End-of-Year Court Schedules: Essential Guide for Livonia Residents on Expungement Expectations

Understanding Expungement Under Michigan Law

Expungement, officially referred to as “set aside” in Michigan law, is a process by which a person’s criminal conviction is removed from public record. This legal mechanism can dramatically change a person’s life, allowing them to pursue jobs, housing, education, and professional licenses without the stigma of a prior conviction.

Michigan’s expungement laws have evolved significantly over the past few years. The changes—especially under the Clean Slate Act—expanded eligibility and simplified procedures for clearing past convictions. Livonia residents working to expunge their records at the end of the year should pay attention to both the law itself and the local court’s seasonal schedule.

The Clean Slate Act at a Glance

• Automatic Expungement: As of April 2023, certain convictions can now be automatically expunged after a defined period if there have been no new convictions. This applies mainly to lower-level misdemeanors and some non-violent felonies.
• Expanded Eligibility: Individuals can now have up to three felony convictions and unlimited misdemeanors set aside, subject to eligibility criteria.
• Waiting Periods: The required time since the conviction or completion of sentence—whichever is later—ranges from 3 to 7 years depending on the offense.
• Ineligible Offenses: Some crimes, like life offenses, most criminal sexual conduct convictions, and traffic offenses involving death or serious injury, cannot be expunged.

In Livonia, most expungement petitions are filed and processed through the 16th District Court, which handles misdemeanor cases for the city, while felony matters may also involve the 3rd Judicial Circuit Court in Wayne County.

How End-of-Year Court Schedules Can Impact Your Expungement

During November and December, courts across Michigan adjust their operations to account for holidays, staff scheduling, and administrative planning for the upcoming year. The 16th District Court, like many others in the state, typically reduces its docket toward the end of the year. This can affect how quickly expungement petitions move through the system.

Reduced Court Hours and Closures

Livonia’s 16th District Court, located at 32765 Five Mile Road, usually observes holidays such as Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Day, and New Year’s Eve. In addition, some judges may set earlier cutoffs for hearings to finalize pending matters before the year closes.

This means that cases filed in mid-to-late December might not see action until early January. If your goal is to start the new year with a clean slate, filing early in the fourth quarter gives your petition a better chance of being reviewed before the holiday slowdowns.

Administrative Backlog

Courts often experience a minor backlog at the end of the year as they complete sentencing, finalize probation reviews, and close criminal cases. Since expungement is a civil request separate from active criminal prosecution, it may not be prioritized unless scheduled well in advance. Filing early and confirming that all documents are complete—including certified judgments, fingerprints, and eligibility proof—can speed up processing.

Judicial Review and Scheduling

Once your expungement petition is filed, the court assigns the case to a judge. The judge may request a hearing, particularly if the prosecutor’s office or the Michigan Attorney General’s Office objects. Hearing dates during December may be limited. Knowing when your assigned judge is hearing expungement petitions will help you set realistic expectations about timing and results.

The Expungement Filing Process in Michigan

Filing for expungement in Michigan requires careful timing, attention to detail, and compliance with all filing requirements. Below is an outline of the current statewide procedure, which also applies to petitions filed in Livonia.

1. Obtain Your Record

You must first obtain a certified record of your conviction(s). This can be done through the Michigan State Police’s Internet Criminal History Access Tool (ICHAT) or by requesting records directly from the convicting court. For Livonia matters, this often means obtaining documents from the 16th District Court clerk’s office.

2. Determine Eligibility

Review your record against Michigan’s eligibility rules. Expungement is largely available for:

• Most misdemeanors after a three-year wait
• One felony or up to three eligible felonies after five to seven years
• Marijuana-related misdemeanor convictions under prior state law

3. Prepare the Petition

The petition (form MC227) must include identifying information, conviction details, and official certifications. Each conviction requires a separate petition unless the court allows consolidation. A fingerprint card must also be submitted to confirm identity.

4. Notify Key Agencies

A copy of your petition must be served on the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, the Michigan State Police, and the prosecutor of the county where you were convicted. The Attorney General and prosecutor have 60 days to object.

5. Court Hearing

Some expungements are automatically granted if there are no objections. Others require a hearing. During the hearing, the judge considers:

• The nature of the offense
• The time elapsed since the conviction
• Your behavior and rehabilitative history
• Any objections filed by the prosecutor or AG

If granted, the court sends an order to the Michigan State Police to update your record. This update typically occurs within several weeks, after which your criminal history will reflect the expunged status.

