Flint Expungement Attorney
Helping Clients Get a Clean Slate and Move On from the Past
A criminal record can cause significant problems beyond the initial legal penalties. After the fees are paid and jail time is over, someone with a criminal record may have issues that haunt them for years to come. For example, a single felony or even a serious misdemeanor can impact your ability to get or keep professional licensing, limiting how you advance in your career. You could face issues getting a job or finding housing since both application processes involve criminal searches. You could also lose your gun rights, immigration status, or custody of your children because of a criminal record.
Is your criminal record holding you back? If so, you may want to ask the court to expunge your record. Expunging your record means that your prior conviction is set aside. If you successfully expunge your record, you may be considered conviction-free for most purposes. As a result, it may be easier for you to get a job, housing, or an approved line of credit. Speaking with an expungement lawyer is one of the best ways to ensure a successful expungement application.
Not all offenses are eligible for expungement. To learn more about the legal process of expunging your record and start the expungement application, please call our expungement lawyer immediately. Our law firm will stand by your side to fight a criminal conviction and get certain crimes wiped from your criminal record. Call 810-498-2370 now to speak with our compassionate legal team and get the answers you need at this critical time.
Who Is Eligible for Expungement in Michigan?
To be eligible for expungement, you must meet very specific criteria, which changed significantly as of April 11, 2021, with the implementation of the “Clean Slate” initiative. These amendments to MCL 780.621 opened the door to many individuals who previously would have been ineligible based on their number of felony or misdemeanor convictions. Our office is knowledgeable and well-versed in this specialized area of the law and will work with you to achieve the best results possible. Additionally, feel free to review our blog to better understand some of the relevant changes to the law that may affect your expungement.
Some examples of certain convictions that cannot be expunged include:
- Criminal sexual conduct
- Multiple felony convictions
- Assaultive crimes
- Repeat convictions for the same offense
One important aspect left unchanged by the Clean Slate Act was a judge’s ability to deny an individual’s request for a set-aside of conviction or expungement. Under Michigan law, expungement is considered a privilege and not a right, meaning that having a strong advocate to speak on your behalf can carry a great deal of weight in what could be a potentially life-changing court proceeding.
If you have past mistakes that you want to overcome, especially if your convictions were for minor misdemeanors such as traffic offenses, you could be eligible for expungement. Call now to see if you qualify for automatic expungement for a crime in Michigan.
What Is the Expungement Process in the Michigan Legal System?
Getting your criminal record expunged can be incredibly freeing. It will be as if you were never convicted, which can help you move on with your life and live your dreams. However, the expungement process can be complicated, depending on the nature of your crimes. For help navigating the Michigan legal system and for the best chances at a successful expungement, please call our law firm immediately.
The following are some of the basic steps that must occur to expunge your criminal record:
- Preparing for the expungement process – Preparing to have your record expunged can make the whole process go much smoother and faster. You can prepare by speaking with an expungement attorney and gathering the documents they recommend, such as court documents, certificate of conviction, and other information about your criminal record.
- Filing for expungement – The filing process involves submitting an application or petition, including all related documents. You must file in the same court where you received the conviction and pay non-refundable filing fees.
- Attending the expungement hearing – Preparing for the hearing is critical and should be done with the help of a skilled Michigan expungement lawyer. When attending the hearing, you should be well-groomed and be respectful toward the judge. Consult with your attorney about how to answer questions.
- Awaiting results – You may get immediate results from the judge, or you may have to wait to find out whether your conviction will be expunged.
What Are the Benefits of Expungement in Flint, Michigan?
If you have a criminal record that prevents you from living the life you want, please speak with our expungement lawyer to see if you are eligible for expungement. We can help you get convictions removed from your record so you can enjoy the many benefits of a life free from a criminal history.
Some of the benefits associated with Michigan expungement include:
- More housing opportunities since potential landlords won’t see your conviction in a criminal report
- Increased employment opportunities due to potential employers not pulling up your conviction history in background checks
- Ability to maintain your immigration status and stay in the country as a lawful permanent resident
- Keeping family relationships and retaining custody of your children
- Improved social status without the stigma of a criminal record
- Ability to obtain and keep a professional license
- More easily obtain loans to buy a house, car, or other large item
- Keeping the right to vote or serve on a jury
- Increased self-esteem as you move on from the mistakes of your past
Should You Hire Our Flint Expungement Attorney?
If a past criminal conviction haunts you or a loved one, please don’t make the mistake of thinking you need to live this way forever. Once the waiting period has passed, you may be able to get your conviction automatically expunged.
Attorney Clint W. Perryman is happy to discuss your options and help you navigate the complex process of expungement in Flint, Michigan. We will investigate the details of your conviction and ensure the petition is filled out completely and in a timely manner.
Reach out to our confident, caring legal team to move on from your past mistakes and start over. Call 810-498-2370 to schedule a case review with our team of legal professionals.