If a past mistake keeps surfacing on background checks, a Lansing expungement lawyer can help you clear it. Expungement, which Michigan law calls “setting aside” a conviction, is a court process that removes an eligible conviction from your public criminal record. Michigan’s rules changed dramatically under the 2020 Clean Slate reforms, so many people who were once barred can now qualify, and some records are even cleared automatically. Here is how it works.
Setting aside a conviction removes it from the public record, so it no longer appears on the background checks most employers, landlords, and schools run. In most situations you can then lawfully say you were not convicted of that offense. It does not erase the record from existence; law enforcement and the courts keep a nonpublic copy that stays accessible for limited purposes, such as later criminal cases and certain licensing. For everyday life, though, a set-aside gives you a genuine fresh start.
There are two paths. The first is the application process under MCL 780.621, where you petition the court to set aside a conviction.
The second path is automatic. Effective April 11, 2023, MCL 780.621g set aside certain convictions by operation of law, with no application required. The state’s Michigan Clean Slate program, run through the Michigan State Police, handles the automatic clearances.
If you are not sure whether your record cleared automatically, it is worth checking, since gaps and errors happen and some eligible records get missed.
A criminal record can quietly close doors. Landlords routinely run background checks, and a conviction can be the reason a rental application is denied, especially in competitive markets. Employers screen too, and a record can cost you a job or a professional license. Setting aside the conviction removes it from the public reports these decision-makers see, which is often the difference between a rejection and an approval. Clearing your record is one of the most practical steps you can take toward stable work and housing.
For the application process, you file a set-aside application in the court where you were convicted, serve the prosecutor and the Attorney General, submit fingerprints to the Michigan State Police, pay the required fee, and appear at a hearing where a judge decides based on your record and the public interest. The process is detail-sensitive, and small mistakes can lead to denials, which is where experienced help pays off.
Whether your conviction should clear automatically or requires a petition, an expungement lawyer in Michigan can tell you what you qualify for and handle the filing correctly the first time. Monument Legal helps clients across Lansing, East Lansing, and mid-Michigan set aside eligible records and move forward. No lawyer can promise a result, and eligibility depends on your specific record, but a review is the fastest way to know your options. Schedule a free consultation with Monument Legal today.
How do I expunge a criminal record in Michigan?
You either qualify for automatic set-aside under Clean Slate or you file an application to set aside the conviction in the court where you were convicted. The application route involves serving the prosecutor and Attorney General, submitting fingerprints to the Michigan State Police, paying a fee, and attending a hearing. A judge then decides whether to grant it. Because the process is technical and small errors lead to denials, many people work with an attorney to confirm eligibility and file correctly.
What is Clean Slate Michigan?
Clean Slate is the name for Michigan’s expanded expungement laws, passed in 2020 and rolled out through 2023. The reforms increased how many convictions can be set aside, shortened some timelines, and created an automatic set-aside process for eligible records, so certain convictions clear without any application. It is the state’s own branding for these changes. Not every offense qualifies, and serious crimes remain excluded, but Clean Slate opened relief to far more people than the old law did.
Does a criminal record stop you from renting?
It can. Landlords commonly run background checks, and a conviction can lead to a denied application, particularly in competitive rental markets. Michigan does not have a broad statewide law forcing landlords to ignore criminal history, so a visible record can be a real obstacle. Setting aside the conviction removes it from the public background reports landlords see, which often improves your chances. Clearing the record is one of the more effective ways to reduce housing barriers.
How long does expungement take in Michigan?
For the application process, it typically takes several months from filing to the hearing and final order, depending on the court’s schedule and how quickly fingerprints and service are completed. Automatic set-asides happen by operation of law once the waiting period passes, without a hearing, though records are not always cleared perfectly. Before any of that, you must satisfy the waiting period for your offense. An attorney can give you a realistic timeline based on your specific record.
This article is general legal information about Michigan law, not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Eligibility depends on your specific record. For advice about your situation, speak with a licensed Michigan attorney.