Your past shouldn’t define your future. If you have a criminal record in Michigan, it’s following you everywhere — job applications, housing, loans, professional licenses, even volunteer positions. But Michigan law now gives you a real path to clear that record, and I’ve never lost an expungement case.
I’m Shawn Haff, and I’ve helped hundreds of people across West Michigan erase their criminal records and start fresh. My expungement success rate is 100%. Not 99%. Not “most of the time.” Every single petition I’ve filed has been granted.
Call me at 616-438-6719 for a free consultation. Let me tell you if you qualify.
How to Get Your Record Expunged in Michigan
Michigan’s expungement laws have expanded dramatically in recent years, thanks to the Clean Slate Act and subsequent legislative updates. More people qualify for record clearing now than at any point in Michigan history. Here’s what you need to know in 2026.
What Can Be Expunged
Under current Michigan law, the following convictions are eligible for expungement:
Most misdemeanors — including assault, retail fraud, drug possession, disorderly conduct, and more
Many felonies — including drug delivery, breaking and entering, larceny, and other non-violent felonies
First-offense OWI — Michigan began allowing OWI expungement in 2021, and I’ve successfully cleared many of these
Up to 3 felonies total on your record
Unlimited misdemeanors in many circumstances (certain limits apply to assaultive crimes)
The Clean Slate Act also created automatic expungement for eligible misdemeanors after 7 years and eligible felonies after 10 years — without filing a petition. However, the automatic process has been slow to implement, and many eligible records haven’t been cleared yet. Filing a petition gets it done faster and with certainty.
What Cannot Be Expunged
Some convictions are permanently excluded from expungement:
- Life felonies (first-degree murder, etc.)
- Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st, 2nd, and 3rd degree
- Child abuse in the first degree
- Human trafficking offenses
- Certain felonies involving serious violence
- Traffic offenses that caused death (e.g., OWI causing death, moving violation causing death)
- Terrorism-related convictions
If you’re unsure whether your conviction qualifies, call me. I’ll pull your record and tell you exactly what can be cleared.
The Expungement Process
Here’s how it works when you hire me:
1. Free Consultation
I review your criminal history and determine which convictions are eligible.
2. Obtain Certified Records
I pull your records from the Michigan State Police and the relevant courts.
3. Prepare and File the Petition
I draft your application for expungement, gather supporting documentation, and file with the appropriate court.
4. Prosecutor Review
The prosecutor’s office has 50 days to respond. They can object, agree, or take no position.
5. Court Hearing
A judge reviews your petition. I present your case — your rehabilitation, your stability, your reasons for seeking a clean record.
6. Order Granted
The judge signs the order, and your record is sealed from public view.
Timeline: The entire process typically takes 3-6 months from filing to completion. Some cases move faster.
How Much Does Expungement Cost in Michigan?
Court filing fees for expungement in Michigan are $50 per application. My attorney fees are reasonable and transparent — I’ll quote you an exact number during your free consultation. When you consider the lifetime earning potential of a clean record, the investment pays for itself many times over.
Michigan Clean Slate Act — Automatic vs. Petition
The Clean Slate Act created two pathways:
Automatic Expungement:
Eligible misdemeanors are automatically set aside after 7 years; eligible felonies after 10 years — provided you have no new convictions in that period. This process is handled by the State of Michigan.
Petition-Based Expungement:
You file a petition with the court to have eligible convictions set aside. Waiting periods are typically 3 years for misdemeanors and 5 years for felonies after completion of your sentence (including probation).
My recommendation: Don’t wait for automatic expungement. The state system is backlogged, and there’s no guarantee of timing. Filing a petition puts your case in front of a judge on a defined timeline — and with my 100% success rate, the outcome is virtually guaranteed.
Why You Need an Expungement Attorney
Can you file an expungement petition yourself? Technically, yes. Should you? No. Here’s why:
- Eligibility is complicated. Multiple convictions, out-of-state records, and overlapping waiting periods create confusion. I make sure nothing is missed.
- The petition must be thorough. Judges want to see rehabilitation, community ties, and a compelling reason. I know what they’re looking for.
- Prosecutors can object. If the prosecutor’s office pushes back, you need an attorney who can argue your case persuasively at the hearing.
- One shot matters. A denied petition can delay your ability to refile. With my track record, you don’t have to worry about denial.
OWI Expungement
If you have a first-offense OWI conviction, you may be eligible for expungement. Michigan expanded this option in 2021 — a game-changer for thousands of people who thought they’d carry that conviction forever. I’ve successfully cleared numerous OWI convictions. Visit my OWI expungement page for full details.
Take the First Step Today
A clean record changes everything. Better jobs. Better housing. Peace of mind. I’ve done this hundreds of times with a 100% success rate, and I can do it for you.
Call me now at 616-438-6719. The consultation is free. I’ll review your record, tell you exactly what qualifies, and get the process started. You can also reach out online — but honestly, just call. Let’s get this done.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get my record expunged in Michigan?
To get your record expunged in Michigan, you file a petition with the court where you were convicted. The process involves obtaining certified criminal records, preparing the application, a 50-day prosecutor review period, and a court hearing. An expungement attorney handles all of this for you. The process typically takes 3-6 months.
How much does expungement cost in Michigan?
Michigan court filing fees for expungement are $50 per application. Attorney fees vary depending on the complexity of your case and the number of convictions being addressed. During a free consultation, attorney Shawn Haff provides a transparent, exact quote. The investment typically pays for itself through improved employment and housing opportunities.
What crimes cannot be expunged in Michigan?
Michigan law permanently excludes life felonies, criminal sexual conduct in the 1st through 3rd degree, first-degree child abuse, human trafficking, terrorism-related offenses, and traffic offenses that caused death. Most other misdemeanors and many felonies — including first-offense OWI — are eligible for expungement.
Can a felony be expunged in Michigan?
Yes. Michigan now allows expungement of up to 3 felony convictions. Many felonies qualify, including drug offenses, property crimes, and non-violent felonies. The waiting period is typically 5 years after completing your sentence, including probation. Certain serious felonies like CSC and life offenses are excluded.
What is the Michigan Clean Slate Act?
The Michigan Clean Slate Act expanded expungement eligibility and created automatic record clearing for certain offenses. Eligible misdemeanors are automatically set aside after 7 years and felonies after 10 years without new convictions. The Act also allows petition-based expungement with shorter waiting periods for people who want faster results.