Expungement Attorneys Grand Rapids

Expungement Attorneys Grand Rapids

It is easy to make a mistake or exercise poor judgment, but bad behavior can lead to an arrest and serious criminal penalties. If convicted, you could be ordered to jail time, fines, and other punishments. However, it is the collateral consequences after you serve your sentence that can have a profound effect on your life. The case will appear in your criminal history, so it will show up any time you conduct a background check. You could have difficulties with employment, financial issues, and many other areas, which is why Michigan’s clean slate laws offer expungement as a way to clear a criminal case from your record.

The eligibility rules for expungement are extremely strict, even after lawmakers’ recent reforms to the laws. Therefore, if a criminal case in your background is affecting your life, it is wise to discuss your circumstances with our team at Van Den Heuvel Law Office. We can explain the criteria and the legal process, so please contact us to schedule a case review with our expungement attorneys in Grand Rapids. Some basics are also useful.

Automatic Set Aside of a Criminal Case

When you and the crime for which you were convicted are eligible, state laws in Michigan will automatically clear your record. You will typically qualify if:

• At least seven years have passed since you were sentenced to a 93-day misdemeanor.
• It has been at least seven years since you were sentenced to a misdemeanor punishable by a year as long as you have no more than four cases in your history.
• For any felony, the waiting period is 10 years. Those with more than two felonies do not qualify for automatic expungement.

The clean slate laws include a list of offenses that cannot be cleared under any circumstances, including assault, fraud, multiple OWIs, and human trafficking.

Application for Expungement

You may not qualify for an automatic set aside, but you can still complete and file an application to request that your record be cleared. With this process, the judge will decide whether you should receive an expungement. The judge will review the facts of your case and your history, and there will be a hearing. Our expungement lawyers at Van Den Heuvel Law Office will handle all essential tasks with the application to set aside your criminal case, including:

• Obtaining copies of all criminal records;
• Assessing whether you qualify for expungement;
• Gathering evidence to prepare your application;
• Completing and submitting the application for expungement;
• Preparing you for the hearing on setting aside your record;
• Coordinating with your family, employer, and others who may testify in your support;
• Addressing objections by officials or victims who want to stop expungement; and,
• Representing you at the expungement hearing.

Talk to Expungement Attorneys in Grand Rapids About Options  

To learn more about how Michigan clean slate laws may apply to your case, please contact the Van Den Heuvel Law Office. We can set up a consultation with an expungement lawyer who will explain eligibility and help with the process of clearing your record.