A criminal record can have serious negative impacts on your professional life, even long after you have served your sentence. Attempting to move on from your past mistakes can seem impossible when your prior conviction shows up on every required background check. If you are struggling to deal with the consequences of a past criminal conviction in the Grand Rapids area, it may interest you to know that you may be able to have your criminal record expunged.
In certain circumstances, Michigan law allows those people who have been convicted of certain crimes to have any record of their conviction erased, provided they can show that they deserve this second chance. The process for obtaining an expungement can be complex and will require you to present your case at a hearing. Having a Grand Rapids expungement lawyer who is experienced in obtaining expungements for their clients can make the difference between having your request granted or denied.
Our criminal attorneys in Grand Rapids can help you determine whether you are eligible for an expungement under Michigan law, and if so, how to maximize your chances of successfully wiping your criminal record clean.
Expungement Eligibility in Grand Rapids, MichiganMichigan law sets forth strict eligibility requirements for those seeking their criminal records to be expunged. These requirements, as well as the process for seeking an expungement, can be found in Chapter 780, Michigan Compiled Laws.
Prior to seeking a criminal conviction expungement through a Grand Rapids expungement attorney, at least five years must have passed from the time of sentencing, or from the conclusion of a prison or probation sentence, whichever is later. Only one felony or misdemeanor conviction may be set aside once an adult conviction has been expunged, and no future convictions will be eligible for removal. People with more than one conviction, (other than two minor offenses), are not eligible to apply for expungement of their criminal record. In addition, the following types of offenses cannot be expunged:
Juvenile offenders may apply to have their criminal adjudications expunged, provided they do not have more than three juvenile offenses on their record and have no felony offenses and a Grand Rapids expungement lawyer can help.
How a Lawyer Can HelpMichigan sets forth strict requirements for those seeking to have their criminal records expunged. People with criminal convictions who meet the eligibility requirements for expungement must file numerous court forms and required documentation in addition to presenting evidence that supports their position that their prior criminal record should be set aside. The assistance of an experienced expungement attorney in Grand Rapids can be invaluable in ensuring that all the legal requirements to obtain an expungement are met, as well as to assist in defending against any objections that may be raised by a petition to set aside a conviction.
The expungement process requires the person seeking to have their criminal record erased present evidence showing not only that their behavior since their conviction justifies setting aside their criminal record, but also proving that doing so would not go against the interests of the public welfare.
As the expungement process can be time-consuming and requires careful attention to numerous legal requirements, attempting to petition for expungement without experienced the assistance of a Grand Rapids expungement lawyer is not recommended.
Contact a Grand Rapids Expungement Attorney TodayIf you meet the above eligibility requirements, you may be eligible for expungement of your prior conviction. Having your criminal record expunged can change your life.
With the assistance of an experienced expungement lawyer in Grand Rapids, you may be able to have your criminal past wiped clean, enabling you to take advantage of many opportunities that are denied to known offenders. Expungement erases your criminal record, allowing you to truthfully respond that you have no prior criminal convictions when filling out background checks and employment applications.