Unique Considerations for Livonia Residents

Each Michigan court operates slightly differently. For Livonia, understanding the workflow of the 16th District Court is important for planning when to file your expungement petition.

Filing Location and Hours

All petitions for expungement of misdemeanor convictions are filed in person or by mail at the court clerk’s office located at 32765 Five Mile Rd, Livonia, MI 48154. As the end of the year approaches, keep in mind the courthouse may close early on certain weekdays or have limited operational days around major holidays.

Prosecutorial Coordination

Expungement petitions for Livonia convictions are reviewed by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office. Filing during periods of court slowdown can also affect the prosecutor’s response timeframe. Late-year petitions sometimes carry into the next calendar year for review, so applicants should monitor correspondence closely.

Judicial Discretion

Even though eligibility is defined by law, the granting of an expungement is not automatic unless it falls under the Clean Slate automatic provisions. Judges in Livonia often look for signs of genuine rehabilitation and good character. Submitting supporting letters from employers or community leaders can make a difference—especially if your hearing falls close to year-end when the docket is tight and judges want to make informed, efficient decisions before the break.

Smart Strategies for Year-End Expungement Success

Timing your expungement depends not just on eligibility but also on understanding how the end-of-year court schedule impacts filing and decision-making. Here are key strategies that can help you maximize your chances of success:

• File Before Mid-November: This ensures your petition has time to be processed and assigned before holiday slowdowns begin.
• Gather Documentation Early: Delay often comes from missing records. Obtain all certified copies and fingerprint cards early in the process.
• Work with an Attorney: An experienced criminal defense lawyer familiar with the Livonia court system can anticipate objections and help expedite filings.
• Stay Flexible: If your hearing date extends into January, don’t be discouraged. Many cases delayed by year-end closures are reviewed at the start of the new year when docket space becomes available again.
• Keep Communication Open: Make sure the clerk’s office and prosecutor have your correct address and contact information for all correspondence.

Why Professional Legal Help Makes the Difference

Even though expungement is often described as a straightforward process, the reality is that procedural mistakes can lead to significant delays or even dismissal of petitions. Experienced legal guidance ensures your paperwork is accurate, qualifying criteria are met, and timing works in your favor relative to end-of-year scheduling.

If you are seeking to have your record expunged and want a local attorney who understands Michigan law and the Livonia court system, contact Aaron J. Boria, a dedicated Michigan criminal defense lawyer with a proven track record of helping clients clear their records. You can reach our office at (734) 453-7806 for a free consultation.

Looking Ahead to the New Year

For many Livonia residents, the beginning of a new year symbolizes a fresh start. Expungement can be a crucial part of that renewal. If your petition isn’t processed before the year ends, there’s no need to worry—your application remains valid and will carry into the new year with the same legal standing.

In fact, some petitioners deliberately wait until January to file, taking advantage of refreshed judicial schedules and newly appointed clerks who are processing fewer cases from the previous year. The key is working with an attorney who knows the Livonia court’s pacing and can choose the best window of opportunity for your case.

Practical Tip:

If you have a misdemeanor conviction from Livonia or surrounding communities like Plymouth Township, Westland, or Redford, your expungement petition will most likely begin at the district court level. Felonies, on the other hand, may require filings directly with the Wayne County Circuit Court. Understanding this distinction helps you ensure you’re submitting to the proper venue and saves valuable time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Expungement in Michigan

Can more than one conviction be expunged?

Yes. Michigan’s current laws allow multiple convictions to be set aside. The eligibility rules vary based on the number and types of convictions, so reviewing your criminal history is an essential first step.

How long does the process take?

Normally, the process takes about three to six months from filing to decision. However, end-of-year closures and reduced schedules can extend that timeframe slightly into the next year.

What if I have a driving-related offense?

Traffic offenses involving death, injury, or serious violations like DUI/OWI typically cannot be expunged. However, some lower-level driving misdemeanors may qualify. Speak with a knowledgeable attorney to verify eligibility before filing a petition.

What if I miss the court’s year-end filing deadlines?

Filing deadlines themselves don’t expire, but operational delays may mean your hearing or processing stalls until January. Submitting as early as possible ensures quicker scheduling once the court resumes full hours.

Conclusion

The end of the year can be a time of reflection, closure, and looking forward. For Livonia residents seeking to clear their record, it’s also an important period to act strategically. Understanding the Michigan expungement process, staying aware of 16th District Court’s year-end schedule, and preparing all documentation carefully are the keys to success.