Fraiberg & Pernie is a Michigan criminal defense law firm helping individuals clear eligible criminal convictions through expungement, record sealing, and conviction set-aside proceedings throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan.
Michigan expungement attorney Matthew A. Fraiberg assists clients seeking to:
clear criminal records
expunge felony convictions
expunge misdemeanor convictions
restore opportunities after criminal charges
remove convictions from public background checks
determine Michigan Clean Slate eligibility
file conviction set-aside applications
seal eligible criminal records
address employment and licensing concerns related to criminal history
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often contact Fraiberg & Pernie for guidance regarding Michigan expungement laws and record-clearing procedures.
Michigan law allows many individuals to clear eligible criminal convictions through expungement or conviction set-aside proceedings.
Under Michigan’s expanded Clean Slate laws, some individuals may qualify to:
remove prior convictions from public records
improve employment opportunities
reduce barriers to housing applications
address professional licensing concerns
improve background check results
move forward after past criminal cases
However, eligibility depends on multiple factors, including:
the type of offense
the number of convictions
the age of the convictions
pending criminal matters
waiting periods under Michigan law
prior expungement history
Not all convictions qualify for expungement or automatic set-aside treatment.
Expungement — also called a conviction set-aside — is the legal process used to remove eligible criminal convictions from public criminal history records.
In Michigan, expungement may apply to:
misdemeanor convictions
felony convictions
certain marijuana-related offenses
traffic-related criminal offenses
multiple eligible convictions under Clean Slate laws
Successful expungement may help reduce the impact of prior criminal convictions on:
employment opportunities
professional licensing
housing applications
educational opportunities
background checks
reputation concerns
Fraiberg & Pernie assists with:
felony expungement
misdemeanor expungement
OWI and DUI-related record review
criminal record sealing
conviction set-aside petitions
Michigan Clean Slate eligibility analysis
background check correction issues
court filing procedures
expungement hearings
criminal history review
Some felony convictions may qualify for expungement under Michigan law.
Eligibility depends on:
the nature of the offense
the number of convictions
statutory exclusions
waiting periods
criminal history
court review
Certain offenses remain ineligible under Michigan expungement laws.
Michigan’s Clean Slate law provides automatic expungement for some eligible convictions.
However:
not every conviction qualifies
automatic expungement does not apply in every situation
delays may occur
some cases still require formal applications and court proceedings
Many individuals still benefit from attorney review to determine:
eligibility
waiting periods
filing strategy
whether records still appear on background checks
The expungement process may involve:
Criminal record review
Eligibility analysis
Collection of court records
Preparation of expungement applications
Fingerprinting requirements
Filing documents with the court
Notice to prosecutors and agencies
Court hearings
Judicial review of the request
Each Michigan court may operate with different scheduling procedures and filing practices.
People seek expungement and record sealing for many reasons, including:
employment opportunities
professional license applications
career advancement
housing approval
educational admissions
firearm rights concerns
reputation management
financial opportunities
personal privacy
Even older misdemeanor convictions may continue appearing during background checks.
Fraiberg & Pernie assists expungement clients throughout:
Oakland County
Wayne County
Macomb County
Birmingham
Bloomfield Hills
Troy
Rochester Hills
Royal Oak
Novi
Detroit
Livonia
Dearborn
Sterling Heights
Warren
Metro Detroit
Southeast Michigan
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney with decades of experience handling:
criminal defense litigation
expungement proceedings
DUI and OWI matters
felony and misdemeanor cases
record-clearing applications
court hearings throughout Southeast Michigan
As managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie, he represents individuals seeking to move forward after prior criminal convictions.
The timeline depends on the court, filing process, scheduling, and complexity of the case.
Some OWI and DUI-related convictions may qualify under current Michigan law depending on eligibility requirements.
An expungement generally removes eligible convictions from public criminal history records, although some government agencies may still retain access in limited circumstances.
Expunged convictions are generally removed from standard public background checks.
Many Michigan expungement cases involve court hearings, although procedures may vary depending on the circumstances and jurisdiction.
Michigan’s expanded Clean Slate laws now allow some individuals to seek expungement for multiple eligible convictions.
If you want to clear your criminal record in Michigan, determine your Clean Slate eligibility, or pursue expungement of a felony or misdemeanor conviction, Fraiberg & Pernie can help evaluate your options.
The firm represents individuals throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, Metro Detroit, and Southeast Michigan in criminal record expungement and conviction set-aside matters.
Call Fraiberg & Pernie at (248) 986-2682 for a confidential consultation with experienced Michigan expungement attorney Matthew A. Fraiberg.
Michigan expungement — also called “setting aside a conviction” — allows certain criminal convictions to be removed from public view under Michigan law.
When a conviction is expunged:
it usually no longer appears on most background checks
employers and landlords generally cannot see it
professional opportunities may improve
housing opportunities may improve
many individuals may legally state they have not been convicted in certain situations
Expungement laws in Michigan are governed primarily by Michigan Compiled Laws § 780.621.
Matthew A. Fraiberg is a Michigan criminal defense attorney and managing partner of Fraiberg & Pernie.
