Understand Michigan felony and misdemeanor expungement waiting periods, exclusions, and what dates matter most in a legal review.
The date that matters depends on the remedy
Michigan has different timelines for application-based set-asides and automatic Clean Slate processing. Under common application scenarios, the waiting period is generally five years for one eligible felony, seven years for multiple eligible felonies, and three years for many misdemeanors. Automatic felony treatment may require ten years, while automatic misdemeanor treatment commonly uses seven. The legal clock may start from different events depending on the procedure.
What to check before moving forward
- Collect the sentencing order and the dates of incarceration, probation and parole.
- List every conviction rather than looking at only the offense you hope to clear.
- Determine whether a newer charge or conviction interrupts eligibility.
- Compare the application route to automatic set-aside and any offense-specific exception.
What can complicate the answer?
A simple online date calculator cannot reliably decide eligibility. The particular offense, judgment, multiple convictions, and exceptions can change the result.
Michigan’s rules are fact-specific. For an individual review, start the MichiganFelony.com inquiry or call 800-892-1185.
Related Michigan resources
Frequently asked questions
How long after one felony can I apply?
For many eligible single felonies, the application waiting period is five years, but the starting date and exclusions require review.
Is the waiting period for multiple felonies different?
Michigan generally sets seven years for applications involving multiple eligible felony convictions.
Does completion of probation always start the clock?
The applicable statute specifies when time begins and can depend on additional sentencing events.
Michigan government references: Attorney General expungement assistance · State Police set-aside guidance · Michigan Courts. These references are for general information; verify current law and forms before taking action.
There may be a path forward.
Tell us a little about your case. An attorney can determine what the relevant Michigan and federal laws allow.
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