Michigan Expungement And Record Sealing Lawyer

A criminal record creates barriers to employment and housing. These past mistakes should not define your future. At WN Law PLLC, we help residents in Grand Rapids and Western Michigan use the Michigan Clean Slate laws to clear their reputations. Our founding attorney, Renee Lynn Wagenaar, provides direct counsel to help you seek a fresh start.

How Expungement Works

Expungement “sets aside” a conviction so it no longer appears on public background checks. While the record remains accessible to law enforcement and courts, it is shielded from private employers and landlords. We help you determine if your case qualifies under current Michigan statutes.

Eligibility Under Clean Slate Laws

Recent changes expanded the number of people who qualify for a set-aside conviction. Eligibility depends on meeting specific waiting periods and offense limits:

• Felony limits: You may seek to set aside up to three felonies.
• Misdemeanor limits: There is no total cap on most misdemeanors, but you are limited to two “assaultive” crimes.

Waiting Periods

Time begins after you complete your sentence, including parole or probation:

• Three years: Non-serious misdemeanors.
• Five years: Serious misdemeanors or a single felony.
• Seven years: Multiple felonies.

Once you meet these statutory requirements, you can begin the process of addressing specific charges on your record.

Ineligible Offenses

Convictions that cannot be set aside include:

• Life felonies
• Felony domestic violence (with a prior DV conviction)
• Traffic offenses involving death or serious injury

What Offenses Can Be Expunged?

Michigan now allows the expungement of a first-offense OWI (operating while intoxicated). This gives drivers a path to relief that was previously unavailable. You may also clear various nonviolent felonies and most misdemeanors.

The Application Process

To seal your record, you must file a formal application in the court where the conviction occurred. This requires submitting fingerprints to the Michigan State Police and serving the application to the prosecutor and attorney general. A judge then holds a hearing to decide if setting aside the record is consistent with public welfare.

Why You Need An Experienced Expungement Attorney

Errors in your application can lead to a denial, which may bar you from reapplying for up to three years. A Grand Rapids attorney helps ensure your paperwork is accurate and prepares you for the court hearing.

Talk To An Attorney About Your Case

Contact WN Law PLLC to discuss your eligibility. Call us at 616-426-9491 or schedule a consultation to start the process.