. The private record, which lists arrests and the final disposition, will show that a pardon extraordinary was granted. If you sign an agreement allowing a company or others to review your private record, they will see that a pardon was granted for your conviction.

An expungement may apply only to court records of a conviction, executive branch records, or both. Expungements that apply only to court records will not seal criminal history records held by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension or other executive branch records. If you are granted a pardon, you will no longer be required to disclose your conviction in most situations. And your criminal history will indicate that you have been granted a pardon for the conviction.

The legal effect of a pardon is to vacate the conviction. Gun control laws are complex and vary from state to state and in federal law. The Minnesota Board of Pardons does not have jurisdiction over gun rights. You should contact local law enforcement or conservation authorities for information.