Can You Have a Criminal Record and Still Get a Job? A Guide to Record Expungement and Your Future

If you are looking for work in Flint, Michigan, you know that the job market is competitive. Whether you are applying for a position at a local manufacturing plant or a healthcare facility near Hurley Medical Center, one question likely weighs on your mind: Can I still get a job if I have a criminal record?

The short answer is yes, but it often feels like you are climbing a mountain with a heavy pack on your back.

A criminal past can create invisible barriers that keep you from the career you deserve. But Michigan law has changed significantly in recent years to help people just like you. Through a process called expungement, or setting aside a conviction, you can often remove these barriers and open doors that were previously locked.

How a Criminal Record Impacts Your Job Search in Michigan.

Most employers in Genesee County use background checks as a standard part of their hiring process. When a record pops up, it can trigger unfair assumptions about your character or reliability. This is true even if your mistake happened years ago and you have worked hard to change your life since then.

In Michigan, certain laws provide some protection, but they do not solve every problem. For example, the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act and related state guidelines generally prohibit employers from asking about misdemeanor arrests that did not lead to a conviction (Source: Michigan.gov Pre-Employment Inquiry Guide).

But employers can still legally ask about felony arrests or any criminal convictions. If you have a conviction on your public record, it is visible to anyone running a standard check. This is where expungement becomes a powerful tool for your future.

Understanding Expungement Under the Michigan Clean Slate Act.

Michigan’s “Clean Slate” laws, which took full effect in 2021 and 2023, expanded the types of convictions eligible to be set aside. Under MCL 780.621, individuals may petition the court to set aside up to 3 felonies and an unlimited number of misdemeanors in their lifetime.

There are two primary ways a record gets cleared in Michigan:

1. Automatic Expungement: Certain misdemeanors and some felonies may be automatically set aside after a specific time period if you remain conviction-free. For eligible felonies, this waiting period is 10 years; for eligible misdemeanors, it is seven years (Source: Michigan Legal Help – Automatic Expungement).
2. Expungement by Application: Many people choose to apply manually rather than waiting for the automatic system. This allows you to take control of your timeline and address more complex records that might not qualify for automatic relief.

By setting aside a conviction, the record becomes non-public. While law enforcement can still see it, most private employers will not. In the eyes of the law, once a conviction is set aside, you can honestly tell most employers that you have not been convicted of that specific crime (Source: Michigan Legal Help Overview).

Eligibility and Waiting Periods in Michigan.

You cannot apply for expungement the day after a conviction. Michigan requires a waiting period to prove that you have stayed on the right path. The length of this period depends on the severity of the offense:

• Non-serious misdemeanors: Usually a three-year waiting period.
• Serious misdemeanors or a single felony: A five-year waiting period.
• Multiple felonies: A seven-year waiting period.

This clock typically starts from the latest of these dates: your sentencing, the completion of your probation, your discharge from parole, or your release from prison (Source: MCL 780.621d).

It is important to know that some crimes cannot be expunged. These include offenses punishable by life imprisonment, certain types of criminal sexual conduct, and most traffic offenses involving injury or death. But as of 2022, first-time Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) offenses may now be eligible for expungement after a five-year waiting period (Source: Michigan.gov OWI Expungement).

The Practical Benefits of a Clean Record for Employment.

When I work with clients in Flint, I see how a cleared record changes their confidence. Beyond just passing a background check, expungement provides several key benefits:

• Professional Licensing: Many careers in Michigan, such as nursing, real estate, or skilled trades, require a state license. A criminal record can lead to denial. Expungement often clears the path for these boards to approve your application.
• Higher Earning Potential: Research suggests that individuals with cleared records see a significant increase in their wages within a year of expungement because they can apply for higher-level positions.
• Housing Stability: Many landlords in Genesee County run background checks. A clean record makes it much easier to secure a safe place for your family to live.

The Process: How to Set Aside a Conviction.

The process involves several steps that require attention to detail. First, you must obtain a certified copy of each conviction you want to set aside from the court where you were sentenced, such as the 67th District Court or the 7th Circuit Court in Flint.

Next, you must be fingerprinted at a local police station or Michigan State Police post. You will then file your application with the court and serve copies to the Michigan Attorney General and the local prosecutor’s office.

The final step is a hearing before a judge. This is your opportunity to show that your behavior has been satisfactory since the conviction and that setting aside the record is consistent with the public welfare. This is where having a dedicated advocate makes a difference. You want someone who can tell your story and show the judge the hard work you have put in to change your life.

Why Legal Guidance Matters for Your Future.

The expungement process is a privilege, not a right. Even if you meet all the technical requirements, a judge still has the final say. If your application is denied, you may have to wait three years before you can try again under MCL 780.621d(14).

I believe in second chances. If your past has held you back, I want to help you move forward. My approach is straightforward and honest.

I don’t give you a sales pitch; I give you a clear assessment of your eligibility and a legal strategic plan to get your record cleared. I have spent years helping residents of Genesee County navigate the complexities of the Michigan criminal justice system, and I am ready to do the same for you.

If you are ready to stop looking over your shoulder and start looking toward your next career move, let’s talk. I am a hardworking advocate who stays with you through every step of the process. Contact Clint W. Perryman PC at 810-498-2370 to discuss your situation. I am here to help you turn the page and build the future you deserve.