Having a criminal record can be a major setback in Michigan, where job applications, professional licenses, landlords, and even employers may ask for your criminal history. But if you’ve been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, you may be able to get your record erased, depending on the nature and number of your crimes and an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney can help.
In Michigan, erasing a criminal record is known as “expungement.” With the help of a Michigan criminal defense attorney, you may be able to file an expungement with the State and erase your criminal record. If you think you might qualify for an expungement and would like to learn more, contact one of the attorneys at DeBruin Law today.
Is Your Criminal Record Holding You Back?
A crime committed in the past can have life-long consequences. While something you did long ago may seem like ancient history, it can become a new problem precisely when you’re looking for advancement, be it in a new job, when dealing with a new landlord, or when applying for a new professional license. In each of these cases, your actions from years or even decades past can hold you back from achieving your full potential. In these cases, it makes sense to contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney to help you erase your criminal record.
Do You Qualify for An Expungement?
Many adults qualify for an expungement in Michigan, depending on the nature and number of their past criminal offenses.
- To erase a felony: you must have been convicted of no more than 1 felony offense and no more than 2 misdemeanor offenses
- To erase 1 or 2 misdemeanor(s): you must been convicted of no more than 2 misdemeanors and no other felony offenses
Certain felony offenses are ineligible for expungement. These include child abuse in the second degree; traffic offenses including operating while intoxicated (OWI); certain domestic violence convictions; human trafficking; terrorism offenses; first, second, third, and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct; and offenses for which the maximum punishment is life imprisonment.
For more information on whether or not you qualify for an expungement, contact a Michigan criminal defense attorney at 517-324-4303 today.
How To Get An Expungement
After determining that you qualify for an expungement, the next steps is to file an application with the court where you were convicted. It’s often a good idea to enlist the help of a Michigan criminal defense attorney who has experience handling cases in the court that decided your case. If your case was a serious offense or if you still owe restitution, a Michigan criminal defense attorney may still be able to help you to get an expungement.
DeBruin Law Can Help You Erase Your Criminal Record
At DeBruin Law, we have years of experience helping our clients to file an application for expungement and have successfully helped clients erase their criminal records. If you’ve ever been denied a job, rental, or license due to a past crime, you understand first-hand the pain of having a criminal record. To take the first steps toward erasing your felony or misdemeanor record today, call DeBruin Law at 517-324-4303.