Michigan Expungement Laws: Your Path to a Clean Slate
Don’t let your past dictate your future. Clear Your Criminal Record and Get a Fresh Start.
At The Law Offices of Barton Morris, we’re committed to helping Michigan residents clear their criminal records through expungement. With groundbreaking changes to Michigan’s expungement laws, more people than ever qualify to have their criminal records set aside. Our experienced expungement attorneys have a proven track record of success, helping clients throughout Michigan regain their freedom and opportunities.
Need to expunge your criminal record? Contact us today for a free consultation.
What is Expungement in Michigan?
Expungement is the legal process of setting aside a criminal conviction, effectively removing it from public view. When a conviction is expunged, it no longer appears on background checks conducted by most employers, landlords, or educational institutions. The conviction is sealed from public view, allowing you to legally state that you have not been convicted of that crime.
What’s New in Michigan Expungement Law?
The Clean Slate initiative is a bipartisan, seven-bill legislative package that has dramatically improved the expungement process for criminal charges in Michigan. Here’s what the new law includes:
- Increases eligibility: Now allows for up to three (3) felonies and an unlimited number of misdemeanors to be expunged
- Makes traffic offenses eligible: For the first time, most traffic offenses can be expunged
- Marijuana offense expungement: Creates a process to set aside marijuana-related offenses that became legal as of December 6, 2018
- Reduces waiting periods: Shortens the time you must wait before applying for misdemeanor expungement
- “One bad night” provision: Allows multiple convictions arising under the same set of circumstances to be eligible as one offense
This legislative change has effectively doubled the number of Michiganders eligible for expungement, including misdemeanor marijuana offenses.
Ready to expunge your record? Contact us to start your expungement process today.
What Doesn’t Qualify for Expungement in Michigan?
Despite the expanded eligibility, certain offenses still do not qualify for expungement:
- If you have more than three (3) felonies on different dates
- Felonies that carry a maximum punishment of life in prison
- Attempts to commit a felony with a maximum punishment of life
- Felony domestic violence (if you had a previous domestic violence misdemeanor)
- Child abuse
- Most criminal sexual conduct offenses
- Traffic offenses causing injury or death
We do not recommend applying for expungement if you have pending charges in any court or have been convicted of a crime in the last three (3) years.
Automatic Expungement vs. Applying for Expungement
Common misconceptions about automatic expungement:
- The waiting period for automatic expungement is 7-10 years (compared to 3-7 years if you apply)
- Automatic expungement only covers two (2) felonies and four (4) misdemeanors (less than if you apply)
- Many offenses that qualify for application-based expungement don’t qualify for automatic expungement
These offenses may qualify when you apply for expungement but do not qualify for automatic expungement:
- Assaultive crimes
- Serious misdemeanors
- Crimes of dishonesty
- Any offense punishable by 10+ years’ imprisonment
- Felony violations involving minors, vulnerable adults, injury, death, or human trafficking
Don’t wait for automatic expungement and miss out on the immediate benefits of clearing your record with the help of our attorneys.
Why Should I Expunge My Criminal Record?
According to a Harvard Law Review study, expungement recipients have a remarkably low recidivism rate—only 6 percent. The benefits of expungement include:
Employment Opportunities
Many employers perform background checks and are less likely to hire individuals with criminal records. Expunging your record removes these barriers and can increase your earning potential.
Housing Options
Many landlords conduct background checks. With your criminal record sealed, your chances of securing housing improve significantly.
Lower Insurance Rates
Once your record is expunged, insurance companies can no longer use it to charge you higher premiums.
Education Access
Drug-related convictions can make you ineligible for federal student loans. Expunging your record can open the door to financial aid for higher education.
Restore Your Right to Bear Arms
In Michigan, you can apply for a Concealed Pistol License (CPL) once felonies are expunged from your record.
Despite these benefits, nearly 95 percent of eligible people don’t apply for expungements, often due to lack of knowledge about the law and the complex legal process involved.
The Michigan Expungement Process: 9 Critical Steps
To expunge your criminal record in Michigan, you must complete these rigorous and time-consuming steps:
Don’t Try This On Your Own—Your Future Is Too Important
Expungement is not the time to cut corners or attempt a DIY approach. With three years of waiting time if denied, the stakes are too high to risk making mistakes.
Our firm has a proven record of successfully expunging criminal records throughout Michigan. We’ll handle every detail of your case with the expertise and attention it deserves.
Live the Life You Want and Deserve
Having a clean record opens doors to opportunities that may have seemed impossible with a criminal history. Let our experienced Michigan expungement attorneys help you take this critical step toward a brighter future.
Why Choose The Law Offices of Barton Morris for Your Expungement?
Our attorneys are dedicated to:
Navigating the expungement process with expertise
Helping you avoid costly mistakes that could delay your case
Presenting the strongest case possible to the judge
Ensuring you get a fresh start with a clean record
A successful expungement more than pays for itself through increased earning potential, housing opportunities, educational access, and overall quality of life. Don’t let your past dictate your future. Contact The Law Offices of Barton Morris today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your eligibility for expungement.
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