We all make mistakes! Some of those mistakes can have serious consequences that follow us for years, or maybe even the rest of our lives. A concept called “clean slate legislation” automatically wipes out old crimes and gives convicts a new shot at a “normal” life.
Michigan is the 10th state to pass such a law (only the 3rd state to actually implement it), and it has now kicked in. So, this issue has come home to roost…but is it a good thing or a bad thing for Michigan?
Here are Five Fast Facts on Michigan’s Clean Slate Legislation:
- 💻 The Program - Starting this month, a software program has begun searching the state’s records and spitting out lists of convictions daily that are eligible for expungement. These lists will go to law enforcement and the courts to review and act on. It’s expected that over 1 million residents will have their slates wiped clean. YOU get an expungement…YOU get an expungement…EVERYONE gets an expungement…!
- ⚖️ The Crimes - Only certain crimes will apply: certain misdemeanors and a few non-violent felonies, after the sentences have been completed, and only after the person has remained crime-free for 7-10 years. Things like violent crimes, crimes involving minors or intoxication, or human trafficking will not be eligible. We would certainly hope not!
- 👍 Supporters Say - Supporters say this gives people with convictions a new shot at living normally. Not having to say “yes” to having a conviction on job applications, housing forms, and educational opportunities can make or break someone’s ability to reintegrate into society. Often, those who commit additional crimes do so specifically because they can’t catch a break like getting a good job or getting back into school. You know what they say: forgiveness is divine…
- 👎 Opponents Say - Opponents say clean slate laws undermine the just punishment for crimes committed, and make communities less safe. Landlords and employers in particular (especially small businesses) feel much better knowing of any criminal records before they sign contracts with prospects. They also say: trust but verify…
- 📈📉❓ The Effect On Paychecks - It’s unclear. On the one hand, Michigan has some industries with pretty severe worker shortages, so making it easier for 1 million more people to fill those jobs would be good for the state as well as for those folks’ Paychecks. On the other hand, while the public seems to generally support clean slate laws, they also don’t want people with convictions around them, and the risk does go up for additional crimes. That ice has been broken, and there ain’t no fixing it (even if you ignore the break)!
🔥Bottom line: The state is running checks for eligibility already, and they’ll contact you if that affects you. But that could take some time – months, or even as much as a year – so if you want to nudge the process along you can pay $10 and initiate your own search here.
Whether this is a net positive or negative remains to be seen, but it’s already the law now. So, let’s hope for the positive!
What do you think of the new clean slate law?
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