Can I get legal aid for my expungement in the the same state that the case is in?
Get Legal Help Today
Compare Quotes From Top Companies and Save
Secured with SHA-256 Encryption
Can I get legal aid for my expungement in the the same state that the case is in?
The crime was committed in another state but I live in a different state. I was
told that to get the expungement it has to be done in the state the crime was in.
I already meet the requirements for expungement.
Asked on December 11, 2017 under Criminal Law, Minnesota
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 7 years ago | Contributor
No, you most likely won't be able to get Legal Aid to help with this. First, they generally not do "standalone" expungements, since their resources are limited and they spend their staff time and money on defending people accused of crimes, to keep them out of jail (they might do an expungement for someone they are currently representing or recently represented, since if they are already helping that person, it doesn't take much extra effort to help with an expungement).
Second, you need a lawyer from state A to represent you there, but you live in state B; but state A's Legal Aid lawyers generally only represent state A citizens, again because they have limited resources and must prioritize--and they prioritize in favor of helping residents of their state.
This is not to say you can't ask for the help, but be prepared to be turned down.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Answer(s) provided above are for general information only. The attorney providing the answer was not serving as the attorney for the person submitting the question or in any attorney-client relationship with such person. Laws may vary from state to state, and sometimes change. Tiny variations in the facts, or a fact not set forth in a question, often can change a legal outcome or an attorney's conclusion. Although AttorneyPages.com has verified the attorney was admitted to practice law in at least one jurisdiction, he or she may not be authorized to practice law in the jurisdiction referred to in the question, nor is he or she necessarily experienced in the area of the law involved. Unlike the information in the Answer(s) above, upon which you should NOT rely, for personal advice you can rely upon we suggest you retain an attorney to represent you.