In Blog: Factually Speaking, Criminal Justice Issues

Many Michiganders have paid the price for their mistakes long ago, yet their non-violent conviction records continue to mar their names and impede attempts to rise above them and move on. These conviction records contribute to racial disparities and get in the way of employment, housing, education and more. But the new Clean Slate law expands eligibility to petition for an expungement of an adult criminal record and will eventually automate the expungement process for many offenses. We have lots more about the expungement law in a previous blog here

Criminal justice reforms are still continuing. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer recently signed House Bills 4219 and 4220, bipartisan legislation that would allow residents to have first-time operating while intoxicated offenses expunged five years after their monitoring by the justice system ends. You can find more information in the League’s press release and statement.

Expungement opens the pathway to more opportunity, and more opportunity helps communities thrive. For those who are looking to begin the expungement process or who are looking for more information, here are a few handy resources: 

Michigan Legal Help: Includes an online eligibility tool.

Michigan Legal Aid: Online intake, and phone intake is available through the Counsel and Advocacy Law Line (CALL) at 888-783-8190.
Phone hours:
Monday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Tuesday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Wednesday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Legal Aid: Find your local legal aid.

Michigan Supreme Court Clean Slate website: Includes information on legislation, news and forms. 

Attorney General Dana Nessel Expungement Information: Helpful page with applications and checklists.

Great Lakes Expungement Network: Cannabis-related expungements.

City of Detroit’s Project Clean Slate: Online or by phone at 313-237-3024 (Detroit residents only). 

Michigan Works!: Find your local Michigan Works! service center. All Michigan Works! Agencies can help local residents with expungement efforts.

In-Person Event: Nation Outside is sponsoring an information table at the Black Business Expo Fest in Jackson this Saturday, Aug. 28.

Thank you to Safe & Just Michigan for sharing these resources and continuing to educate and advocate on Clean Slate. Visit www.safeandjustmi.org for more.

 

Leave a Comment