Source review: October 11, 2026. Information only, not legal advice.
Michigan criminal record clearing
Michigan offers both petition-based and automatic record-clearing routes. The main route: Set-aside (expungement) by application - misdemeanors (non-serious) under MCL 780.621; MCL 780.621d(3). Waiting periods, caps, and categorical exclusions all apply; the details below are a summary, not legal advice.
What relief routes does Michigan offer?
- Set-aside (expungement) by application - misdemeanors (non-serious) (MCL 780.621; MCL 780.621d(3)). Convicted of one or more misdemeanors that are NOT serious misdemeanors, assaultive crimes, or first-OWI.
- Set-aside by application - one felony OR serious misdemeanor (MCL 780.621; MCL 780.621d(2); MCL 780.621c). Convicted and seeking to set aside a single felony, or one or more serious misdemeanors (e.g. assault & battery/domestic violence MCL 750.81, aggravated assault, indecent exposure, stalking).
- Set-aside by application - more than one felony (MCL 780.621; MCL 780.621d(1); MCL 780.621b). Convicted and seeking to set aside more than one felony. Total across a lifetime may not exceed 3 felonies; no more than 2 assaultive-crime convictions ever; no more than 1 conviction for the same >10-year offense.
- Set-aside by application - first-violation OWI (operating while intoxicated) (MCL 780.621c(1)(d)(i) exception; MCL 780.621d(2)). Convicted of a FIRST-violation operating-while-intoxicated offense under MCL 257.625 (no prior MCL 257.625 conviction at time of offense) that did NOT cause injury or death.
How long are the waiting periods?
- 3 or more years after whichever occurs LAST: imposition of sentence, completion of any term of imprisonment, or completion of probation (MCL 780.621d(3)).
- 5 or more years after whichever occurs LAST: imposition of sentence, completion of felony probation, discharge from parole, or completion of any term of imprisonment (MCL 780.621d(2)).
- 7 or more years after whichever occurs LAST: imposition of sentence, completion of felony probation, discharge from parole, or completion of any term of imprisonment (MCL 780.621d(1)).
Waiting periods generally run from the latest of sentencing, release from imprisonment, or completion of probation or parole, and a new conviction or pending charge can restart or block relief.
What cannot be cleared?
Life felonies; CSC 1st/2nd/3rd degree and CSC 4th degree on/after 01-12-2015; child sexually abusive activity/material; using a computer to solicit a minor; assault with intent to commit CSC (penetration); 1st/2nd degree child abuse; human trafficking; terrorism; traffic offenses; 2nd+ OWI; felony domestic violence with a prior DV...
Can a general screener decide Michigan eligibility?
No. The RecordReset screener can identify a possible match for review but cannot confirm eligibility; the court decides. It does not offer a Michigan filing workbook, filing service, or attorney review. The summary here is drawn from published guidance including michiganlegalhelp.org and the cited statutes.
Michigan record-clearing law is primarily under MCL §§ 780.621 to 780.621g (set-aside by application and Clean Slate automatic set-aside) and MCL 762.11 to 762.14 (Holmes Youthful Trainee Act). The information here is a summary and not a substitute for review by a licensed Michigan attorney.
Questions people ask
Does Michigan clear any records automatically?
Yes. Michigan has an automatic relief route in addition to petition-based relief; automatic relief applies only to qualifying records and caps apply. Many cases still need a petition.
How long is the waiting period?
3 or more years after whichever occurs LAST: imposition of sentence, completion of any term of imprisonment, or completion of probation (MCL 780.621d(3)). Applicant must have no new conviction and no pending charges during the waiting period (MCL 780.621d(4)).
Where do I start?
Gather your disposition date, charge classification, and completion of sentence, then read the official guidance (michiganlegalhelp.org) before filing. A screening tool can flag possible matches but cannot confirm eligibility.
RecordReset is a self-help legal information service, not a law firm. A screening can only say a case may match published rules and needs review. A court or agency determines relief. RecordReset does not file cases or offer attorney review; paid enrollment and draft PDFs are paused for legal and form review.