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Last Modified on Aug 21, 2025
To expunge a criminal record in Michigan, you must first determine eligibility through the state’s Clean Slate Act, which typically allows expungement five years after release from prison, discharge from parole, or date of conviction, whichever occurs last. The legal process involves obtaining court records and fingerprints, filing an official petition with the court, serving notice to the prosecutor who handled your original case and the Michigan Attorney General, then attending a hearing where you explain why you deserve the expungement. However, certain convictions are disqualified from expungement, including felonies punishable by life imprisonment, domestic violence felonies with prior misdemeanor domestic violence convictions, and convictions for child abuse, criminal sexual assault, child sexual abuse, or human trafficking.
No one deserves to have their entire future defined by their past. Having a criminal record can create unfair barriers when it comes to finding employment, housing, and education. Thankfully, a Michigan expungement can offer you a fresh start. Whether you were convicted of a misdemeanor in Wayne County or a white collar crime in Grand Rapids, understanding how to expunge a record in Michigan is vital to the success of your future.
Accomplished Expungement Lawyers in Michigan
At SBBL Law, our attorneys have been fighting for the rights of our clients since 2011. We are passionate about helping you turn over a new leaf and believe that a simple lapse in judgment or even a misunderstanding should not haunt you for the rest of your life. If you need help determining your eligibility for expungement in Michigan or are ready to start the legal process, our team is here to guide you through every step.
Who Qualifies for Expungement in Michigan?
Before you even begin the legal process of expunging a record in Michigan, you must first determine whether or not you qualify. According to the state’s Clean Slate Act, expungement is typically available within five years after you have been released from prison, discharged from parole, or following the date of your conviction, whichever happens last.
Even if you were to meet all the necessary requirements, there are still some factors that can disqualify you for expungement, including, but not limited to:
- Your conviction is that of a felony, punishable by life imprisonment.
- Your felony conviction was for a crime of domestic violence, and you have, on record, a previous misdemeanor domestic violence conviction.
- You have past convictions for child abuse, criminal sexual assault, child sexual abuse, or human trafficking.
Seeking Expungement: The Legal Process
In 2023, the state received 9,268 petitions for expungement. Expungement requires a strict legal process that will include the following steps:
- Determining eligibility. Before starting the process, it is crucial that you determine whether or not you are even eligible for expungement in the first place.
- Obtaining court records and fingerprints. If you are eligible, you and your Michigan expungement lawyer must work to obtain a certified copy of your criminal conviction and an official copy of your fingerprints, which will be sent in with your petition.
- Filing an official petition. You will then file your official petition. Your attorney can assist you with this, ensuring you go about it in the correct manner.
- Serve notice. After the petition is filed, you must serve notice to the prosecutor who handled your original cause and to the Michigan Attorney General.
- Attend a hearing and await a court decision. Finally, you will need to schedule and attend a hearing, where you will explain why you should be granted the expungement. The judge will make a determination. If your request is granted, your conviction will be removed from the public record.
Having a record expunged in Michigan has several benefits, as people without a criminal record are 63% more likely to gain employment than those with a record. An attorney is here to fight for you and help you start fresh.
Hire an Expungement Lawyer in Michigan: Contact SBBL Law
The expungement process in Michigan is difficult and should only be attempted with the help of legal counsel. At SBBL Law, we have helped many clients seek the expungement of their criminal records and have done so with a great track record of success. If you are hoping to hire an expungement lawyer, contact the offices of SBBL Law today and schedule a consultation.
Michigan Expungement Resources:
