Understanding North Dakota’s New Law on Sealing Dismissed or Acquitted Criminal Records

By: Attorney Zachary Tomczik

In August 2025, North Dakota passed House Bill 1166, which provides relief to individuals whose criminal cases were dismissed or resulted in an acquittal. Before this law, dismissed or acquitted cases remained publicly accessible, often causing unnecessary hurdles for individuals. This new law seals these records from public view, offering individuals the opportunity to move forward without the weight of an old case.

What Was the Situation Before?

Prior to this legislation, even if a person was found not guilty or had their case dismissed, the associated criminal records remained accessible to the public. This often led to individuals facing challenges in securing employment, housing, or other opportunities due to the lingering stigma of an arrest record.

What Does the New Law Change?

Effective August 1, 2025, House Bill 1166 mandates that:

• Automatic Sealing: Individuals with dismissed or acquitted cases after August 1, 2025, will have their cases sealed from public view 61 days after the judgment is entered.
• Petition Process: Individuals with dismissed or acquitted cases before August 1, 2025, must file a petition to have their records sealed. This petition can be submitted without a filing fee.
• Access Restrictions: While the general public will be restricted from accessing these sealed records, certain parties, such as judges, attorneys, and law enforcement, may still view them under specific circumstances.

Why Is This Important?

The primary goal of this law is to prevent innocent individuals from being unfairly judged based on outdated or irrelevant criminal records. By sealing dismissed or acquitted cases, the law ensures that these individuals are not hindered in their personal and professional lives due to past charges that did not result in a conviction.

How Can Rosenquist Law Office Assist?

If you have a dismissed or acquitted criminal case and wish to have your record sealed, Rosenquist Law Office is here to help. Our experienced attorneys can guide you through the petition process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you can move forward without the burden of an unjust criminal record.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, please get in touch with Rosenquist Law Office today in either Fargo or Grand Forks, North Dakota. We’re committed to helping you achieve a fresh start.