Michigan Misdemeanor Expungement Attorneys
Last updated: May 2026
Michigan misdemeanor expungement was rewritten by the Clean Slate Act. The number of misdemeanors a person can set aside is now unlimited (within statutory categories), and many older misdemeanors clear automatically without any petition.
Who qualifies for misdemeanor expungement in Michigan?
The general waiting period for misdemeanor expungement is 7 years from sentence completion. Automatic Clean Slate expungement applies to up to 4 misdemeanor convictions after 7 years. Petition-based expungement is available for any number of eligible misdemeanors. Most assaultive misdemeanors, OWI second-and-subsequent, and certain traffic offenses are excluded from automatic clearance — they may still qualify for petition-based expungement.
How does the process work?
For automatic Clean Slate cases, the State Police clears the record without a petition. For petition-based cases, the attorney files in the court of conviction with the $50 fee, fingerprint card, and supporting documentation. The court holds a hearing. The judge signs the order if the statute is met.
How long does it take?
Petition-based: 6 to 12 months. Automatic: cleared by State Police on a rolling basis once the eligibility date is reached.
How much does it cost?
Court fee $50. Fingerprint $10 to $30. 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
Will the automatic Clean Slate process clear my record?
It depends on the specific charge and the waiting period. Pulling an ICHAT report from the Michigan State Police shows the current status. If automatic clearance does not apply, a petition is needed.
What counts as an assaultive misdemeanor?
Michigan lists specific assaultive misdemeanors (including most domestic violence misdemeanors). Those generally have to be cleared through a petition rather than automatically.
How many misdemeanors can I clear in one petition?
A single petition typically addresses one conviction. Multiple convictions usually mean multiple petitions, though some can be combined when they arose from the same incident.
Will I have to appear in court?
Petition-based Clean Slate cases include a hearing. The lawyer attends with you and presents the case to the judge.
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