Whitmer signs expungement expansion legislation

Michigan will automatically expunge qualifying felonies after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed bills Monday in Detroit that supporters say will affect hundreds of thousands of people’s ability to work and thrive.

The “Clean Slate” legislation requires the state to create an automated system over the next two years for expungements of certain felonies after 10 years and misdemeanors after seven years. The legislation does not expand expungement for certain offenses involving assault, weapons, felonies that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison or driving under the influence.

Other parts of the package take effect in 180 days and allows those with marijuana misdemeanor convictions to apply for expunge men ti ft he ir offenses would have been legal for recreational use approved in 2018. Whitmer was joined at the bill signing by supporters and lawmakers, including Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist II who spoke about helping those who’ve made a mistake to have the opportunity to lead a better life.

“If wewant a state where everyone has the opportunity to contribute to our society, secure meaningful work, provide for their families, find a home and build their futures, we can cannot maintain lifelong barriers for someone based on past mistakes,” Gilchrist said.

Safe & Just Michigan Executive Director John Cooper said traffic offenses make up half of all criminal cases in Michigan and now many of those people will be eligible for expungement.