If you’ve completed your sentence and moved on from a past mistake, having an Operating While Intoxicated (OWI), which is commonly referred to as DUI, on your record can still affect your future. Employers, landlords, and even licensing boards can see that conviction, which can make it harder to move forward. The good news is that Michigan allows certain OWI convictions to be expunged, giving many people a real second chance.
At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we help clients across Metro Detroit understand whether they qualify for OWI expungement and guide them through each step of the process.
Understanding Michigan’s OWI Expungement Law
Michigan’s Clean Slate law was expanded in 2022 to allow first-time OWI convictions to be expunged under certain conditions. Before this change, anyone convicted of OWI was permanently barred from clearing their record.
You may qualify for expungement if:
- You were convicted of a first-offense OWI or operating while visibly impaired (OWVI).
- At least five years have passed since you completed your probation, jail term, or any license suspension.
- You have no additional OWI/DUI or serious criminal convictions.
- Your offense did not involve injury or death.
Every case is reviewed carefully by the courts in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and the surrounding counties, so presenting a strong petition with proper legal support is important. This involves a lot more than paperwork. We have to convince the judge that you deserve to have this conviction removed from your criminal record, and nobody can do that better than us.
Why OWI/DUI Expungement Matters
An OWI conviction can follow you long after the case ends. It can affect your ability to do a lot of things, including:
- Get or keep a job
- Land or stay in a job that involves driving
- Obtain or keep any kind of professional or occupational license
- Qualify for affordable car insurance
- Secure housing by having to disclose this on a rental application
When your OWI is expunged, the conviction is removed from your record and from public view. This means employers, landlords, and most licensing agencies can no longer access it during background checks. For many people, this opens the door to better financial, professional, and personal opportunities.
How the OWI/DUI Expungement Process Works
OWI expungement in Michigan is not automatic. While some low-level misdemeanors may qualify for automatic expungement under the state’s Clean Slate law, OWI convictions can only be set aside through a formal petition process. You must file a petition with the court and prove to the judge that you meet the eligibility requirements and deserve this break.
The judge will then review your record, your conduct since the conviction, along with any evidence of rehabilitation, and other submissions to persuade him or her to grant your request.
Here’s what to expect:
- Eligibility Review: We’ll confirm that your conviction qualifies for expungement.
- Petition Preparation: A petition will be filed in the court where your conviction occurred.
- Fingerprinting and Background Check: We’ll direct you to obtain fingerprints and all other required information.
- Additional Information: We’ll put together a case to persuade the judge that you do, in fact, deserve to have your record cleared
- Court Hearing: The judge will decide whether to grant your expungement.
Our attorneys will ensure every step is handled correctly and that your petition includes the strongest possible evidence in your favor.
How We Help at Jeffrey Randa and Associates
We believe that one mistake should not define the rest of your life. Our firm helps first-time OWI or DUI offenders throughout Metro Detroit prepare and present persuasive expungement petitions. When you work with our team, we will:
- Review your record and determine if you’re eligible
- Gather supporting documents to show rehabilitation and compliance
- File your petition with the proper court
- Represent you at your hearing, respond to any challenges from the prosecutor, and demonstrate to the judge why your petition should be granted
Our goal is to win and also to make the process as smooth as possible so you can get the second chance you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions About OWI Expungement in Michigan
How much does OWI expungement cost?
Court filing fees and fingerprinting costs vary by county. Attorney fees depend on the complexity of your case, but we can give you a firm price right over the phone.
Can every OWI be expunged?
No. Only first-time OWI convictions are eligible. Felony OWIs or cases involving injury, death, or multiple convictions cannot be set aside.
Do I need a lawyer to apply?
You’re not required to have one, but an attorney can greatly improve your chances of success by ensuring your petition is complete and persuasive.
How long will it take?
The process can take several months, depending on court schedules and whether the prosecutor objects. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
Take the First Step Toward a Clean Record
Expunging an OWI or DUI can restore your reputation and give you the opportunity to move forward without the burden of a past mistake. At Jeffrey Randa and Associates, we help clients across the Detroit area by preparing and filing petitions that meet the law’s strict requirements and put your best case forward.
Contact our office today for a free consultation and find out if you qualify for OWI expungement.