What is expungement in Michigan?

Expungement — formally 'setting aside a conviction' — is the process of removing a Michigan criminal conviction from public records. Once set aside, the conviction generally does not appear on standard background checks used for employment, housing, or licensing.

Am I eligible for expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate Act?

Eligibility expanded substantially in 2021 and 2023. You may be eligible if: up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors total, the waiting period has passed (3 years for misdemeanors, 5 years for serious misdemeanors and most felonies, 7 years for assaultive felonies, measured from sentence completion), and the offense is not on the excluded list (life felonies, most CSC, child abuse, traffic causing death, etc.).

What is automatic expungement in Michigan and do I need to apply?

Michigan's Clean Slate Automatic Expungement (in effect April 11, 2023) automatically sets aside many qualifying convictions after the waiting period without an application. However, more serious offenses, multiple felonies, and many cases still require a petition. Filing now can be faster and broader than waiting.

How long does the expungement process take in Michigan?

Document preparation: 3–10 business days. After filing, the prosecutor and Michigan State Police are notified, fingerprints are processed, and a hearing is set — usually 6–8 weeks out. Total timeline is typically 3–5 months from filing to final order.

How much does Michigan expungement cost?

Court filing fees and the Michigan State Police background check are roughly $50–$75 (set by statute). Fingerprint costs vary by agency. Our document-preparation fee is separate, starts at $395 for marijuana cases and $495 for standard misdemeanors, and is disclosed up front.

Can my marijuana conviction be set aside?

Yes. Convictions for conduct that would now be lawful under the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (MRTMA) qualify for a streamlined set-aside. Our marijuana expungement package addresses that specific pathway.

Will my expunged record show on background checks?

After the order is entered and processed by Michigan State Police, the conviction generally will not appear on standard private background checks. Law enforcement, the courts, and certain licensing agencies (e.g., child welfare, schools) may still see the sealed record.

Do I have to attend a court hearing?

Most Michigan expungement petitions require a hearing before the sentencing court. We prepare a hearing-prep checklist; some courts now allow virtual appearances. The judge will weigh the petition and any prosecutor objection before signing the order.

Can DUI / OWI convictions be expunged in Michigan?

As of 2022, Michigan permits set-aside of a first-offense Operating While Intoxicated under specific conditions (5-year waiting period, no other restrictions). Repeat OWI and OWI causing injury or death remain ineligible.

Can a federal conviction be expunged using Michigan procedure?

No. Michigan's set-aside process applies only to Michigan state convictions. Federal convictions follow a separate (and far more limited) federal process, which we do not prepare.

Do you provide legal advice about my case?

No. Clear Path Document Services is not a law firm. We prepare expungement application documents at your direction based on information you provide. We do not advise on eligibility strategy, negotiate with the prosecutor, or represent you in court.

Criminal Record Expungement

Clear your record and reclaim your future. We prepare expungement applications under Michigan's Clean Slate Act — starting at $395.

Why Expungement Matters

A criminal record can follow you for decades — affecting jobs, housing, education, and loans. Michigan's Clean Slate Act now makes it possible for more people than ever to clear their record.

Better Employment

Most employers won't see set-aside convictions on background checks.

Housing Access

Landlords won't find expunged records during tenant screening.

Clean Slate Act

Michigan's 2023 law expanded eligibility for setting aside convictions.

Fresh Start

Reclaim your future and move forward without your past holding you back.

Our Expungement Services

Professional document preparation for all types of Michigan expungement applications.

Misdemeanor Expungement Application

Starting at $495

Complete document preparation for setting aside a misdemeanor conviction in Michigan.

3-5 business days

MC 227 Application to Set Aside Conviction
Supporting affidavit template
Fingerprint card instructions
Filing instructions for your county
Certificate of eligibility checklist

Felony Expungement Application

Starting at $749

Document preparation for setting aside eligible felony convictions under Michigan's Clean Slate laws.

5-7 business days

MC 227 Application to Set Aside Conviction
Detailed supporting affidavit
Fingerprint card instructions
Prosecution & MSP notification letters
Filing instructions & hearing prep checklist

Multiple Conviction Expungement Packet

Starting at $995

Under Michigan's expanded Clean Slate Act, you may now set aside multiple convictions. We prepare the full packet.

7-10 business days

Applications for each eligible conviction
Combined supporting affidavit
Eligibility analysis worksheet
Fingerprint card instructions
County-specific filing guide

Juvenile Record Expungement

Quoted after review

Set aside a juvenile adjudication. Under Clean Slate for Kids many records clear automatically — we check before you file anything.

3-5 business days

Records review and eligibility determination
Automatic-clearing verification
Application to set aside adjudication
Prosecutor and Attorney General notice packets
Post-order record verification checklist

Firearm Rights Restoration

Quoted after review

Some Michigan felonies restore gun rights automatically; specified felonies require a circuit court petition after five years. We review which applies.

5-7 business days

Written eligibility review under MCL 750.224f
Records-gathering checklist
Petition for restoration when required
Proof of completed sentence and discharge
Filing and notice instructions

Marijuana Conviction Expungement

Starting at $395

Special streamlined process for setting aside marijuana-related convictions now legal under Michigan law.

3-5 business days

MC 227 Application to Set Aside Conviction
Supporting affidavit referencing MRTMA
Filing instructions
Fingerprint card instructions

The Michigan Expungement Process

Check Eligibility

We provide a checklist to help you determine if your conviction qualifies.

Provide Details

Fill out our intake form with your case number, court, and conviction details.

We Prepare Docs

We draft your MC 227 application, affidavit, and supporting documents.

File & Attend

File at your county court with our instructions and attend your hearing.

Important Disclaimer

ClearPath Document Services is NOT a law firm. We prepare expungement application documents at your direction — we cannot determine your eligibility, provide legal advice, or represent you at your hearing. For legal advice, consult a licensed Michigan attorney.

Expungement FAQ

Ready to Clear Your Record?

Take the first step toward a fresh start. Contact us today to get your expungement documents prepared.

Quick Answer

How does expungement work in Michigan?

Michigan expungement — officially called 'setting aside a conviction' under MCL 780.621 — removes eligible criminal convictions from public records so they no longer appear on most background checks. Michigan's Clean Slate Act expanded eligibility in 2021 and 2023, allowing up to three felonies and unlimited misdemeanors to be set aside after a waiting period. ClearPath Document Services prepares your MC 227 application and supporting documents; we are not a law firm and do not provide legal advice.

Expungement — By Michigan County

Local information, courthouse details, and filing guidance for your area.

Criminal Record Expungement

Why Expungement Matters

Better Employment

Housing Access

Clean Slate Act

Fresh Start

Our Expungement Services

Misdemeanor Expungement Application

Felony Expungement Application

Multiple Conviction Expungement Packet

Juvenile Record Expungement

Firearm Rights Restoration

Marijuana Conviction Expungement

The Michigan Expungement Process

Check Eligibility

Provide Details

We Prepare Docs

File & Attend

Important Disclaimer

Expungement FAQ

What is expungement in Michigan?

Am I eligible for expungement under Michigan's Clean Slate Act?

What is automatic expungement in Michigan and do I need to apply?

How long does the expungement process take in Michigan?

How much does Michigan expungement cost?

Can my marijuana conviction be set aside?

Will my expunged record show on background checks?

Do I have to attend a court hearing?

Can DUI / OWI convictions be expunged in Michigan?

Can a federal conviction be expunged using Michigan procedure?

Do you provide legal advice about my case?

Ready to Clear Your Record?

Expungement — By Michigan County

ClearPath Assistant