Have you completed your sentence and fulfilled your legal obligations? Despite having served your time, do lingering criminal convictions continue to cast a shadow over your life, hindering your efforts to move forward? Are you facing challenges in securing employment due to the presence of past convictions on your record? These are common concerns faced by individuals who have been involved with the criminal justice system.

Even after serving their sentences and striving to turn their lives around, many individuals find themselves grappling with the lasting consequences of past convictions. The presence of criminal records can present formidable barriers to employment opportunities, housing options, educational pursuits, and more, perpetuating cycles of adversity and hindering efforts at rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

If you find yourself in this situation, know that you are not alone, and there are avenues available to help you navigate these challenges. Expungement, or the legal process of sealing or erasing past convictions from your criminal record, offers a potential path toward a fresh start and a brighter future.

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Before initiating the expungement process, you must ascertain eligibility under Michigan law. Generally, individuals may qualify for expungement if they meet certain criteria, including:

• Having no more than one felony conviction on their record (excluding certain traffic offenses)
• Having no more than two misdemeanor convictions (excluding certain traffic offenses)
• Meeting waiting period requirements following the completion of their sentence

Additionally, certain offenses, such as those involving violent crimes or sexual offenses, are ineligible for expungement.

Step 2: Obtain Criminal Record

Next, applicants must obtain a copy of their criminal record from the Michigan State Police or the county clerk's office. This record will provide crucial information regarding past convictions, which is necessary for the expungement petition.

Step 3: Complete Expungement Application

With the criminal record in hand, applicants must complete the expungement application form provided by the Michigan State Police or the Michigan Legal Help website. The application requires detailed information about the individual's criminal history, including specific convictions to be expunged.

Step 4: File Expungement Petition

Once the application is completed, it must be filed with the appropriate court in the county where the conviction occurred. Along with the application, applicants must submit supporting documentation, including proof of completion of their sentence and any required waiting periods.

Step 5: Attend Expungement Hearing

After filing the expungement petition, applicants may be required to attend a hearing before a judge. During the hearing, the judge will review the petition, consider any objections from the prosecutor or other interested parties, and make a determination regarding the expungement request.

Step 6: Await Judge's Decision

Following the expungement hearing, applicants must await the judge's decision regarding their petition. If the petition is granted, the judge will issue an order expunging the eligible convictions from the individual's criminal record.

Step 7: Update Criminal Record

Upon receiving the expungement order, applicants should ensure that their criminal record is updated accordingly. This may involve notifying relevant agencies and organizations of the expungement to ensure the removal of the expunged convictions from background checks.

Conclusion: A New Beginning

The expungement process in Michigan offers individuals a chance to move forward with their lives free from the stigma of past convictions. By following this step-by-step guide and seeking guidance from experienced legal professionals, applicants can navigate the expungement process with confidence and pursue a brighter future.

If you or someone you know is considering expungement in Michigan, don't hesitate to reach out to Attisha Law for personalized guidance and support. Together, we can help you take the necessary steps toward a fresh start.