So You Wanna Scrub Your Past Clean? How Many Felonies Can You Really Expunge in Michigan?
Let's face it, nobody wants their past following them around like a clingy relative at a holiday party. Especially when that past involves a not-so-great decision (or three) that landed you with a felony on your record. But fear not, Michiganders with a checkered past! The good news is, the state offers a fresh start program called expungement that might just be your ticket to a brighter future.
But here's the thing: expungement isn't like magic laundry detergent. You can't just toss your whole criminal record in and expect it to come out spotless. There are limits, my friends. So, the burning question is: how many felonies can you actually expunge in Michigan?
Drumroll Please... Up to Three Felonies Can Be Banished to Record-Oblivion!
That's right, under Michigan's "Clean Slate" laws, you can get up to three felony convictions expunged. Three! That means you can shed the burden of those past mistakes and move forward with a cleaner criminal slate. But wait, there's more! There are some exceptions to this three-felony rule.
Here's where things get a little tricky:
- Serious Offenses Need to Stay Put: Crimes like murder, child abuse, sex offenses, and anything involving life sentences can't be expunged. Sorry, gotta draw the line somewhere.
- Double Trouble with Assault and Weapons: You can only expunge a maximum of two "assaultive crime" convictions, and forget about getting rid of weapons charges.
- Same Crime, Different Time: If you have more than one felony for the same offense (and it carries a punishment of over 10 years), only one of those convictions can be expunged.
##Phew, Okay, That's a Lot to Take In. Here's the Short Version:
- Up to 3 felonies can be expunged, but there are exceptions (see above).
- Certain serious crimes and multiple assaults/weapons charges are off-limits.
- Same felony, multiple convictions? You can probably only expunge one.
Now, here's the most important part: This blog post is not legal advice! If you're serious about expungement, consulting with a lawyer is your best bet. They can help you navigate the specifics of your situation and determine if you qualify.
You've Got Questions, We've (Hopefully) Got Answers: Expungement FAQ
How to know if I qualify for expungement?
A lawyer can best advise you based on your specific criminal record.
How long does the expungement process take?
The timeframe can vary, but generally takes a few months.
How much does expungement cost?
Costs can vary depending on the lawyer and complexity of your case.
Will expungement erase my record completely?
Not exactly. Law enforcement and some government agencies may still have access to your expunged record.
What happens after I get my record expunged?
You can legally answer "no" if asked about the expunged convictions on most applications.
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