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Expunction Efforts

Legislators in Michigan have been working to help residents expunge criminal records. The state’s Clean Slate Pilot Program creates allowances for certain convictions to be eligible for expunction. But not many people take advantage of this option.

The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity is getting involved by investing $4 million dollars. This money will be distributed to 16 Michigan Works! Agencies throughout the state. In turn, they will provide assistance to people who wish to have records sealed.

Eligibility

Not every criminal record can be expunged. Examples of ineligible offenses include:

• Assaultive crimes.
• Crimes involving the use or possession of a dangerous weapon.
• Crimes with a maximum penalty of 10 years or more.

Details from michigan.gov show that individuals may be able to have the following expunged:

• Up to three felonies.
• If there are multiple convictions for the same offense (with a maximum sentence of 10 years), only one can be sealed.
• An unlimited number of misdemeanors.
• Multiple convictions for “One Bad Night” consisting of offenses that occurred within 24 hours.

Support

Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II supports this effort. He said: "My goal since day one of taking office has been to build fundamental reforms to make our communities safer and improve the people's outcomes going through our criminal justice system. The bipartisan Clean Slate legislation fundamentally changed Michigan's criminal history expungement laws for the better. The Clean Slate Pilot program offers a stop-gap for expungement services until the Clean Slate law goes into effect in 2022. Michiganders will be able to feel the real changes that will come about from this program.”

Various organizations in Michigan also support The Clean Slate Pilot Program. Together they hope to spread the word about new expunction opportunities and continue to make it easier for residents to have their records sealed.

Why This Law Is Being Implemented

Numerous studies have shown that people with even minor criminal histories often have difficulty finding jobs and other necessities. The Executive Director of Michigan Works! Southeast spoke to this: “According to a University of Michigan Study, after having a record expunged, job seekers obtained employment at an increase of 11% and their income rose by 25% in two years. Michigan Works! Agencies and the Clean Slate Pilot program will help job seekers overcome many barriers and guide them on a path to success, while providing support to area businesses by increasing the number of available workers, adding to the talent pool.”

When someone has a record expunged, it is no longer publicly available. They can legally say they have not been convicted of any crimes when applying for jobs, housing, or credit. This helps people re-enter society and creates a larger applicant pool for hiring managers.

Employment Background Checks

Employers in Michigan and throughout the country are encouraged to run comprehensive background checks on applicants, employees, volunteers and contractors. These reports help organizations make informed decisions, maintain safe workplaces and demonstrate due diligence. Hiring someone who poses an undue risk to people or property could lead to claims of negligent hiring.

If your organization needs employment screening services, please contact us. Our experienced team can help you customize screening packages for any position. We are available to assist you Monday through Friday from 5am to 6pm PT.