Expungements

Expungement is the legal term for clearing your criminal record. If you are looking into an expungement, chances are you have been negatively affected by your criminal record. A misdemeanor or felony on your permanent record can have negative effects on your personal or professional life, including the risk of losing your job (or finding a new one) loss of a professional license, denial of rental housing, and more. Fortunately, there is a way out. Michigan law affords individuals the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and have a second chance through expungement.

Everyone makes mistakes, and there is no reason why an isolated incident should dictate your personal and professional life. ZAYID LAW can help you clear your record and get back on track with an expungement. The process is burdensome and technical, and I will guide you throughout the process to ensure that your record is cleared. Call me today for a free initial consultation.

Negative Effect of a Criminal Record

Criminal offenses usually include serious consequences, most notably fines and jail time. However, the often-overlooked consequence is a permanent criminal record. Unfortunately, if you are convicted of a crime, chances are you’ve suffered the consequences of a permanent criminal record when applying for a new job, rental housing, or for professional licensure. If you have a permanent criminal record, it will show up if someone runs a background check on you. For all intents and purposes, your record will follow (and sometimes haunt) you.

Fortunately, Michigan law provides a path toward clearing your record and moving on with your life. An expungement can dramatically benefit your circumstances, and it is important to hire an attorney who will ensure the best possible chance at a successful expungement. ZAYID LAW has extensive experience representing individuals in expungement proceedings and helping people get a second chance at leading a normal life. If you have something on your record that you want removed, call me today for a free initial consultation.

Eligibility | MCL 780.621

Michigan law provides certain factors that determine eligibility for expungement, including the nature of the crime, any past or subsequent convictions, and the time elapsed since the offense.

• ELIGIBLE:
  • Felony—May only expunge one felony offense.
    • 5 years has elapsed since the date of the conviction, release from incarceration, or discharge from parole, and
    • If you have been convicted of only one felony offense and no more than 2 misdemeanor offenses
  • Misdemeanor—May expunge maximum 2 misdemeanor offenses
    • 5 years have passed since the date of the conviction, release from imprisonment, or discharge from parole, and
    • Maximum 2 misdemeanors total and no other felony offenses.
  • INELIGIBLE: Michigan law allows most misdemeanors and felonies to be expunged or cleared from your record. However, a conviction for any of following felonies cannot be removed from your record:
    • Capital offenses (Offense punishable by life in prison)
    • Drunk driving (OWI, DUI)
    • Criminal sexual conduct
    • Domestic violence conviction (repeat offender)
    • Child Abuse (second degree)\
    • Human trafficking

Contact ZAYID LAW for a free initial review of your record and eligibility for expungement.

Timing: 5 Year Waiting Period

The timing requirement of Michigan’s expungement laws is perhaps the most daunting part of the process. Under Michigan law, if your criminal conviction is eligible for expungement, you must wait 5 or more years upon the disposition of the case (i.e. date of the conviction, release from incarceration, or discharge from parole) before filing your expungement application.

Perhaps even more importantly, under Michigan law, if your expungement is denied, you must wait an additional 3 before filing another petition concerning the same conviction. Given what is at stake, it is critical to hire an experienced attorney who can ensure the best possible chance at a successful expungement on the first try. The sooner you contact me, the sooner we can get started on your expungement application.

Contact Zayid Law For Your Expungement

It is important to understand that while Michigan law affords individuals with criminal records the opportunity to apply for expungement, that does not necessarily mean they will be successful. A successful expungement application requires the careful attention to detail, examination of the mitigating circumstances, and diligent coordination with the governing authorities. The margin of error is very small, and the consequences of an unsuccessful application can be significant. ZAYID LAW can assist you through every step of the process to ensure the best possible chance your application is granted and your record is cleared.

If you have been convicted of a crime, chances are you faced enough punishment by way of fines and jail time. There is no reason you should suffer both personally and professionally from a criminal record. Contact ZAYID LAW today to clear your record and get your life back on track.