Criminal record set-asides, also called “expungements,” can make a drastic difference for someone looking for work, housing, or applying for credit. In October 2020, the Michigan Legislature enacted a group of bills collectively known as the “Clean Slate” package. Now citizens can “clean their slate” and eliminate most crimes from their record so that their history will not become a life sentence to poverty. Explore the resources below and attend the Library’s upcoming expungement information session on Wednesday, May 18 at 6:00 PM to learn more about the expungement process and how to get started. If you can’t attend the program in person, it will also be livestreamed on the Library’s YouTube channel.
Learn about the Michigan Clean Slate laws on Safe & Just Michigan.
Use Michigan Legal Help to learn about the expungement process, download checklists that guide through the process, and fill out a Do-It-Yourself Expungement form for adult convictions.
Get help with the expungement process by calling the Counsel & Advocacy Law Line at 1-888-783-8190 for a screening or using Michigan Legal Help’s legal aid questionnaire.
Find expungement legal help by county using the State Bar of Michigan’s website.
Visit Legal Services of South Central Michigan for information on how to get free legal aid.
Free expungement services for Detroit residents are available through Project Clean Slate.
Learn about criminal record expungement laws and download checklists and legal applications from Michigan.gov.
Sons and Daughters United is a non-profit organization that offers financial and legal support to low-income, underprivileged, and minority populations.
Fill out an Expungement Interest Form to get help with the expungement process through Michigan Works Southeast.