Attorney Advertising.
Everybody makes mistakes. What I cannot stand is a system that makes people pay for one mistake for the rest of their lives. A conviction from years ago, something you have long since moved past, can still cost you a job, an apartment, a professional license, or a loan. That is a punishment that never really ends. It is also why I take expungement cases personally.
By Nicholas Somberg, founding attorney at Somberg Law, PLLC in Bingham Farms, Michigan. Licensed by the State Bar of Michigan.
Michigan finally opened the door
For a long time, Michigan made it hard to clear your record. That changed with the Clean Slate law. Many more people can now set aside old convictions, and some records even clear automatically once enough time has passed. It is a real second chance that did not exist a few years ago. But the eligibility rules and waiting periods are detailed, and one wrong step on the paperwork can cost you the whole petition. For how it works, see my Michigan Expungement and Clean Slate FAQ.
What clearing your record actually does
When a conviction is set aside, it comes off your public record, so it generally stops showing up on the background checks that employers, landlords, and licensing boards run. For a lot of the people I work with, that is the difference between staying stuck and finally moving forward. A quiet record does not fix the past, but it stops the past from making every decision for you.
Who I fight for
The parent who wants a better job to support their kids. The person who made a bad decision at nineteen and has done everything right since. The one who already served their sentence, paid what they owed, and rebuilt their life, only to keep getting turned down because of a record that no longer reflects who they are. These are good people. They deserve someone in their corner, and I am glad to be that person.
How I help
I sit down with you, go through your record, and tell you honestly what you may qualify to clear, whether it is by application or through Michigan’s automatic process. If you qualify, I handle the petition, gather what the court needs, and stand with you through the process. My goal is simple: get the weight of an old conviction off your shoulders so you can move on with your life.
Ready for a clean slate? Let’s talk
If an old conviction is holding you back, do not assume nothing can be done. The law has changed, and you may have more options than you think. Call me at (248) 270-5979 or start a free case review, and let’s see what we can clear.
Attorney Advertising. This post is general information about Michigan law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship, and no result is ever guaranteed. Eligibility depends on your specific record, so talk to a licensed attorney about your situation.
