If you carry a Michigan conviction, you already know how it can impact your life. Job hunts, apartment searches, and even college applications often kick off with a background check. Nearly nine out of ten employers dig into those reports, four out of five landlords do the same, and most schools follow suit. One line on your record can close doors long after fines are paid and probation ends.
The good news is that expungement laws in Michigan let many people clear that record. Depending on the charge, the time that has passed, and how you’ve lived since, you may be eligible for expungement. A Michigan expungement attorney can turn what feels like a maze into a step‑by‑step plan that actually makes sense.
To get a clear answer on what an expungement may cost and to begin the process of clearing your name, contact a skilled Michigan expungement attorney at Michigan Defense Law. Let Paul J. Tafelski provide the guidance you need for a fresh start. Call our office today at (248) 451-2200 to discuss your eligibility and path forward.
We Only Represent Clients In Michigan
One of the Most Extensive in the Nation
Michigan rolled out its Clean Slate laws in 2020. The goal of these laws is to give you a real chance to move forward by clearing eligible convictions from public view, and Michigan’s Clean Slate package is one of the most extensive in the country.
Before this change, expungement was possible, but the opportunities were limited. Only people with very minor records could apply, and plenty of offenses were locked out completely. Even if you qualified, the process felt overwhelming.
Things are different now. Under the new Clean Slate Act, you can clear more kinds of convictions, both felonies and misdemeanors. Even better, certain non-violent offenses will drop off your public record automatically after you stay conviction-free for a set number of years. No long forms. No court hearing.
In short, Michigan’s system is one of the broadest in the country. It gives you room to move forward, land a job, find housing, and live without your past hanging over every application. If you have questions about your particular record or how the automatic expungement dates work, now is the time to check.
Michigan Expungement Attorneys
Paul J. Tafelski
Paul J. Tafelski is a seasoned Michigan criminal defense attorney known for securing exceptional outcomes for clients navigating the expungement process. His commitment to justice, persuasive courtroom style, and client-first philosophy have helped hundreds avoid incarceration and reclaim their futures.
- 20+ years of experience practicing in Michigan
- JD from Detroit College of Law at MSU
- Admitted to all state and federal courts in Michigan
- Super Lawyers honoree (multiple years), Leading Lawyer in 2017
- Member of Michigan Bar, ABA, CDLM, and more
David Goukassian
With a strong academic foundation and hands-on experience in both prosecution and judicial chambers, David Goukassian delivers well-rounded legal advocacy for clients seeking criminal defense and expungement. Since 2019, he has been part of Michigan Defense Law, where he passionately protects clients’ rights.
- JD, Magna Cum Laude, from WMU Cooley Law School
- Former prosecutor’s office intern and judicial clerk
- Skilled in both civil and criminal defense matters
- Licensed in Michigan state and federal courts
- Multilingual: Armenian (fluent), Russian (conversational)
What are the New Provisions?
New Michigan laws on expungement include:
- An expanded number of convictions can be expunged (up to three felonies and an unlimited number of eligible misdemeanors may be set aside by petition; certain serious or assaultive offenses are still excluded).
- Reduced waiting periods in some circumstances (3, 5, or 7 years, depending on record type), measured from the latest of the sentencing date, completion of incarceration, discharge from parole, or completion of probation
- Certain traffic offenses can now be expunged.
- First‑offense OWIs are eligible after a five‑year wait.
- Misdemeanor marijuana convictions for conduct now legal can be expunged with no waiting period.
- A “one bad night” rule lets courts count related offenses within 24 hours as a single event.
- Automatic expungement now clears up to four misdemeanors after seven years and up to two non‑violent felonies after ten years, provided the person remains conviction‑free.
