Michigan Expungement Lawyer

An old conviction doesn't have to keep costing you jobs, housing, or opportunities years after your case ended. Michigan's Clean Slate Act has significantly expanded who qualifies to clear their record, and I bring over 30 years of Michigan courtroom experience to evaluating exactly where you stand.

Whether your conviction is already eligible for automatic set-aside or needs a petition filed on your behalf, the first step is one conversation to find out, not months of guessing.

Two Paths to a Clean Record

Michigan clears eligible records two ways, and most people qualify for one or the other, sometimes both over time.

Automatic set-aside happens without an application. Michigan State Police runs a daily check and sets aside eligible felonies 10 years after sentencing or release, and eligible misdemeanors 7 years after sentencing, as long as no new convictions occurred during that window. Up to 2 felonies and 4 misdemeanors of 93 days or more can be cleared this way, with no limit on misdemeanors of 92 days or less.

Petition-based expungement covers everything automatic set-aside doesn't. Under Clean Slate, up to 3 felonies and an unlimited number of misdemeanors can be expunged by application, with no more than 2 of those convictions being assaultive offenses. Waiting periods run 3 years for most misdemeanors, 5 years for a single felony, and 7 years if you're petitioning for multiple felonies at once.

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What Clean Slate Doesn't Cover

Not every conviction qualifies, and knowing the exclusions upfront saves you from chasing a petition that was never going to succeed.

  • Criminal sexual conduct in the first, second, or third degree
  • Most traffic offenses that caused injury or death
  • Any offense carrying a life sentence
  • More than 2 assaultive convictions total
  • Multiple convictions for the same offense if it carries a penalty of 10 or more years

If your case falls into one of these categories, that doesn't necessarily end the conversation, since eligibility rules and case-specific facts can shift what's possible. It's worth confirming rather than assuming.

One Conversation to Find Out Where You Stand

Evaluating eligibility means looking at the exact conviction, the sentence imposed, how much time has passed, and what else appears on your record, not a quick online checklist. I've spent over 30 years in Michigan courtrooms watching expungement law expand and change, and I bring that same direct attention to figuring out your options as I do to defending a new charge.

  • Direct, one-on-one review of your eligibility under current Michigan law
  • Petition preparation and filing when your record doesn't qualify automatically
  • Guidance on multiple convictions, waiting periods, and exclusions specific to your case
  • 24/7 availability to start the conversation

The Case Ended. The Paperwork Didn't.

If I represented you on a criminal charge that ended in a dismissal or a reduced conviction, documented among my case results, that outcome may have already started your eligibility clock running toward expungement. Former clients get direct access to the same attorney who handled the original case, not a new firm starting from zero on your record and your history.

Expungement and Firearm Rights

A felony conviction can also carry a firearm disability under Michigan's felon-in-possession law, separate from the underlying criminal record. Expunging the qualifying conviction can sometimes resolve that disability as part of the same process, which matters if getting your gun rights back is part of why you're here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Expungement Questions, Answered

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  • Am I eligible to expunge my record in Michigan?

    Eligibility depends on the type of conviction, how much time has passed since sentencing or release, and whether you've had other convictions since. Most people with up to 3 felonies or any number of misdemeanors qualify for petition-based expungement once the waiting period has passed, and some convictions clear automatically without ever filing anything.

  • How long does expungement take in Michigan?

    Petition-based expungement typically takes several months from filing to a court hearing, depending on your county's schedule and whether the prosecutor objects. Automatic set-aside happens without a filing at all once the waiting period and eligibility conditions are met.

  • Can a felony be automatically expunged in Michigan?

    Yes, up to 2 eligible felonies can be automatically set aside 10 years after sentencing or release, without filing an application, as long as no new convictions occurred during that time. Felonies that don't qualify automatically, including a third eligible felony, can still be cleared through a petition.

  • What's the difference between expungement and having a case dismissed?

    A dismissal means the case never resulted in a conviction, but the arrest and court record can still appear on background checks unless separately addressed. Expungement clears an actual conviction from public record, and in some cases a related arrest record can be addressed too, which is why it's worth reviewing even after a favorable outcome.

Let’s Get Started

An Old Case Doesn't Have to Define Today

Whether your record needs a petition or is already sitting a few years from automatic clearance, the fastest way to know is a direct conversation. I've spent 30+ years in Michigan courts, and every case gets my personal attention. Learn more about my background on my about page.