Criminal Record Expungement
Clear Your Record and Open New Doors to Employment and Housing
What is an Expungement?
Expungement is the legal process of "setting aside" a criminal conviction. Once a conviction is expunged, it is removed from your public record, allowing you to honestly tell potential employers, landlords, and others that you have not been convicted of a crime. While law enforcement maintains a non-public record for specific internal purposes, the public "stigma" of the conviction is removed.
Do You Qualify?
Under Michigan law (MCLA 780.621), general eligibility requirements include:
- The 5-Year Rule: At least 5 years must have passed since your sentencing or the completion of any term of imprisonment (whichever is later).
- Offense Limits: Generally, you must have no more than one conviction on your record to apply for a set-aside (though recent "Clean Slate" laws have expanded these options).
- Excluded Crimes: Certain offenses, such as those punishable by life imprisonment, specific sexual conduct crimes, and most traffic offenses, cannot be expunged.
The Timeline
The process typically takes about 5 to 8 weeks from start to finish and requires one court appearance. We handle the paperwork, fingerprints, and coordination with the State Police.
The Cost
Typically, an expungement costs under $1,500.00, which includes attorney fees, filing fees, and the required state processing costs.
Why Hire an Attorney?
Expungement is a privilege, not a right. The court must determine that your "circumstances and behavior" since the conviction warrant setting it aside and that doing so is consistent with the public welfare. Our attorneys have over 85 years of experience presenting these cases to judges in Kent, Ottawa, and surrounding counties to ensure the best possible outcome.
Unsure if you qualify?
Michigan's "Clean Slate" laws have recently changed the landscape of expungements. Call us for a free phone consultation to discuss your specific record and see if you are now eligible for a fresh start.
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