Frequently asked questions
At CleanSlateCheck.com, we believe everyone deserves a second chance. Explore our FAQ section to find answers to common questions about expungement in Michigan and how our services can help you determine if your record has been cleared.
What is an expungement and what is Michigan’s Clean Slate Act?
In Michigan, an expungement (also called a “set-aside”) removes a conviction from your public record. Michigan’s Clean Slate laws created two paths: automatic expungement for many older convictions and the traditional application process for others. Some convictions can never be expunged.
Why bother getting an expungement?
Once a conviction has been expunged, you no longer have to check the "yes" box when asked "have you ever been convicted of a crime?" This question appears in far too many places - 9 out of 10 employment applications, most housing applications, life insurance applications, car insurance applications, 70% of college applications, even commercial loan applications. It's hard to overstate the impact a criminal record has on your life.
When a criminal record is expunged, it's as if it never happened. If done properly, the conviction no longer appears on standard background checks. Employers, landlords, insurance agents, colleges, etc., have no way of knowing the conviction ever occurred, unless you tell them. To be clear, an expunged conviction may appear on certain high level background checks, primarily those ordered for people applying to work for the FBI, or the judicial system, or seeking security clearances. High level background checks such as these typically require a fingerprint scan. CleanSlateCheck.com ensures that your record is clear on the types of background checks you may encounter in everyday, civilian life (the kind that don't require you to submit fingerprints).
What kinds of crimes can be expunged in Michigan?
By application, many misdemeanors and non-violent felonies can be set aside, up to three felonies and an unlimited number of misdemeanors (with special limits for assaultive crimes and certain high-maximum felonies). A first-time OWI can be eligible by application. Certain offenses remain ineligible.
What is the “one bad night” rule?
For counting how many convictions you can apply to set aside, multiple offenses that happened within a single 24-hour period and arose out of the same transaction can be treated as one conviction. This does not apply to assaultive crimes, crimes involving a dangerous weapon, or offenses with a maximum penalty of 10+ years.
What kinds of convictions are excluded from automatic expungement?
Examples include offenses punishable by life, most criminal-sexual-conduct offenses, human-trafficking offenses, certain child-abuse offenses, felony domestic violence, and specific traffic offenses such as OWI or those causing injury or death. Some of these may still be eligible by application.
Why should I pay for this service? Can’t I figure it out for free?
There are resources that can help you determine whether your record has been expunged, and if not, how to do so, free of charge. Safe & Just Michigan is a great example. Information is also available from the State of Michigan's own Clean Slate webpage, and the Michigan Attorney General's Clean Slate Initiative. Many, however, find the process confusing, time-consuming and frustrating. If they can afford it, some pay attorneys thousands of dollars to navigate the system on their behalf. For most, this is simply not an affordable option. For $99, we run official Michigan sources, explain your status and eligibility in plain English, and give you next-step options so you can act with confidence on your own behalf.
What convictions does CleanSlateCheck.com help with?
Michigan adult convictions only. We review what’s already cleared automatically and what can be cleared by application (including first-time OWI when eligible). We don’t handle out-of-state or federal records.
How many convictions does the $99 cover?
Your $99 opinion includes eligibility determinations and step-by-step action plans for up to five remaining Michigan convictions. If you have more than five, we will provide you with a list of convictions found and ask which you would like an analysis performed on. Analysis of each conviction over the initial 5 is $25 per conviction.
Can you tell me with 100% certainty whether my conviction was expunged?
Please see our response above, "Why bother getting an expungement?" No service can promise 100% real-time certainty because agencies and courts update at different speeds. We check Michigan State Police ICHAT, MiCOURT dockets, MDOC OTIS, VineLink, and district and circuit court records, document what we find, and explain any gaps. The searches performed by CleanSlateCheck.com should uncover any records that may be available to potential employers, landlords, universities, insurance companies and the like.
What if I have multiple aliases?
Most databases we search charge by the name searched. Accordingly, each Clean Slate Check can only be performed on one legal name. If you would like additional names searched, please purchase an additional Clean Slate Check, and please take care to spell your name properly when purchasing the product!
If I’m eligible now, will you file for me?
Because CleanSlateCheck.com is committed to providing as many Michiganders with a clean slate as possible, our focus is on providing people with the information and tools they need to pursue expungements on their own behalf. If a more complex filing is required and you would like formal representation during that process, we are happy to provide referrals to experienced Michigan expungement attorneys who share our commitment to helping every Michigander who deserves a clean slate get one, at an affordable price, as fast as possible. See our page regarding professional referrals for more information.
Your fresh start begins here
Have more questions? Contact us today to discover how Clean Slate Check can help you determine if your criminal record has been expunged. We're committed to helping you achieve a brighter future.