| New Provisions | Details |
|---|---|
| An expanded number of convictions can be expunged (up to three felonies and an unlimited number of eligible misdemeanors may be set aside by petition; certain serious or assaultive offenses are still excluded). | Individuals can request to expunge up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors, as long as they’re not serious, assaultive, or life-punishable offenses. |
| Reduced waiting periods in some circumstances (3, 5, or 7 years, depending on record type), measured from the latest of the sentencing date, completion of incarceration, discharge from parole, or completion of probation | The applicable waiting period depends on the offense: 3 years for minor misdemeanors, 5 years for eligible felonies, and 7 years if there are multiple convictions. |
| Certain traffic offenses can now be expunged. | Many non-serious traffic violations are now eligible for expungement, though certain offenses (like causing injury or death) remain excluded. |
| First‑offense OWIs are eligible after a five‑year wait. | A first Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) conviction may be expunged after 5 years with no new convictions. |
| Misdemeanor marijuana convictions for conduct now legal can be expunged with no waiting period. | Marijuana-related misdemeanors for actions that are no longer criminal can be immediately set aside. |
| A “one bad night” rule lets courts count related offenses within 24 hours as a single event. | If several offenses occurred during a single 24-hour span and are related, they can be treated as a single conviction—unless they involve assault or weapons. |
| Automatic expungement now clears up to four misdemeanors after seven years and up to two non‑violent felonies after ten years, provided the person remains conviction‑free. | Starting April 2023, Michigan automatically clears up to 4 eligible misdemeanors after 7 years and 2 non-violent felonies after 10 years of a clean record. |
We Only Represent Clients In Michigan
The Cost of Expungement in Michigan
The actual financial cost of expungement is minimal. To have a record expunged, the individual is responsible for fingerprinting, getting a certified copy of each conviction that will be requested for expungement, and paying a $50 fee (money order or cashier’s check) payable to the State of Michigan. But expungement is a multi-layered process that needs to be completed correctly. If not, the individual may have to wait another three years to apply again.
Budgeting for Fingerprints and Court Documents
Getting your record wiped clean in Michigan starts with some small fees. First up are your fingerprints. Most police stations and fingerprint vendors charge $10 to $25 per card in 2025. Aim for one clear set but make sure to prepare to get more in case the first sets are rejected.
Next come certified court documents. The clerk will not accept plain copies, so you need certified versions of the judgment of sentence, register of actions, or dismissal order. Most clerks ask $15 to $25 per certified copy. Each conviction you hope to set aside needs its own certified paperwork. Before you head to the clerk’s window, list every docket number you need. Hand in your completed list in one submission. Clerks often print everything at once, so you avoid extra gas, parking, and time off work.
Batching pays. Some counties waive extra per-page fees if you request five or more certified copies at the same time. The savings can hit $20 or more, which buys another fingerprint card if the first scan smudges.
You might wonder if it is worth hiring an attorney when the early costs look manageable. A lawyer can review your charging history, pick the right convictions to target, and prepare complete packets so you buy exactly the documents you need and nothing more. This guidance usually keeps fingerprinting to one session, prevents duplicate copy fees, and reduces the risk of a rejected petition that would force you to pay twice. Careful legal help often pays for itself in avoided do-overs.
Is It Worth Paying When Some Records Expunge Themselves?
Automatic expungement sounds like a dream because the state does the paperwork, and you pay nothing. If your record holds no disqualifying offenses and you stay arrest-free, the Michigan State Police will clear up to four misdemeanors seven years after sentencing and up to two non‑violent felonies ten years after the later of sentencing or release. You spend zero dollars, but you also spend a chunk of your life waiting and watching background checks keep you out of apartments, scholarships, and jobs.
Now think about a paid petition. A do-it-yourself applicant can expect to pay around $100 before postage, a total that covers the $50 filing fee plus additional costs for required fingerprinting and certified records. Hiring an attorney adds more, yet the payoff comes in time saved. You can ask the court to set aside convictions once three years have passed for most misdemeanors and five years for felonies. That shortcut could put a clean record in your hands years before the automatic clock winds down. Each year you reclaim can boost wages and housing options enough to cover the legal bill.
There is peace of mind. You will know the petition was filed the right way and the hearing date is booked. If the prosecutor objects, your lawyer can argue for you face-to-face. One mistake in a form can bounce the case, sending you to the back of the line. Paying now often beats hoping later. When the gap is more than a year or two, early petitioning pays for itself many times over.
Making Sure the Process is Completed Correctly
While an expungement can be completed without the assistance of an attorney, it is not recommended. The court has great latitude in determining who is granted expungement and who is not. An incorrect application or lack of preparation can result in a denial by the court, and the individual will have to wait to apply again.
If you are considering an expungement of your record, Michigan expungement lawyer Paul J. Tafelski can guide you and ensure that the application is completed correctly and you are fully prepared for your hearing. Call us at (248) 451-2200 or contact us through our website contact form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your expungement.
