Expungement- The Michigan Clean Slate Act

Dedicated Criminal Defense Lawyers Helping Facilitate Michigan’s Clean Slate Initiative

Expungement is the process of having felony or misdemeanor convictions completely removed from a criminal record. The State of Michigan recently enacted The Clean Slate Act. This legislation became effective in April 2021, and expanded the types of eligible convictions that can be removed from your record. Expungements of criminal records offer several benefits to both the public and the state, including:

Reintegration into Society: Expunging offenses facilitates the reintegration of individuals into society by removing the stigma associated with a criminal record. This, in turn, helps former offenders secure employment, housing, and education, reducing the likelihood of recidivism.

Employability and Economic Productivity: Individuals with a criminal record often face challenges in obtaining employment. Expungement can enhance employability by giving individuals a clean slate. Employed individuals contribute to the economy through taxes and reduced reliance on public assistance.

Reduction in Recidivism: Expungement can contribute to a reduction in recidivism rates. When individuals have the opportunity to move past their past mistakes and build a stable life, they are less likely to engage in criminal behavior again.

Public Safety: By supporting the successful reintegration of individuals with criminal records into society, the state contributes to overall public safety. A stable and employed population is generally less likely to engage in criminal activities.

Judicial Efficiency: Allowing expungement can streamline the judicial system by reducing the burden of cases related to past offenses. This allows the legal system to focus on current cases and more serious offenses.

Access to Housing: Expungement can improve access to housing for individuals with criminal records. Many landlords conduct background checks, and expungement can increase the likelihood of being approved for housing, reducing homelessness and associated social costs.

Restoration of Civil Rights: Expungement often involves the restoration of civil rights, such as the right to vote and the right to bear arms. This restoration is essential for fostering a sense of belonging and civic engagement among formerly convicted individuals.

Reduced Strain on Social Services: Individuals with stable employment and housing are less likely to rely on social services, reducing the strain on government resources. This can lead to cost savings for the state in terms of welfare and support programs.

Encouraging Rehabilitation: Expungement policies can incentivize individuals to actively participate in rehabilitation and educational programs. Knowing that there is a possibility to have offenses expunged may motivate individuals to engage in activities that contribute positively to their personal development.

Public Perception and Trust: A legal system that allows for the expungement of offenses may foster greater public trust by demonstrating a commitment to rehabilitation and second chances. This can lead to increased cooperation with law enforcement and a more supportive community.

For people seeking Expungement- The Michigan Clean Slate Act, it is important to know which convictions can and cannot be removed from your record. You must be able to differentiate between the types of felonies that can be expunged and how many. You must also know how many years you must wait after your conviction before your application will be considered. Further, the processes for applying to remove convictions for to DUIs and marijuana related offenses can be completely different. This is why it is vital to consult with the experienced expungement attorneys at Neumann Law Group. The criteria to qualify are very specific and require close inspection of your record.

The process of filing an application for expungement can be intimidating and there are several steps involved in making sure that it is done properly. You must present your fingerprints and criminal history to the Courts, the Attorney General, and State Police. Once the AG and MSP have provided recommendations consenting to your expungement, a hearing is held before the Judge. Should the Judge find that your application meets with the criteria, your record will be cleared.

Are You Interested in Expunging Your Records?

It is important that you speak with our legal team if you feel that you could qualify for expungement- the Michigan Clean Slate Act. You do not want to limit your right to a new start, and it never costs anything to speak with our team about your potential options.

If you believe that you qualify for a criminal record expungement, call our criminal defense attorneys at 800-585-6386 today for a free consultation. We represent clients in many practice areas throughout the state, with offices in Detroit, Grand Rapids, and Traverse City, as well as in Los Angeles, Boston, and New York