Explore Michigan misdemeanor set-aside eligibility, automatic relief, and when a court application may still be needed.
There is more than one way to set aside a misdemeanor
Michigan Clean Slate distinguishes between certain misdemeanors eligible for automatic treatment and those requiring an application. Many eligible misdemeanors may be addressed by court petition, and some may be processed automatically after a waiting period. Traffic offenses, assaultive conduct, serious misdemeanors, and recent charges can require individualized analysis.
What to check before moving forward
- Identify the specific statute and maximum possible punishment for each misdemeanor.
- Check whether the public record has already changed through the automatic system.
- Compare the automatic seven-year rules with the often shorter application waiting periods.
- Confirm the court and certified records before preparing an application.
What can complicate the answer?
A misdemeanor conviction does not always count the same way in all expungement calculations. Domestic-violence, OWI, and other offenses can have extra rules or exclusions.
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
Are all misdemeanors automatically erased after seven years?
No. The automatic law excludes categories of convictions and has number and criminal-history restrictions.
Can I apply before the automatic date?
Some misdemeanors may qualify for application-based relief after a shorter waiting period, depending on the offense and history.
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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