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Michigan's Clean Slate Act: Who Qualifies for Expungement?

Michigan's Clean Slate Act dramatically expanded who can have criminal records expunged. Learn the new eligibility rules, waiting periods, and how to start the process.

Libre Litigation Inc.
May 21, 2026

What Is the Clean Slate Act?

In 2021, Michigan enacted the Clean Slate Act, which dramatically expanded expungement eligibility and introduced the country's first automatic expungement program for certain offenses. If you have a Michigan criminal record, there is a real chance you may qualify to have it expunged — even for offenses that were not eligible before.

Who Qualifies Under the New Law?

Felony Convictions

Under the Clean Slate Act, most Michigan felony convictions become eligible for expungement after:

  • 7 years: from sentencing or release from imprisonment (whichever is later)
  • A maximum of **3 felony convictions** can be expunged in a lifetime (with some exceptions)
  • You may not have more than 2 felonies on your record from different criminal episodes (unless all were part of the same transaction)

    • Misdemeanor Convictions

    Most misdemeanors are eligible after:

  • 5 years: from sentencing or completion of sentence
  • Up to **unlimited misdemeanor convictions** can be expunged (previously capped)

    • Multiple Conviction Rule

    A key change: Michigan now allows expungement of multiple convictions from a single criminal transaction as though they were one conviction.

    Offenses That Cannot Be Expunged

    Certain offenses are specifically excluded:

  • Murder, manslaughter
  • Most criminal sexual conduct convictions
  • Child abuse
  • Terrorism offenses
  • Traffic offenses resulting in injury or death
  • Life-offense felonies
  • Crimes requiring sex offender registration

    • Automatic Expungement

    Michigan's automatic expungement program (the first in the nation at this scale) uses technology to automatically seal certain misdemeanor and low-level felony records after the waiting period has passed — no petition required. However, automatic expungement does not cover all eligible convictions. Many people benefit from filing a petition to ensure their record is addressed.

    Marijuana Convictions

    All convictions for marijuana possession offenses that would be legal under today's law are automatically expunged under a separate provision of the Clean Slate Act.

    What Expungement Does (and Doesn't) Do

    Expungement:

  • Seals your criminal record from public view
  • Allows you to truthfully say "no" on most job applications
  • Restores your right to possess a firearm for most offenses
  • Opens the door to occupational licenses previously denied

    • Expungement does NOT:

  • Seal your record from law enforcement
  • Remove the conviction from federal databases
  • Apply to federal convictions

    • How to File for Expungement

    The process involves:

    1. Obtaining your Michigan criminal history from the State Police

    2. Filing a petition in the county where you were convicted

    3. Serving the prosecutor and Michigan State Police

    4. Attending an expungement hearing

    5. Receiving the court's order (if granted)

    Libre Litigation can guide you through every step. Contact us for a consultation.

    Disclaimer: This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different. Consult a qualified attorney about your specific situation.