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The city of Ann Arbor, Michigan is helping residents expunge certain criminal records. They will use revenue from marijuana taxes to make the process free.

The City’s Expungement Program

Legislators in Ann Arbor, Michigan implemented a policy to seal certain types of criminal records. Residents may be permitted to have up to three felonies and an unlimited number of misdemeanors expunged. However, not every conviction will be eligible. Violent and other serious offenses cannot be expunged.

People who live in Ann Arbor but have convictions that occurred elsewhere may also be able to have records expunged under limited circumstances. One of the following must apply to the individual. They:

• Live, work, go to school in the City of Ann Arbor.
• Have a prior felony from 22nd Circuit Court (Washtenaw County).
• Have a prior conviction from the 15th District Court.

How It Works

Ann Arbor offers a five-step process. The individual must:

• Have an interview with the Supervisor for the 15th District Probation Department. This will involve discussing the convictions so the Supervisor can determine if they qualify.
• Complete an application. This will include providing certified records for each conviction the person is asking to have expunged and making a statement that they have not been convicted other offenses during the waiting period and do not have pending charges in any court.
• Authorize a fingerprinting at the Ann Arbor Police Department.
• Wait for their packet to be delivered to the Michigan State Police, the convicting court, the prosecuting agency for that court and the Attorney General.
• Attend a hearing where they will be represented by the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office.

Following the hearing, a final decision will be made.

Funding For Expungements

Individuals who go through the process will not be charged. Previously, residents would pay a $50 fee for the application, along with costs for court records, fingerprinting and attorney's fees.

Funding will come from the city’s taxation of marijuana. According to one source, the city was able to put $476,000 aside for various social equity programs.

Support For The Program

Deputy City Attorney Arianne Slay spoke in favor of this program. She stated it is not a handout, but instead a hand up. Slay commented: “If you were convicted one time, that doesn’t mean you should have to live with the repercussions of that forever.”

What Employers Should Know

When records are expunged, they are no longer publicly available. They cannot be reviewed or considered by organizations that make hiring, housing or other decisions about consumers.

Employers in Ann Arbor should be aware that many residents may now be able to have certain records sealed. That makes it critical for them to always rely on current, accurate background check information when bringing on employees, contractors and volunteers.

Background Screening

A background check produced by an accredited background screening company will contain up-to-date and reportable information that may be reviewed during the hiring process. These reports help hiring managers make informed decisions and create safe workplaces. By running them, businesses also demonstrate they are conducting due diligence and taking steps to avoid negligent hiring scenarios.

If you need background checks for employment purposes, please contact us. The team at Backgrounds Online can help you customize screening packages for any position. We are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.