There are times when a person may be able to set aside a criminal conviction as if he or she had never been accused of the crime. This process is referred to as an expungement. Not all convictions are eligible for expungement, so it's best to consult with an attorney before taking any type of legal action. In the state of Michigan, you may be able to have your record expunged if you meet the following criteria:
- You are a first-time offender, and
- You were not convicted of a serious felony, sex crime, or traffic offense, and
- At least five years have passed since you completed a prison sentence
If you meet these requirements, you should contact an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney at the Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman. Once a record has been expunged, it will be as if the conviction was erased from your record. Any time you apply for a job, fill out a rental application, or apply for a new credit card or loan, you will no longer have to answer "yes" where it asks "have you ever been convicted of a crime?" It should be mentioned that certain professions, such as a law enforcement or government position, will be able to see that your conviction was set aside through expungement. And should you be charged with another crime in the future, the conviction can still be used against you in future cases.
Expungements have given many people a second chance in life. If you are interested in learning more about expunging or sealing your criminal record, please contact the Law Offices of Freedman & Freedman today to discuss your case!
