Michigan Clean Slate Act Attorneys
Last updated: May 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.
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.
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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