There are far reaching collateral consequences associated with having a criminal conviction on your record. Many individuals fail to consider the impact of such consequences while actively fighting their criminal case. A felony criminal conviction could prevent you from owning a firearm, voting, obtaining and maintaining employment, advancing in your career, and obtaining housing. A prior misstep in one’s life should not be grounds to prevent anyone from advancing within their career or enjoying the same luxuries and freedoms that others with no criminal convictions receive.
The State of Michigan recognizes the impact a criminal conviction can have on one’s life and that is why our Legislature recently revamped and expanded the laws regarding expungements. Now many who were once ineligible for an expungement, can have their records set aside and enjoy the same luxuries and freedoms as their peers.
The number of felonies one can have on their record and still be eligible for an expungement has been expanded to three felonies. For the first time ever in Michigan an individual convicted of Operating While Intoxicated is eligible for an expungement. There are several other changes that were made to the expungement laws in Michigan, expanding access to many Michiganders that were once ineligible.
Even though the law has been changed to make more Michiganders with a criminal record eligible for an expungement, it is possible that one may still not be eligible under the expungement law. This is why you need an experienced attorney to evaluate your criminal record and assess whether you are eligible for an expungement. It is important that your attorney does their due diligence before filing for an expungement. Failure to adhere to the strict guidelines to secure an expungement could result in your expungement being delayed or denied.
If you are eligible for an expungement, there is no reason for you to have a conviction lingering on your record. If you are interested in having your criminal record cleared, do not hesitate in contacting our office.