Michigan Clean Slate Act Attorneys
Reviewed: May 15, 2026
The Michigan Clean Slate Act was the most significant expungement reform in the country. It dramatically expanded who qualifies, raised the number of offenses that can be set aside, and created an automatic expungement system that began in 2023. Some records clear without any petition; others still require an application.
Quick answer: Clean Slate in Michigan
The Michigan Clean Slate Act was the most significant expungement reform in the country. It dramatically expanded who qualifies, raised the number of offenses that can be set aside, and created an automatic expungement system that began in 2023. Some records clear without any petition; others still require an application.
Who qualifies for Clean Slate expungement in Michigan?
A person can ask to set aside up to 3 felony convictions and an unlimited number of misdemeanor convictions, subject to waiting periods and offense-type limits. Waiting periods: 7 years after sentence completion for misdemeanors; 10 years for felonies; longer for multiple felonies. Several offenses are excluded — including most violent felonies, sex offenses, traffic offenses involving injury, life-eligible felonies, and a few others listed in MCL 780.621.
Automatic expungement under Clean Slate clears certain misdemeanors after 7 years and certain non-assaultive felonies after 10 years — no petition required. Eligible records are cleared by the State Police on a rolling basis.
How does the process work?
For automatic expungement, you do not file anything — the State Police clears the record. For petition-based expungement, the attorney files an application in the convicting court with a $50 fee and a fingerprint card. The Michigan State Police, prosecutor, and Attorney General all get notice. A judge holds a hearing and signs the order if the statute is met.
How long does it take?
Petition-based expungement: 6 to 12 months from filing to hearing. Automatic expungement runs on the State Police schedule and may take additional months to appear cleared on background checks after the eligibility date.
How much does it cost?
Court filing fee: $50. Fingerprint card: usually $10 to $30 at the local police agency. Attorney fees depend on the attorney, the complexity of your case, and any related charges — ask any lawyer you contact for a written quote before you hire them.
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How to set aside your Michigan conviction under Clean Slate
- Determine if record cleared automatically. Request an ICHAT report from Michigan State Police to check whether your conviction was already cleared under automatic Clean Slate. Certain misdemeanors after 7 years and non-assaultive felonies after 10 years clear automatically.
- Verify petition-based eligibility. If automatic clearance did not apply, your attorney confirms the conviction qualifies under MCL 780.621. Up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors may be set aside, excluding violent felonies, sex offenses, and certain traffic offenses.
- Confirm waiting period met. Verify 7 years have passed since sentence completion for misdemeanors or 10 years for felonies. Multiple felonies require longer waiting periods.
- Obtain certified court records. Request certified copies of the judgment, sentence, and discharge order from the convicting court clerk.
- Complete fingerprint card. Obtain a fingerprint card from your local police agency. Cost typically ranges from $10 to $30.
- File petition for set-aside. Your attorney files the Application to Set Aside Conviction in the convicting court. Filing fee is $50.
- Serve State Police, prosecutor, and Attorney General. Notice of the petition must be served on Michigan State Police, the prosecuting attorney, and the Michigan Attorney General.
- Wait for hearing date. The court schedules a hearing. Any party may review the petition and file an objection. Strong rehabilitation documentation reduces likelihood of objection.
- Attend hearing with attorney. Your attorney presents evidence that you meet all statutory requirements. The judge considers circumstances of the offense, behavior since conviction, and any objections.
- Receive set-aside order. Once the judge signs the order, certified copies are sent to State Police and all record-holding agencies. The conviction is set aside and should not appear on most background checks.
Statutes cited
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.621 (Set aside convictions) — MCL 780.621
- Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.621g (Automatic set-aside) — MCL 780.621g
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my case was automatically expunged?
You can request an ICHAT report from the Michigan State Police to see the current status. Automatic Clean Slate clearance applies to specific categories — older non-violent cases meeting the waiting period.
Can I expunge a DUI under Clean Slate?
A first-offense operating-while-intoxicated (OWI) conviction can now be set aside under Michigan law (effective 2022) after a 5-year waiting period. Subsequent OWI convictions are not eligible.
Will my driving record clear too?
No. Michigan Secretary of State driving records are separate. An expungement clears the criminal court record only.
What if I have convictions in multiple counties?
A separate petition is filed in each county that issued a conviction. The lawyer can coordinate the filings.
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