Restoring Civil Rights After a Felony in Minnesota

How Minnesota law treats restoring rights after a felony, from the state code and official state agencies.

Short answer: Minnesota restores civil rights automatically. When a person convicted of a crime is discharged (by court order after a stayed sentence, or when the sentence expires), the discharge restores all civil rights and full citizenship as if the conviction had not taken place, and voting rights… Minn. Stat. §609.165, subds. 1, 1a, 1d, 2, 3; §201.014, subd. 2a

Restoring rights after a felony	Minnesota restores civil rights automatically. When a person convicted of a crime is discharged (by court order after a stayed sentence, or when the sentence expires), the discharge restores all civil rights and full citizenship as if the conviction had not taken place, and voting rights return even earlier, whenever the person is not incarcerated. Firearms are the main exception: a person convicted of a 'crime of violence' may not possess firearms or ammunition for life unless a court restores that ability (the person must show good cause and have been released from confinement; after a denial, a new petition generally must wait three years) or federal relief is granted. The restoration section does not apply to forfeiture of and disqualification for public office under section 609.42, subdivision 2. Last amended by Laws 2023, chapter 12, section 7. Possessing a firearm after a crime-of-violence conviction is a felony punishable by up to 15 years and/or $30,000 (§609.165, subd. 1b). Source: Minn. Stat. §609.165, subds. 1, 1a, 1d, 2, 3; §201.014, subd. 2a

Restoring rights after a felony

Minnesota restores civil rights automatically. When a person convicted of a crime is discharged (by court order after a stayed sentence, or when the sentence expires), the discharge restores all civil rights and full citizenship as if the conviction had not taken place, and voting rights return even earlier, whenever the person is not incarcerated. Firearms are the main exception: a person convicted of a 'crime of violence' may not possess firearms or ammunition for life unless a court restores that ability (the person must show good cause and have been released from confinement; after a denial, a new petition generally must wait three years) or federal relief is granted. The restoration section does not apply to forfeiture of and disqualification for public office under section 609.42, subdivision 2.

Last amended by Laws 2023, chapter 12, section 7. Possessing a firearm after a crime-of-violence conviction is a felony punishable by up to 15 years and/or $30,000 (§609.165, subd. 1b).

Source: Minn. Stat. §609.165, subds. 1, 1a, 1d, 2, 3; §201.014, subd. 2a

More Minnesota criminal law

FAQ

How do you restore your rights after a felony in Minnesota?

General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.