Grand Rapids Expungement Attorney Helps Clear Your Record
Criminal defense lawyer aids clients seeking a fresh start
If you have a criminal conviction on your record, it is likely to come up whenever you try to find employment, take out a loan or continue your education. Fortunately, the law in Michigan allows certain convictions to be expunged, which means having them removed from public view. As a Grand Rapids criminal defense attorney at The Fiorletta Law Group, PLLC, I have helped many clients obtain expungements in a variety of circumstances. If you’ve been continually hounded by a past mistake, it’s time to speak to a Grand Rapids expungement lawyer. At my law firm, you’ll get personalized attention to your case as I work to help you obtain a clean slate.
Michigan law regarding expungements and criminal record sealing
An expungement removes your criminal conviction from public view. The record is not destroyed but it can be accessed only by a court or certain government agencies. Since the record is sealed, you can legally answer “No,” when asked if you’ve ever been convicted of a crime in in the state of Michigan. This makes it much easier to apply for a job, a car loan, a student loan or any other benefit or privilege.
Who is eligible to have a record expunged in Michigan?
Expungement is available to people convicted of non-violent offenses, including low-level drug crimes. To have your record sealed, you must qualify by meeting these conditions:
- If you have no more than one felony conviction and no more than two misdemeanor convictions, you may petition to expunge the felony conviction.
- If you have up to two misdemeanor convictions and no other convictions, you can petition to have both of the convictions expunged.
For felony expungements, at least five years must have passed from the date of your conviction, release from prison or discharge from parole before you can apply. Convictions of prostitution or other crimes related to the defendant being a human trafficking victim can be set aside without the five-year wait.
Certain felonies in general cannot be expunged, among them:
- Criminal sexual conduct
- Child abuse in the second degree
- Domestic violence (if there is a prior conviction)
- Human trafficking crimes
- Crimes punishable by life in prison
- DUI, reckless driving and certain other traffic offenses
Persons who have had one adult conviction set aside are not eligible for expungements in the future.
For misdemeanor convictions, be aware that if you have any convictions that were deferred and then dismissed, they are considered misdemeanor convictions when determining your eligibility.
Contact a proven criminal defense lawyer for a free consultation on expungements
The Fiorletta Law Group, PLLC in Grand Rapids helps Michigan residents. Call 616-717-1334 or contact me online to schedule a free consultation. My office is conveniently located just off I-96.
