Michigan Expungement Fairs This Fall: What to Expect and How to Prepare Your Record for a Successful Petition

What Is an Expungement Fair?

An expungement fair is a community-driven event often sponsored by local courts, bar associations, nonprofit organizations, or legal aid clinics. The goal is to provide individuals with direct access to attorneys and legal experts who can review their eligibility for criminal record expungement under Michigan law. At these events, trained volunteers, court staff, and attorneys help participants complete applications, gather necessary court documents, and sometimes even file petitions on the spot.

In Michigan, the term “expungement” is legally known as “setting aside a conviction.” The process removes certain criminal offenses from your public criminal record. This means that once granted, the conviction will not appear in most background checks conducted by employers, landlords, or financial institutions. However, law enforcement and courts will still be able to view the sealed record for specific legal purposes.

Expungement fairs offer an invaluable opportunity for individuals who either cannot afford private legal counsel or simply want to better understand their rights under current state law. With the passage of significant reforms to Michigan’s expungement laws in recent years, many people who were previously ineligible may now qualify to have their records cleared.

Michigan’s Clean Slate Law: Key Changes That Expanded Eligibility

In 2021 and 2023, major changes went into effect that significantly expanded who may be eligible to have convictions set aside. The Clean Slate initiative broadened access in three critical ways:

• Increased Eligibility: Individuals can now have up to three felony convictions and unlimited misdemeanors set aside, provided certain offenses (like most violent crimes, criminal sexual conduct, or life offenses) are excluded.
• Automatic Expungement for Certain Offenses: As of April 2023, Michigan began automatically expunging certain misdemeanors and low-level felonies from public records without requiring a petition.
• Shorter Waiting Periods: The waiting period before applying for expungement has been shortened for many offenses. Most individuals can now apply after three to seven years, depending on their conviction type and whether they have subsequent offenses.

Because of these changes, thousands of Michigan residents who were previously barred from eligibility now qualify. Expungement fairs often focus on helping participants identify which convictions can be cleared and how to prepare their paperwork according to these updated standards.

Why Expungement Matters in Michigan

Having a criminal record—even for minor offenses—can have a major impact on employment, housing, and education opportunities. An expungement can help open doors that were previously closed. Some of the most common benefits include:

• Employment Opportunities: Employers frequently run background checks, and a clean record can make a big difference in hiring decisions.
• Professional Licensing: Certain careers in healthcare, education, and skilled trades require state licenses that may be denied if a criminal record is present.
• Housing Access: Landlords often screen for criminal history, and expungement can make it easier to secure stable housing.
• Personal Reputation and Confidence: For many people, clearing a criminal record represents a fresh start and a sense of dignity restored.

The purpose of Michigan’s Clean Slate laws is to promote second chances for individuals who have demonstrated rehabilitation and want to contribute positively to their communities.

What to Expect at a Michigan Expungement Fair

Each expungement fair varies slightly depending on its organizers, but most events follow a similar structure. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Pre-Registration and Eligibility Screening

Many Michigan expungement fairs require attendees to pre-register online so organizers can conduct a preliminary eligibility check. This step saves time and ensures you’re prepared before the event. You’ll typically need to provide your name, date of birth, and a list of convictions (if known) to help the team pull your records in advance.

2. Record Review and Legal Consultation

Upon arrival, you’ll be paired with a volunteer attorney or trained advocate who will review your criminal record. They’ll determine whether you qualify for expungement and explain which convictions may be eligible for set-aside. If some convictions don’t qualify, the attorney can explain why and what options you might have in the future.

3. Completing the Application

Next, you’ll receive assistance filling out Michigan’s official Application to Set Aside Conviction form. This includes verifying case numbers, conviction dates, and sentencing details. Having court records ready speeds this process up considerably.

4. Obtaining Fingerprints and Court Records

Michigan requires fingerprints for all expungement petitions. Some fairs have on-site fingerprinting stations, while others will provide instructions on where to complete this step afterward. You’ll also need a certified copy of your judgment of sentence or case disposition from the court that handled your original case.

5. Filing and Follow-Up

Some fairs allow attendees to submit their completed petitions right at the event if all documents are ready. Otherwise, you’ll leave with a checklist and instructions for filing your petition in the proper court. Be prepared to mail copies to the Michigan Attorney General and the local prosecutor’s office, a step required under Michigan law (MCL 780.621).