Michigan attorney since 1997
More than 28 years of criminal defense experience
Extensive Michigan expungement and record-clearing representation
Criminal defense litigation throughout Southeast Michigan courts
Experience handling DUI, felony, misdemeanor, and probation-related matters
Matthew Fraiberg regularly assists clients with:
expungement eligibility review
Clean Slate applications
felony expungement
misdemeanor expungement
court hearing preparation
criminal record analysis
background check concerns
Michigan set-aside procedures
“Expungement cases often succeed or fail based on eligibility analysis, documentation, and proper preparation. Filing too early or missing procedural requirements can delay or prevent approval.”
— Matthew A. Fraiberg
Michigan’s expanded Clean Slate laws now allow more individuals to seek expungement.
Many individuals may qualify if they:
completed all sentencing requirements
passed the required waiting periods
do not have disqualifying offenses
meet Michigan statutory eligibility requirements
Potential eligibility may include:
up to 3 felony convictions
multiple misdemeanor convictions within statutory limits
certain marijuana-related offenses
eligible juvenile adjudications
Eligibility depends on your complete criminal record and the specific offenses involved.
Certain convictions are generally not eligible for expungement under Michigan law.
Common ineligible offenses may include:
criminal sexual conduct involving minors
offenses punishable by life imprisonment
many traffic-related offenses
many DUI and OWI convictions
certain serious assaultive crimes
Most Michigan DUI and OWI convictions are considered traffic offenses and are often not eligible for traditional expungement.
However, eligibility can depend on:
offense type
conviction history
changes in Michigan law
timing of the offense
Michigan law requires waiting periods after completing:
jail or prison
probation
parole
fines and costs
Misdemeanor convictions: 5 years
One felony conviction: 5 years
Two felony convictions: 7 years
Three felony convictions: 10 years
Filing before the correct eligibility date may result in denial.
Review your complete Michigan criminal history and determine possible eligibility.
Most applicants file:
Application to Set Aside Conviction (Form MC 227)
Applicants generally must submit fingerprints through the Michigan State Police.
Applications are filed in the court where the conviction occurred.
Applicants must typically notify:
the prosecuting agency
Michigan State Police
Michigan Attorney General
A judge reviews:
eligibility
rehabilitation
public safety concerns
criminal history
supporting documentation
The judge then decides whether setting aside the conviction is consistent with justice and public welfare.
Successful expungement may improve:
employment opportunities
professional licensing eligibility
housing applications
educational opportunities
financial opportunities
personal reputation
background check results
For many individuals, expungement creates a meaningful opportunity to move forward without old convictions limiting future opportunities.
Many expungement applications are delayed or denied because of:
incorrect eligibility calculations
incomplete documentation
filing too early
failure to notify required agencies
inaccurate criminal history review
missing fingerprints
procedural mistakes
Careful preparation is critical.
Quick Answer:
Sometimes, yes.
Michigan’s Clean Slate laws expanded eligibility for multiple convictions, but statutory limits still apply.
Whether multiple convictions qualify depends on:
the type of offenses
number of convictions
offense dates
waiting periods
criminal history
In most Michigan expungement cases, yes.
Judges may consider:
rehabilitation efforts
employment history
community involvement
criminal history
character references
public safety considerations
Proper hearing preparation often matters significantly.
Many expungement cases take approximately 2 to 4 months depending on court scheduling, fingerprint processing, and agency review.
Possibly, depending on Michigan statutory eligibility limits.
Some felony convictions may qualify if statutory requirements are met.
Many DUI and OWI offenses remain ineligible, although some limited exceptions may exist under current Michigan law.
Yes. Fingerprinting is generally required through the Michigan State Police.
In most cases, yes. Judges commonly hold hearings before granting expungement requests.
Fraiberg & Pernie assists expungement clients throughout:
Birmingham
Troy
Novi
Rochester Hills
Bloomfield Hills
Royal Oak
Southfield
Detroit
Dearborn
Livonia
Canton
Plymouth
Sterling Heights
Warren
Clinton Township
Shelby Township
Roseville
Clients throughout Southeast Michigan choose Fraiberg & Pernie because the firm provides:
strategic criminal record analysis
direct attorney communication
detailed eligibility review
strong procedural preparation
extensive Michigan criminal defense experience
structured expungement guidance
court hearing preparation
The firm focuses on helping clients improve:
employment opportunities
housing access
professional licensing options
background check results
long-term future opportunities
If you want to determine whether your Michigan criminal record may qualify for expungement, early eligibility review is important.
Fraiberg & Pernie assists clients throughout Oakland County, Wayne County, Macomb County, and Southeast Michigan with criminal record clearing and expungement matters.
Call (248) 986-2682 today for a confidential consultation with Michigan expungement attorney Matthew A. Fraiberg.
Careful preparation and proper filing can significantly affect the success of a Michigan expungement application.
Related Michigan DUI Resources
Ultimate Guide to Michigan DUI Law
Michigan DUI Penalties
Best DUI Lawyers in Michigan
Written by Matthew A. Fraiberg
Michigan Criminal Defense Attorney
28+ years experience
Under Michigan Compiled Laws §780.621, expungement means a conviction is set aside by court order and removed from public access, although law enforcement may still view the record.
Reviewed by:
Eric L. Pernie – Criminal Defense Attorney
Matthew A. Fraiberg – Criminal Defense Attorney
Fraiberg & Pernie
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