Clean Slate, Clear Future: Why Expungement Matters
T.O.N.E. U.P. Fellow, Ed. Photo credit: Emily Baxter
Reentry is hard enough.
Finding a job, securing housing, and building stability after incarceration can feel like climbing uphill with extra weight. One of the heaviest burdens? A criminal record that follows you—even for something that happened decades ago.
But here’s what many people don’t know:
You may be eligible to clear or seal that record—and reclaim your future.
What Is Expungement—and Why Does It Matter?
Expungement is the legal process of sealing parts of your criminal record from public view. That means potential employers, landlords, and others won't see past charges or convictions in a background check.
A sealed record can open doors to:
Fair housing
Living-wage jobs
Professional licenses
Peace of mind
Even something like a traffic ticket from 20 years ago—yes, I’ve seen it happen—can show up on your record. If you were pulled over at 20 years old without insurance or ID, and that citation never fully resolved, it could still be attached to your name, affecting job opportunities or even your eligibility to drive for work.
Minnesota’s Clean Slate Act: A New Path Forward
On January 1, 2025, the Clean Slate Act went into effect in Minnesota. This new law provides automatic expungement for qualifying non-violent offenses and outlines a process for manual expungement in other cases.
It’s a game-changer. This law offers hope for thousands of Minnesotans who’ve stayed on track but still carry the weight of their past.
How T.O.N.E. U.P. Can Help You
At T.O.N.E. U.P., we walk with you—not as legal experts, but as partners. Through our Liberation of Leaders Fellowship, we provide:
Expungement and legal navigation
Referrals to free clinics and legal aid
One-on-one coaching
Support rooted in healing, purpose, and accountability
We don’t guarantee representation, but we guarantee support.
If you’re ready to get free—not just legally, but emotionally and mentally—we’re ready to walk with you.
Upcoming Expungement Clinics
The Minnesota Attorney General’s Office, led by Keith Ellison, is offering free expungement clinics throughout summer 2025.
Next Clinic Date:
Westside St. Paul - Dakota County May 24th
10am-3pmNeighborhood House (179 Robie St, St Paul, MN 55107) Submit this form to pre-register Walk-ins will also be accepted until 2:30pm
You’ll receive:
Record review
On-site legal help
Guidance on starting your case
More dates + details:
https://www.ag.state.mn.us
Clinic Info Line: 651-296-3353
Take the First Step
If you’ve served your time, stayed on track, and want to move forward—you deserve a clean slate.
Whether you're starting the process or don’t know where to begin, T.O.N.E. U.P. is here to help.
Start by filling out our Fellowship Interest Form or contacting us directly.
Email: info@toneup.org
This is your life. Your future. Your clean slate. Let’s get to work.
