Criminal Defense + Expungement

We believe that everyone, regardless of income, should have equal access to high quality legal representation and equal opportunity to exercise their legal rights.

Do you have a qualifying criminal case?

The Legal Rights Center is a criminal defense law firm. We can offer representation on criminal cases in Hennepin County, ranging from low level traffic misdemeanors to first degree murder.

We are not able to assist on any civil case, which may include housing, family, immigration, or other civil issues. For support on these types of cases, please call one of our trusted community partners listed below.

Family: Tubman Law Center, 612-870-2426
Housing: Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid, 612-332-1441 or HOME Line, 612-728-5767
Immigration: Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota, 651-641-1011
Other Civil Issues: Volunteer Lawyers Network | 612-752-6677

If you have a criminal case in Hennepin County, please complete our intake form or call our office at 612-337-0030.

Case selection Guidelines

The Legal Rights Center will not accept a case when the client can afford a private attorney and reserves the right to accept or decline a case for any reason. We have limited resources and must allocate them efficiently for the greater good.

Income Guidelines

Felonies – 175% of Federal Poverty Guidelines
Misdemeanors – 125% of Federal Poverty Guidelines

We also inquire about and consider additional factors that could make private attorney representation unaffordable to a particular client.

Preferred Cases

Youth and first time adult offenders
Cases which present issues affecting the quality of justice for people of color
Cases in which the Legal Rights Center’s involvement is likely to positively impact the client’s future
Cases impacting constitutional rights

Cases LRC is Unlikely to Accept

Cases likely to inflame ill within or between communities
Cases for which the client already has paid representation
Cases which are charged outside of Hennepin County
Requests made too close to a trial date for us to adequately prepare
Cases in which the defendant’s criminal history suggests LRC’s involvement is not likely to positively impact the client’s future

expungement

Expungement is the process through which a criminal record is sealed. It is an important and often meaningful step in reducing collateral consequences of contact with the legal system. Not all records are immediately eligible for expungement. There are waiting periods and other requirements that may impact your eligibility for an expungement and differ based on the offense. If you are eligible for an expungement or have other questions, please click below to complete our expungement request form and a member of our team will be in touch.