Clear Your Record: Criminal Expungement Attorneys in Michigan

A criminal record should not define your future. We help clients throughout Metro Detroit, including Bingham Farms, Livonia, Canton, Redford, and Farmington Hills set aside past convictions and move forward with their lives.

Understanding Criminal Expungement in Michigan

What Is Criminal Expungement?

In Michigan, “expungement” is the legal process of setting aside a criminal conviction. When a judge grants an order to set aside a conviction, the record becomes non-public. This means it will no longer appear on background checks run by employers, landlords, or schools.

While law enforcement and certain government agencies retain access to these records, the general public does not. Removing this barrier can open doors to better employment, housing opportunities, and the restoration of certain civil rights.

First-Time DUI / OWI Expungement

One of the most significant changes in Michigan law is the ability to expunge a first-time Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) conviction. Previously, DUI offenses were strictly ineligible for expungement. Now, individuals with a single OWI offense may petition the court to set it aside after a five-year waiting period.

The judge will review specific criteria, including whether you have sought rehabilitation or treatment, before granting this relief.

Michigan's "Clean Slate" Laws: What You Need to Know

Recent changes to Michigan law, known as the “Clean Slate” package, have significantly expanded eligibility for expungement. Many individuals who were previously ineligible may now qualify to have their records cleared.

More Convictions Eligible

You may now apply to set aside up to three felonies and an unlimited number of misdemeanors, subject to certain conditions and waiting periods.

“One Bad Night” Rule

Multiple convictions arising from the same incident (committed within 24 hrs) may now be treated as a single felony or misdemeanor for expungement purposes.

Traffic Offenses

Many traffic violations that were previously ineligible can now be expunged.

Experienced Legal Guidance Through the Expungement Process

How Hadd Law Helps You Clear Your Name

Filing for expungement is a multi-step legal process that requires precision. A simple error in your application or a failure to properly notify the Michigan State Police and the prosecutor’s office can result in a denial.

Case Analysis

We review your complete criminal history to determine exactly which convictions are eligible under current statutes.

Filing the Motion

We prepare the Application to Set Aside Conviction and file it with the appropriate court—whether in Livonia, Redford, or elsewhere in Metro Detroit.

Handling Objections

The Attorney General or the local prosecutor may object to your application. We prepare legal arguments to counter these objections.

Representation in Court

We stand by your side during the hearing, advocating to the judge that your behavior since the conviction warrants a fresh start.

Eligibility & Process

Are You Eligible to Set Aside Your Conviction?

Eligibility depends on the type of crime, the number of convictions on your record, and how much time has passed since your sentencing or release from custody.

General Waiting Periods:

Misdemeanors: Typically requires a 3-year waiting period after the completion of your sentence (including probation).
Serious Misdemeanors: Typically requires a 5-year waiting period.
Felonies: Typically requires a 5-year or 7-year waiting period, depending on the severity of the offense.
Excluded Offenses: Not all crimes can be removed from your record. Convictions punishable by life imprisonment, certain criminal sexual conduct offenses, and traffic offenses causing injury or death generally remain ineligible.

Why Choose Hadd Law?

Judges have discretion when deciding whether to grant an expungement. They must determine that your circumstances and behavior warrant setting aside the conviction and that doing so is consistent with the public welfare.

Our attorneys appear regularly in courts throughout Oakland and Wayne counties. We understand what local judges look for in a successful petition and know how to present your rehabilitation effectively.