Michigan Introduces Auto-Expungements | |
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What do auto-expungements mean for Michigan?
On April 11, 2023, automatic expungements went into effect in Michigan. Under this new system, the state will automatically expunge (or “set aside”) certain past convictions.
Before auto-expungements, people seeking set-asides of their convictions faced a daunting and complex application process that involved gathering court documents, getting fingerprinted, and scheduling, preparing for, and attending a hearing. This process often takes several months or more due to backlogs in processing. Now, the Michigan State Police will automatically set aside some past offenses, which will affect an estimated 1 million Michiganders.
While this is exciting news, many convictions are still not eligible for automatic expungement and are eligible for set aside only through the application process. As such, expungements will remain a complicated process for those who do not qualify for automatic set-asides. Our expungement team of attorneys, paralegals, and pro bono volunteers will continue working to expand expungement opportunities through direct representation, outreach, expungement clinics, and the buildout of our legal navigator program.
Where can I find further information on auto-expungements?
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Learn more about automatic set asides at Michigan Legal Help's page on auto-expungements.
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See Safe and Just Michigan's informational guide for what types of offenses are eligible, when to expect the auto expungement, and how you will know when your conviction is expunged.
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Visit the Michigan State Police page to determine if you are eligible for an automatic set-asides.
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If you believe you are eligible for expungement and your record was not automatically expunged, submit an application for the Attorney General to review.
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April is Fair Housing Month, and fair housing begins with fair representation. Michiganders going it alone in housing court are half as likely to win their cases as those who have an attorney.
In 2022 we closed 5,489 housing cases to promote safe and stable housing for our clients and their families.
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Sexual Assault Awareness Month | |
Sexual Assault Awareness Month is a reminder to believe, support, and acknowledge the experiences of survivors of abuse and sexual assault.
Through legal assistance provided by MAP programs, we are committed to supporting survivors as they build safe and stable lives.
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Volunteer Appreciation Week | |
April 16-22 is National Volunteer Appreciation Week, and we would like to thank our volunteers and pro bono attorneys!
Because of our amazing volunteers, we can extend our services to even more clients in need.
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MAP and LSSCM Offer Expungement Services at Mutual Aid Fair
Earlier this month, MAP's expungement team assisted with expungements at the Ypsilanti Pull-Over Prevention Fair.
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Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) at the Michigan Capitol | |
Michigan Poverty Law Program (MPLP) staff met with state representatives in Lansing. | |
MEJI Managing Attorney, Alison Hirschel, Featured at Michigan Health Fund Convening | |
Alison Hirschel, Michigan Elder Justice Initiative (MEJI) Managing Attorney, presented at the Michigan Health Fund Convening. | |
Interested in Legal Aid Work?
Here are some ways you can make a difference!
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Join Our Team
We are seeking new team members who share our passion for providing access to justice to those who need it most. Visit our employment page for full postings.
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Volunteer
MAP welcomes volunteer attorneys in each of our counties and programs. To volunteer, please complete our Pro Bono Attorney Registration Form.
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Give
Through your contributions, we can provide safety and security to thousands of Michigan families. Visit the link below to make a non-attorney donation, or click here to make an attorney donation.
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Please help us spread the word about these upcoming community events and resources. | |
FLS and MIRC Calendar Now Available! | |
The annual Farmworker Legal Services and Michigan Immigrant Rights Center calendar is now available!
The legal content and resources are updated with the latest information each year for distribution to farmworkers and community partners.
If your organization is interested in calendars to distribute at outreach events, please fill out this request form to arrange for pick up or delivery.
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Inkster Expungement Fair
Saturday, April 22, 2023 - 9:00 am to 1:00 pm
Who should attend?
Those interested in speaking with an attorney about clearing their criminal record. Attorneys will privately discuss each participant's expungement eligibility and provide assistance on beginning the expungement process for those who qualify. Free fingerprinting will be available.
Register here
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Family Law Assistance Project (FLAP) Clinic
Wednesday, April 26, 2023 - 12:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Who should attend?
Individuals with low income, who are U.S. Citizens or eligible undocumented immigrants; who need legal services in Oakland Country or live in Oakland County; whose circumstances are related to a domestic Personal Protection Order (PPO) or family law issues such as divorce, custody, parenting time, child support, minor guardianship; etc.; and who are not represented by an attorney.
More information
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Guardian and Conservator Training
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - 9:30 am - 11:00 am
Who should attend?
Guardians and conservators that are looking for training material to assist them in their fiduciary duties.
More information
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Opinion: Debt collections are clogging Michigan courts. The rules aren't fair.
"For parties without lawyers, the complexity of the system is a barrier to the fair administration of justice."
Read more on how the Michigan JFA Commission is working to improve debt collection in this Detroit Free Press op-ed by Michigan Legal Help Director and MSAS Co-Director Ang Tripp.
Read more
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Up to 1 million Michigan residents may be eligible for ‘clean slate’ criminal expungements
“Expungements can be and will still be a complicated legal process,” said Shannon Lucas, a director of legal services with the nonprofit Michigan Advocacy Program that is compiling pro bono attorney services and tool kits that the public may access to start the expungement process.
Read more
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Justice for All Commission Releases 2022 Annual Report
The State Court Administrative Office (SCAO) released the Justice for All Commission 2022 Annual Report, which focuses on the ongoing efforts to expand access to civil justice in Michigan.
Read more
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If your organization has relevant happenings you would like us to promote in next month's newsletter, send details to: communications@lsscm.org
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