“While our justice system is based on paying a debt to society, rehabilitating, and then moving on, many individuals are left with criminal records that force them to continue paying their debt throughout life. Those with criminal records may find themselves unable to get a job or rent an apartment. But there are proven social benefits to individuals being afforded second chances,” the Michigan expungement lawyer says.
The lawyer says that a University of Michigan Law School study in 2022 found that many people who have had their criminal records expunged experience greater employment opportunities and higher wages. Some criminal records can be expunged by removing them from public view. Unfortunately, this was only available to those with a limited criminal record. Expungement eligibility was not available for many offenses.
Beginning in 2020, Michigan began to work towards new “clean slate” laws that can allow qualified people to set aside certain criminal records. The clean slate includes automatic expungement of eligible misdemeanors after seven years and non-assaultive felonies after 10 years under H.B.4980. This process will take effect in April 2023. Although expungement will not make a criminal conviction public, it will allow law enforcement and courts to access the information.
The law has also changed the maximum number of convictions that can be set aside. There are no limits to how many misdemeanors a person can have removed from their record. They can have up to three felonies removed from their record in their lifetime. However, there are additional rules for certain types of convictions regarding the number of convictions that may be set aside.
In the article, attorney Tafelski, “Furthermore, a Clean Slate for Kids package has been signed, providing a fresh start for juveniles exiting the juvenile justice system. This package has revised juvenile justice laws to seal juvenile offense court records from the public as well as create a process to automatically expunge juvenile records for individuals who don’t commit further offenses.”
Lastly, the Michigan DUI attorney explains how important it is to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney when being charged with DUI. Having a skilled attorney may help the defendant create a successful defense strategy and gain their freedom. Also, a skilled DUI attorney may be able to study the case in a more in-depth manner and help the defendant understand their rights and responsibilities in the case.
About Michigan Defense Law
Michigan Defense Law is a firm that takes the presumption of innocence very seriously. Every client deserves competent legal representation. No matter if someone is facing a felony or misdemeanor charge, the lawyers at Michigan Defense Law will work hard to vigorously defend the client and achieve the best outcome for them. Call Michigan Defense Law today at (248) 451 2200 to schedule a consultation.
About Paul J. Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law | Criminal Attorney and DUI Lawyer
With over 25 years of combined experience in criminal defense law, the talented legal team of Paul Tafelski and David Goukassian at Michigan Defense Law is devoted to the defense of good people who have found themselves in difficult circumstances.
At Michigan Defense Law, we take the presumption of innocence seriously and fully believe that every client is due a skilled legal defense. Whether you have been accused of a misdemeanor or are faced with a felony conviction, we are committed to diligently defending you and achieving the best possible outcome on your behalf.
Contact Paul J. Tafelski, Michigan Defense Law | Criminal Attorney and DUI Lawyer
2525 S Telegraph Rd suite 100
Bloomfield Hills
MI 48302
United States
(248) 451-2200
Website: https://www.michigandefenselaw.com/
