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Do I Need a Lawyer for Expungement?

21 Nov 2023
Criminal Defense Attorney
November 21, 2023 John Engman & Associates

Do I Need a Lawyer for Expungement?

Criminal convictions often cast a long shadow, impacting your life by affecting employment opportunities and more. When potential employers conduct background checks, these convictions become visible, potentially hindering your chances of securing a job. Some employers may even have strict policies against hiring individuals with any criminal record. However, the services of a proficient expungement attorney offer a pathway to mitigate these challenges by exploring options to remove the conviction from public scrutiny. Expungement, in essence, involves sealing the records associated with your criminal charge, rendering them invisible during standard background checks. Typically, juvenile records are automatically sealed when the individual turns eighteen. Nevertheless, in cases where a crime was committed after reaching adulthood, it is possible to petition the court for expungement. The court's action in expungement effectively wipes the conviction from your record, alleviating the ongoing repercussions associated with it, especially in the context of background checks. While certain public records searches may still reveal these expunged records, standard background checks or criminal record inquiries will no longer unearth your criminal past. This newfound privacy doesn't extend to the court, where, in the event of future convictions, the expunged crimes may be considered in determining penalties. Additionally, government officials and criminal investigators retain access to these records when necessary. Though some may equate expungement with merely sealing records, limiting access to a select group, it often goes beyond that. Expungement can serve as a powerful tool for individuals seeking a fresh start after a criminal conviction, potentially restoring various rights and offering a renewed sense of opportunity. With the assistance of a skilled expungement attorney, individuals can navigate the complexities of the legal process, ensuring the best possible outcome for their unique circumstances. Who Is Eligible for Expungement? Determining eligibility for expungement involves considering several factors, such as the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the offense, and the jurisdiction. In Michigan, individuals may seek expungement if they meet the following criteria: Limited Convictions: You must have only one felony crime on your record or two or fewer misdemeanor offenses. Expungement for these offenses can provide a clean slate. However, if you have multiple convictions, expungement cannot be used to erase those records. No Maximum Penalty of Life Imprisonment: The felony you committed should not carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Even if you did not face the maximum penalty, felonies with this potential punishment cannot be expunged. Eligible Crimes: Certain crimes are not eligible for expungement, including domestic violence cases (especially with other domestic violence records), traffic crimes like driving while intoxicated, violations of specific penal codes, and sex crimes. Victim of Sex Trafficking: If you committed a crime as a direct result of being a victim of sex trafficking, expungement may be possible for those specific offenses. Five-Year Waiting Period: At least five years must have passed since you completed the sentence for your crime. This includes time spent in imprisonment and any probation period. No Previous Expungement Filing: If you previously filed for expungement of a particular crime and it was denied, the court will not grant expungement for that offense in the future. No Pending Criminal Action: You cannot have any criminal action pending against you anywhere in the United States. Even if your current criminal case is in another state, during criminal investigations or court proceedings, you cannot file for expungement in Michigan. Understanding and meeting these criteria are crucial steps in determining eligibility for expungement under Michigan law. Seeking legal guidance can provide clarity on the specific circumstances of your case and ensure the best course of action for pursuing expungement. Do I need a Grand Rapids Expungment Attorney for My Case? Are you contemplating expungement for your criminal record in Michigan? While the state offers a do-it-yourself option, opting for legal representation can significantly enhance your chances of a successful outcome. Here are compelling reasons to consider working with a lawyer for your expungement: Expert Assessment of Eligibility: A lawyer brings expertise to assess your eligibility for expungement. By consulting with an attorney, you gain a thorough understanding of the law and its implications for your specific case. If your crime doesn't align with expungement criteria, a lawyer can save you time and expenses by providing early guidance on the likelihood of your petition being granted. Effective Case Presentation: Legal professionals can offer valuable insights into your life since the incident, helping gather compelling evidence that can sway the judge in favor of expungement. Given that you cannot apply for expungement of the same crime a second time, having an attorney by your side increases the likelihood of a favorable verdict. Detailed Paperwork Handling: An attorney ensures that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately on the first attempt, minimizing the risk of errors that could impede the expungement process. This attention to detail can expedite your case through the court system, enabling you to move forward with your life promptly. Guidance Throughout the Process: Legal advice is invaluable during the expungement process. Whether you need to provide specific evidence to the court or follow particular steps, a lawyer can offer clear guidance. By working with an attorney, you can obtain answers to any questions you may have, ensuring a smoother expungement journey. Having a criminal record can pose challenges in various aspects of life, particularly in seeking employment. Collaborating with a reputable attorney increases your chances of successfully expunging your criminal record, providing the opportunity for a fresh start without the burden of past convictions looming over you. Contact John Engman & Associates P.C. for Your Grand Rapids Record Expungement Needs Are you burdened by a criminal record, facing challenges in employment opportunities and more? The experienced team at John Engman & Associates, P.C. offers comprehensive expungement legal services to help you overcome the consequences of criminal convictions. Expungement is a powerful solution to erase or seal records associated with your criminal charges, ensuring they no longer surface during background checks. Whether the offense occurred during your juvenile years or in adulthood, the court's expungement action can effectively wipe the conviction from public visibility. While certain records may still be accessible in specific searches, standard background checks will no longer reveal your criminal past. Eligibility for expungement in Michigan involves nuanced criteria, including the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the offense, and jurisdiction. The skilled legal team at John Engman & Associates, P.C. guides you through this process, ensuring you meet the necessary requirements for a successful expungement. While Michigan offers a do-it-yourself option, seeking legal representation significantly enhances your prospects. John Engman & Associates, P.C. provides expert assessment of eligibility, effective case presentation, meticulous paperwork handling, and guidance throughout the expungement process. With their support, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system, increasing your chances of successfully expunging your criminal record and gaining a fresh start. Don't let past convictions hinder your future opportunities. Trust the proven expertise of John Engman & Associates, P.C. to guide you through the expungement process, offering a pathway to a brighter, unburdened future. Give us a call at 616-454-5222 today! Or visit our Grand Rapids Records Expungment Attorney's Office.

