This package of bills accomplishes both of these missions and that is why I consider it a step forward in Michigan’s effort to implement lasting criminal justice reforms.” “We not only needed to expand the types and numbers of offenses that could be eligible for expungements, but we also needed to make that process more accessible to our residents. “I can tell you from first-hand experience that the expungement process in our state was in serious need of reform,” Nessel said in a statement. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, a former defense attorney, said she supports the bills. I will continue to stand tall for Michiganders across the state who need someone in their corner.” “There is more work to do, but Michigan has now established itself as a leader in removing barriers to economic opportunity for people who have made mistakes. “This is the right thing to do on behalf of people everywhere who deserve another chance, and will help improve livelihoods,” Lt. Offenses that aren't eligible for expungement include assaultive crimes, human trafficking, serious misdemeanors, “crimes of dishonesty” such as forgery, felonies that carry a maximum penalty of 10 or more years in prison, and crimes in which the victim is injured or is a minor or vulnerable adult. The automatic expungement also applies to convictions not related to marijuana. “This is also an opportunity to grow our workforce and expand access to job training and education for so many people.” These bipartisan bills are a game changer for people who are seeking opportunities for employment, housing, and more, and they will help ensure a clean slate for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders,” Whitmer said.
Misdemeanors would be cleared seven years after sentencing, and felonies would be expunged 10 years after offenders complete their sentence. In that case, a hearing would be set.įor others, the legislation requires the state to automatically expunge misdemeanor and low-level felonies beginning in 2023. A prosecutor would have 60 days to protest the expungement if they want to block them. 6, 2018, they can apply to have their convictions removed from their records under a streamlined process. For people convicted of marijuana offenses that would have been legal after marijuana became legalized on Dec. The “clean slate” bills offer two paths to expungement. These bipartisan bills are going to be a game changer.” “For too long, criminal charges have created barriers to employment, barriers to housing and others for hundreds of thousands of Michiganders. “During my 2018 campaign for governor I made expungement of marijuana charges one of my key priorities, and I’m so proud today that we can follow through on that goal,” Whitmer said at a press conference. The legislation is one of the most comprehensive in the nation, allowing for expungements of misdemeanors and some low-level felonies.
Marijuana convictions can be a barrier to accessing jobs, loans, housing, education, and some public resources. Gretchen Whitmer signed a package of bills on Monday that provides a fresh start for up to 235,000 Michigan residents with pot-related convictions.