How to Prepare Your Record Before Attending

Preparation is key to getting the most out of an expungement fair. Here are the steps you should take ahead of time:

1. Get a Copy of Your Criminal Record

The easiest way to obtain your record is through the Michigan State Police ICHAT system. This database provides a full list of your state-level convictions. While there’s typically a small fee, it helps you and your attorney quickly determine eligibility.

2. Gather Court Documents

Contact the courthouse where you were convicted and ask for a certified copy of your judgment of sentence or register of actions. Most expungement fairs will need this documentation to verify information when completing your petition.

3. Check Waiting Period Requirements

Waiting periods in Michigan depend on the type of conviction:

• Three Years: For up to two eligible misdemeanors.
• Five Years: For one felony or multiple convictions being set aside at the same time.
• Seven Years: For serious or multiple felony convictions.

Your waiting period generally begins after you’ve completed your sentence, paid all fines, and successfully completed probation or parole.

4. Confirm There Are No Pending Charges

If you currently have open criminal cases or pending charges, your petition will typically be denied. Make sure all other matters are resolved before applying for expungement.

5. Collect Proof of Rehabilitation

Although not required, letters of recommendation, employment records, volunteer work, and certificates of achievement can strengthen your application. These demonstrate to a judge that you’ve turned your life around.

Understanding Michigan’s Eligibility Rules

While Michigan’s Clean Slate laws have expanded opportunities, not every conviction is eligible for expungement. It’s important to know the limitations:

• Felonies punishable by life imprisonment (e.g., murder, armed robbery) cannot be expunged.
• Most criminal sexual conduct convictions are excluded.
• Traffic offenses involving injury or death and OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) felonies resulting from multiple offenses may be ineligible, though a single first-time OWI may be eligible under recent law changes (MCL 780.621d).
• Certain offenses related to corruption in public office are also excluded.

It’s also possible to request that multiple convictions from a single 24-hour period be counted as one if they arose from the same transaction or were closely related in fact and circumstance. This can improve eligibility for individuals with multiple charges from one incident.

Expungement Fairs Happening This Fall in Michigan

Below are examples of events taking place across Michigan this fall. Always verify exact dates and locations since they may change closer to the event:

• Wayne County Expungement Fair (Detroit): Sponsored by Project Clean Slate and the Detroit Justice Center. Typically includes free fingerprinting and on-site notary services.
• Washtenaw County Clean Slate Day (Ann Arbor): Hosted by the Washtenaw County Bar Association and local legal aid organizations. Pre-registration often required.
• Oakland County Community Expungement Fair: In partnership with Oakland County Circuit Court & Legal Aid clinics, offering in-person assistance and follow-up resources.
• Kent County Clean Slate Fair (Grand Rapids): Includes collaboration between the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and local reentry programs.

If you don’t see your county listed, contact your local circuit court or community legal aid office. Many counties will host smaller expungement events throughout the season.

What Happens After the Fair

Once your petition is filed, the court process begins. Here’s what to expect:

1. Review by Prosecutor and Attorney General

Both the prosecutor's office in the county where you were convicted and the Michigan Attorney General must be notified. They have 60 days to review your petition and submit any objections.

2. Scheduling the Hearing

If there are no objections, or even if objections are raised, the court will schedule a hearing. You must attend this hearing, and the judge will consider evidence of your rehabilitation, letters of support, and any statements from victims or prosecutors.

3. The Court’s Decision

The judge may grant or deny your petition. If approved, the conviction is officially “set aside.” The Michigan State Police will update their records, and the conviction will no longer appear in a standard public background check.

4. Follow-Up Steps

Once the expungement becomes official, it’s wise to request a new copy of your criminal history through ICHAT to verify that it has been properly updated. Keep copies of all court orders for your own records.

Getting Legal Help

Expungement fairs provide general guidance, but your case may involve complications such as multiple convictions, old felonies, or cases from multiple counties. In those situations, hiring an experienced Michigan criminal defense attorney can make a big difference. An attorney can verify your eligibility, prepare the application, and represent you in court.

If you have questions about your record or need legal assistance, contact criminal defense lawyer Aaron J. Boria for a free consultation at (734) 453-7806 or visit our homepage at Michigan criminal defense. We handle expungement petitions across the state and can make sure your petition meets all statutory requirements under MCL 780.621 and related laws.

Conclusion

Michigan’s Clean Slate laws mark one of the biggest opportunities for residents to move forward with a clean record. This fall’s expungement fairs offer a practical chance to start the process with free or low-cost legal support. Whether you’re looking to improve employment options, secure professional licensing, or simply leave old mistakes in the past, preparing your documents and understanding your rights