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Can I Have My Criminal Record Cleared?
We’re taught from a young age that everyone makes mistakes. This is true even into adulthood and even when committing crimes. When we hear the word “criminal,” many of us immediately think of the worst offenses possible. The truth is far less severe. About 1/3 of Americans have a criminal record, primarily for what people would consider “lesser” offenses. These include getting arrested but released or convicted of minor crimes like shoplifting. Despite the number of people with criminal records, having a “rap sheet” can still pose a barrier to living an average life, including finding employment or a place to live. In fact, people with criminal records are 30% more likely to struggle with finding employment than someone with no criminal record.
The State of Michigan understands that people make mistakes. That’s why they’ve passed expungement laws. Under Michigan’s expungement laws, you may be eligible to have certain offenses cleared from your record. Depending on your criminal history, this can potentially mean having your entire record cleared and being able to start over with a “clean state.” Having your record expunged can be challenging, and making a mistake in the process can be easy. That’s why it’s vital to consult an experienced expungement attorney to get your record cleared.
How Can My Criminal Record Impact Me?
Many people convicted of crimes assume that once they’ve “done their time,” they can re-enter society with no restrictions. They may have been taught that “paying your debt to society” means things “go back to normal” after they are out of prison. This is not necessarily true. Depending on your conviction, your criminal record can profoundly impact your life. Under Michigan law, landlords can ask about your criminal history when considering whether to rent to you.
A criminal record may also impact your mortgage application. A felony conviction may also affect your ability to find employment and restrict you from obtaining or maintaining specific professional licenses. Having your record expunged can significantly reduce or even eliminate the amount of difficulty you face in finding or keeping housing and employment. This is why it’s vital to consult an experienced expungement attorney.
What Offenses Can be Expunged?
There is no limit to how many misdemeanors you can have expunged, so long as they were punishable by no more than 92 days imprisonment. You can have four misdemeanors punishable by more than 92 days imprisonment removed. In order to have a misdemeanor expunged, you must wait seven years. Certain violent misdemeanors, such as stalking or indecent exposure, are not eligible for expungement.
In some circumstances, you can also have a felony expunged. You are only permitted to have two felonies expunged, and you must meet certain specific requirements. There are a limited number of felonies that you can have expunged. Crimes for which you are not eligible for expungement include but are not necessarily limited to:
- Murder
- Rape
- Kidnapping
- Human Trafficking
- Assault
- Manslaughter
- Felonies Involving Minors or Vulnerable Adults
- DUIs Past the First Offense
Other felonies, such as theft or first-offense DUI convictions, are eligible for automatic expungement under Michigan’s Clean Slate Program. However, expungement may take longer than anticipated due to the number of people eligible for the program. In some instances, it may get backlogged. This is why it’s essential to contact an experienced attorney to ensure your record gets as clean as possible.
What is Michigan’s Clean Slate Program?
The Clean Slate Program is an effort by the State of Michigan to help people convicted of certain crimes have their records expunged so they no longer impact housing, employment, or other areas of a person’s life. Under Clean Slate, certain misdemeanors and felonies may be automatically cleared from a person’s record after a specific waiting period. In addition, individuals must not be convicted of any further crimes during the waiting period.
Clean Slate is meant to automatically expunge a person’s criminal record if they qualify. The state has even set up a website where you can check and see if your record has been expunged. However, expungement may not always occur in a timely manner. In April of 2025 alone, one million people became eligible for expungement. That number increases every day. This could lead to your expungement being delayed. In some instances, it may even “slip through the cracks.”
If a criminal record is all that’s standing between you and housing or employment, a delayed expungement can literally place your life on hold. You may need to intervene if your expungement isn’t processed at all due to a clerical error. To do that, you need the help of an experienced expungement attorney.
How Can I Make Sure My Criminal Record Has Been Expunged?
People deserve second chances, and the Clean Slate Program offers them that opportunity. However, the process can be slow and frustrating. In some instances, your expungement may be delayed or even “lost in the shuffle.” If this happens, it can mean continued frustration in starting your life over. Don’t let bureaucracy or technical glitches be what stands between you and a fresh start.
If you or a loved one need to have your record expunged in Michigan, don’t hesitate to contact Levine & Levine, Attorneys at Law. Our compassionate and experienced attorneys know that people make mistakes and deserve to have another shot at life. They understand how valuable the Clean Slate Program is and want to see every eligible Michigan resident benefit from it.
A criminal conviction doesn’t have to mean the end of your life. With the Clean Slate Program, you can start over. One of our team’s skilled attorneys can make sure the program works for you. If you or a loved one are eligible to have your criminal record expunged, don’t hesitate to contact one of our team’s attorneys at 269-626-2296 to schedule your complimentary consultation.
