The Basics of Expungement in Michigan

Expungement—also referred to as “setting aside a conviction”—clears a specific criminal offense from your public criminal record. This process allows for better job opportunities, access to housing, and removes the stigma of a past mistake. In Michigan, recent changes through the Clean Slate Act have made it easier for people to qualify for expungement. But even after your record is officially cleared by the court, digital fingerprints can linger in background check systems powered by outdated technology.

That’s where AI comes in. In 2025, artificial intelligence is being used to improve the accuracy, efficiency, and fairness of background checks during the expungement process—and it’s making a big difference across Michigan.

How AI is Improving Background Check Accuracy

Traditionally, background checks relied on static databases that were updated periodically—sometimes only once a year. These systems didn’t always catch when someone’s charges were dismissed, sealed, or expunged. That meant employers, landlords, or licensing agencies could still see a criminal record that technically no longer existed.

AI solves this issue by providing:

• Real-Time Updates: AI-integrated systems connect directly with court databases to monitor and update changes, including expungements, in real-time.
• Record Verification: Advanced machine learning algorithms can verify whether a conviction is still valid or has been set aside—minimizing the chance of false positives.
• Search Optimization: AI can decipher misspellings, name changes, and inaccurate data entries that older systems often missed, ensuring the background check only includes accurate, relevant information.

One major benefit? You’re less likely to be denied a job or housing opportunity because of a mistake in a database. And in Michigan, where many are finally gaining access to expungement through new laws, that’s a game-changer.

The Clean Slate Act and AI Integration

Michigan’s Clean Slate Act began rolling out in stages starting in 2021, and by 2023, automatic expungements became available for certain misdemeanor and felony convictions. But while the courts may process your expungement, third-party background check companies can still display outdated information if their systems haven’t caught up.

In 2025, state agencies in Michigan are beginning to integrate AI technology to ensure the Clean Slate Act is implemented fully and fairly. This includes:

• Creating partnerships with data brokers and private background check companies to ensure updated records are shared.
• Using machine learning to proactively identify people who qualify for automatic expungement but haven’t gone through the process yet.
• Automating notifications to individuals informing them that their record has been updated and cleared across all major databases.

These integrations have helped reduce the backlog of cases and streamline processing times across the board.

Risks of AI in Expungement

Of course, AI isn’t without its flaws. Critics argue that automated systems can't make the same nuanced decisions as human reviewers. There’s also the issue of algorithmic bias: if an AI system is trained on biased or incomplete data, it may still produce unfair outcomes—such as flagging a cleared conviction during a background check.

In Michigan, legal professionals are calling for transparency about how these systems work and accountability protocols for when errors occur. Some of the proposed safeguards include:

• Establishing appeal processes where individuals can challenge AI-generated background check results.
• Enabling oversight committees to audit AI technology used in background screening.
• Mandating that all AI used in legal or employment contexts be approved by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget (DTMB).

So while AI brings a lot of promise, Michiganders should remain cautious and informed about how their records are being reviewed and reported.

How a Lawyer Can Make Sure You’re Protected

If you’ve had your criminal record expunged in Michigan and you’re still seeing it appear in background checks, it’s time to talk to a lawyer. The same goes if you want to explore whether you qualify for expungement in the first place under the Clean Slate Act. While AI is helping things move faster, machine errors still happen—and when they do, they can hurt your chances at employment, housing, or even custody battles.

A skilled criminal defense and expungement attorney can help you by:

• Reviewing whether you qualify for expungement—including automatic and petition-based processes.
• Filing court motions to ensure your record is set aside and removed from AI-based databases.
• Following up with private companies to confirm that outdated records have been deleted from their systems.
• Fighting on your behalf if a background check violation has caused you financial or personal harm.

What the Future Holds for AI and the Law in Michigan

Looking ahead, experts believe AI will continue to influence how Michigan courts manage everything from traffic tickets to major felonies. In the expungement world, we expect to see:

• Faster Processing Times: AI tools will help automate clerk tasks and speed up petition reviews.
• Enhanced Equitable Access: By identifying eligible cases more effectively, AI may help low-income or marginalized individuals who can’t afford legal help.
• Interconnected Systems: Future laws may require all background check services operating in Michigan to use AI-vetted, court-approved data sources for criminal records.

While there’s still work to be done, the combination of legislative reforms and technological breakthroughs is finally giving people a real chance to leave the past behind—and that’s something worth celebrating.

Final Thoughts

AI is not just changing how companies run background checks—it’s helping everyday people in Michigan move forward with their lives. If you’ve struggled with an old conviction hanging over your head despite getting an expungement, 2025 might be the year everything finally changes for the better.

Just remember, the technology is only as good as the system behind it. That’s why having the right legal support is still crucial. Whether you're trying to get your record cleared, confirm that your expungement was processed properly, or fight the wrong use of old legal information, a qualified attorney can make all the difference.

If you need help navigating the complex expungement process or correcting an AI-generated background check error, call (734) 453-7806 or visit our office in Plymouth. We’re experts in Michigan criminal defense and expungement law, and we’re ready to help you start fresh.