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New Michigan law to wipe clean misdemeanors, minor offenses
TRAVERSE CITY, Nov. 26, 2020 (AP): New legislation under
Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will allow thousands of
Michigan residents to get their misdemeanors removed from public
record.
The seven-bill package, the ``Clean Slate'' laws, was passed by
both the state House and Senate with bipartisan support. Under
the legislation, misdemeanors will be automatically expunged
seven years after sentencing, with felonies handled the same way
10 years after sentencing or the end of a sentence, according to
the Traverse City Record-Eagle.
Supporters say the change will allow Michigan residents to seek
better employment, apply for housing and have access to
previously off-limits opportunities.
Drunken driving offenses, as well as crimes involving minors,
vulnerable elders, assaults, forgery and embezzlement, and other
more serious felonies and misdemeanors will not be automatically
expunged, according to a governor's office release.
Only up to two felonies and four misdemeanors are eligible for
automatic expungement, and up to three misdemeanors will be
eligible to be wiped after an application is submitted to the
sentencing court.
Leelanau County Prosecutor Joe Hubbell said expungements do not
free an individual from owed fines, costs and restitution, nor
do they allow for resentencing in related convictions. However,
``if they can turn their life around in a good way, they should
then have the ability to pursue that and get expungements where
appropriate,'' he said.
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