Criminal convictions often cast a long shadow, impacting your life by affecting employment opportunities and more. When potential employers conduct background checks, these convictions become visible, potentially hindering your chances of securing a job. Some employers may even have strict policies against hiring individuals with any criminal record. However, the services of a proficient expungement attorney offer a pathway to mitigate these challenges by exploring options to remove the conviction from public scrutiny.

Expungement, in essence, involves sealing the records associated with your criminal charge, rendering them invisible during standard background checks. Typically, juvenile records are automatically sealed when the individual turns eighteen. Nevertheless, in cases where a crime was committed after reaching adulthood, it is possible to petition the court for expungement. The court’s action in expungement effectively wipes the conviction from your record, alleviating the ongoing repercussions associated with it, especially in the context of background checks.

While certain public records searches may still reveal these expunged records, standard background checks or criminal record inquiries will no longer unearth your criminal past. This newfound privacy doesn’t extend to the court, where, in the event of future convictions, the expunged crimes may be considered in determining penalties. Additionally, government officials and criminal investigators retain access to these records when necessary.

Though some may equate expungement with merely sealing records, limiting access to a select group, it often goes beyond that. Expungement can serve as a powerful tool for individuals seeking a fresh start after a criminal conviction, potentially restoring various rights and offering a renewed sense of opportunity. With the assistance of a skilled Grand Rapids expungement attorney, individuals can navigate the complexities of the legal process, ensuring the best possible outcome for their unique circumstances.

Who Is Eligible for Expungement?

