What crimes can be expunged in Michigan?

In Michigan, most misdemeanors and many felonies can be expunged after the required waiting period. However, certain serious offenses like violent crimes and sex offenses are typically ineligible.

How long is the waiting period for expungement in Michigan?

Waiting periods in Michigan vary by offense type. Arrests typically require 1 year, misdemeanors 3-5 years, and felonies 5-10 years from sentence completion.

Can I expunge a felony in Michigan?

Many felonies can be expunged in Michigan, but eligibility depends on the specific offense and classification. Class A felonies and certain violent or sexual offenses are generally ineligible.

Will expungement remove my record from background checks?

Yes, once expunged, the record should not appear on most background checks. However, some government agencies and law enforcement may still have access for specific purposes.

← All States|MichiganClean Slate State

Home/Michigan/Criminal

Criminal Record Expungement

MichiganCriminal Expungement

Learn how to clear arrests and convictions from your criminal record in Michigan.

Clean Slate State

Michigan has automatic expungement laws. Some eligible records may be cleared without filing a petition.

At a Glance

Fee Waiver AvailableYou may qualify for free filing

Or $0 filing fee if you don't qualify

YesClean Slate StateSome records may clear automatically

Check Eligibility →

Legal Terminology in Michigan

Expungement

set aside

Sealing

set aside

Eligibility Requirements

General requirements for criminal record expungement in Michigan.

Generally Eligible

Misdemeanor convictions (93+ days jail possible)

Felony convictions (non-violent, non-excluded)

Up to 2 felonies and 4 misdemeanors (93+ days) can be automatically set aside

Unlimited misdemeanors with less than 93 days possible jail time

Multiple offenses from same transaction within 24 hours count as one offense

Generally Not Eligible

Life Sentence Felonies

Any felony punishable by life imprisonment (MCL 780.621c(1)(a))
Any attempt to commit a felony punishable by life imprisonment

Criminal Sexual Conduct

Criminal Sexual Conduct 1st Degree (MCL 750.520b)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 2nd Degree (MCL 750.520c)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 3rd Degree (MCL 750.520d)
Criminal Sexual Conduct 4th Degree (MCL 750.520e)
Assault with intent to commit CSC (MCL 750.520g)

Child Abuse

Child abuse in the first degree (MCL 750.136b(3))
Child abuse in the second degree causing serious harm (MCL 750.136b(4))
Child abuse in the third degree (MCL 750.136b(5))
Child sexually abusive activity or material (MCL 750.145c)
Using internet to commit child sexually abusive activity (MCL 750.145d)

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking (MCL 750.462a - 750.462h)
Forced labor (MCL 750.462b)
Trafficking of minors (MCL 750.462e)
Kidnapping (MCL 750.349)
Child kidnapping (MCL 750.350)

Terrorism

All terrorism-related offenses (MCL 750.543a - 750.543z)
Material support for terrorism
Hindering prosecution of terrorism

Traffic Causing Death or Serious Injury

Operating while intoxicated causing death (MCL 257.625(4))
Operating while intoxicated causing serious impairment (MCL 257.625(5))
Reckless driving causing death (MCL 257.626(4))
Moving violation causing death (MCL 257.601d(1))

Other Permanently Ineligible

Offenses with more than 2 felony convictions (excluding same transaction rule)
Offenses with more than 4 misdemeanor convictions of 93+ days (excluding same transaction rule)
Offenses committed after April 11, 2021 that list expungement prohibition in statute

The 'same transaction rule' treats multiple offenses within 24 hours arising from the same transaction as one conviction for counting purposes.

Waiting Periods

Misdemeanor (93+ days possible jail) - Automatic7 years

Felony - Automatic10 years

Misdemeanor (<93 days possible jail) - Automatic7 years

Waiting periods typically start from completion of sentence, including probation.

Costs & Fee Waivers

Don't let cost be a barrier. Most people qualify for free filing.

Filing Costs

Recommended

Option 1: Fee Waiver

$0 — File for free

If you have limited income, you likely qualify to file without paying any fees.

Option 2: Pay Filing Fee

If you don't qualify for a fee waiver, you'll need to pay the filing fee.

Don't let filing fees stop you. Most people who apply for fee waivers are approved.

The Process

Choose Automatic or Petition Process

Decide whether to wait for automatic expungement or file a petition

Obtain Your Criminal History (ICHAT Report)

Get official record of all convictions from Michigan State Police

1-2 weeks

Verify Sentence Completion and Payment

Confirm all parts of your sentence are complete

Complete Fingerprinting (Petition Only)

Get fingerprinted for the petition process

30 minutes

Complete Application (Petition Only)

Fill out the petition forms for expungement

2-3 hours

File Application with Circuit Court (Petition Only)

Submit your petition to the appropriate court

1 day

Serve Prosecuting Attorney and Attorney General (Petition Only)

Provide notice to required parties

1 week

Attend Court Hearing (Petition Only)

Appear before the judge

30 minutes to 1 hour

Receive Court Order or Automatic Notification

Get confirmation that your conviction is set aside

Automatic: processed in batches by MSP. Petition: 2-8 weeks after hearing

Legal Resources

Michigan Legal Help - Expungement

Free DIY expungement tools, forms, and step-by-step instructions

State Bar of Michigan - Lawyer Referral Service

Find a criminal defense attorney who handles expungements

Legal Services of South Central Michigan

Free legal assistance for low-income residents

Michigan Advocacy Program

Assistance for individuals with disabilities

Legal Authority

MCL 780.621

Application to Set Aside Conviction

View source →

MCL 780.621a

Set Aside of Arrest Records

View source →

MCL 780.621b

Same Transaction Rule

View source →

MCL 780.621c

Ineligible Offenses

View source →

MCL 780.621d

OWI/DUI Expungement

View source →

MCL 780.621g

Automatic Set Aside

View source →

MCL 780.623

Effect of Set Aside

View source →

Eligibility Timeline Calculator

Find out exactly when you can file for expungement

What was the outcome of your case?

Date DA Declined to File

📋 My Cases

Track your expungement progress across multiple cases

No Cases Yet

Add your first case to start tracking your expungement progress

📄 Generate Your Forms

After adding your case information above, use this tool to automatically generate your personalized expungement forms:

💡 Add a case above to generate your expungement forms.

Need More Help?

Consider consulting with a legal aid organization or attorney for personalized guidance.

← Back to Michigan Eviction Records →

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a qualified attorney for advice about your specific situation.