Determining eligibility for expungement involves considering several factors, such as the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the offense, and the jurisdiction. In Michigan, individuals may seek expungement if they meet the following criteria:

  1. Limited Convictions: You must have only one felony crime on your record or two or fewer misdemeanor offenses. Expungement for these offenses can provide a clean slate. However, if you have multiple convictions, expungement cannot be used to erase those records.
  2. No Maximum Penalty of Life Imprisonment: The felony you committed should not carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Even if you did not face the maximum penalty, felonies with this potential punishment cannot be expunged.
  3. Eligible Crimes: Certain crimes are not eligible for expungement, including domestic violence cases (especially with other domestic violence records), traffic crimes like driving while intoxicated, violations of specific penal codes, and sex crimes.
  4. Victim of Sex Trafficking: If you committed a crime as a direct result of being a victim of sex trafficking, expungement may be possible for those specific offenses.
  5. Five-Year Waiting Period: At least five years must have passed since you completed the sentence for your crime. This includes time spent in imprisonment and any probation period.
  6. No Previous Expungement Filing: If you previously filed for expungement of a particular crime and it was denied, the court will not grant expungement for that offense in the future.
  7. No Pending Criminal Action: You cannot have any criminal action pending against you anywhere in the United States. Even if your current criminal case is in another state, during criminal investigations or court proceedings, you cannot file for expungement in Michigan.

Understanding and meeting these criteria are crucial steps in determining eligibility for expungement under Michigan law. Seeking legal guidance can provide clarity on the specific circumstances of your case and ensure the best course of action for pursuing expungement.

Do I need a Grand Rapids Expungement Attorney for My Case?

Are you contemplating expungement for your criminal record in Michigan? While the state offers a do-it-yourself option, opting for legal representation can significantly enhance your chances of a successful outcome. Here are compelling reasons to consider working with a lawyer for your expungement:

  1. Expert Assessment of Eligibility: A lawyer brings expertise to assess your eligibility for expungement. By consulting with an attorney, you gain a thorough understanding of the law and its implications for your specific case. If your crime doesn’t align with expungement criteria, a lawyer can save you time and expenses by providing early guidance on the likelihood of your petition being granted.
  2. Effective Case Presentation: Legal professionals can offer valuable insights into your life since the incident, helping gather compelling evidence that can sway the judge in favor of expungement. Given that you cannot apply for expungement of the same crime a second time, having an attorney by your side increases the likelihood of a favorable verdict.
  3. Detailed Paperwork Handling: An attorney ensures that all necessary paperwork is completed accurately on the first attempt, minimizing the risk of errors that could impede the expungement process. This attention to detail can expedite your case through the court system, enabling you to move forward with your life promptly.
  4. Guidance Throughout the Process: Legal advice is invaluable during the expungement process. Whether you need to provide specific evidence to the court or follow particular steps, a lawyer can offer clear guidance. By working with an attorney, you can obtain answers to any questions you may have, ensuring a smoother expungement journey.

Having a criminal record can pose challenges in various aspects of life, particularly in seeking employment. Collaborating with a reputable Grand Rapids attorney increases your chances of successfully expunging your criminal record, providing the opportunity for a fresh start without the burden of past convictions looming over you.

Contact John Engman & Associates P.C. for Your Grand Rapids Record Expungement Needs

Are you burdened by a criminal record, facing challenges in employment opportunities, and more? The experienced team at John Engman & Associates, P.C. offers comprehensive expungement legal services to help you overcome the consequences of criminal convictions.

Expungement is a powerful solution to erase or seal records associated with your criminal charges, ensuring they no longer surface during background checks. Whether the offense occurred during your juvenile years or in adulthood, the court’s expungement action can effectively wipe the conviction from public visibility. While certain records may still be accessible in specific searches, standard background checks will no longer reveal your criminal past.

Eligibility for expungement in Michigan involves nuanced criteria, including the nature of the crime, the time elapsed since the offense, and jurisdiction. The skilled legal team at John Engman & Associates, P.C. guides you through this process, ensuring you meet the necessary requirements for a successful expungement.

While Michigan offers a do-it-yourself option, seeking legal representation significantly enhances your prospects. John Engman & Associates, P.C. provides expert assessment of eligibility, effective case presentation, meticulous paperwork handling, and guidance throughout the expungement process. With their support, you can navigate the complexities of the legal system, increasing your chances of successfully expunging your criminal record and gaining a fresh start.

Don’t let past convictions hinder your future opportunities. Trust the proven expertise of John Engman & Associates, P.C. to guide you through the expungement process, offering a pathway to a brighter, unburdened future. Give us a call at 616-454-5222 today! Or visit our Grand Rapids Records Expungement Attorney’s Office.