Finding Help

Choosing an Expungement Attorney

Find an Attorney for Michigan Set Aside

Any attorney licensed to practice law in Michigan can represent you in court, but selecting an attorney who focuses on set-asides gets the job done faster for a lower price than other attorneys. A set-aside attorney is familiar with the individual court procedures and rules before even starting the process. The efficiency that comes with experience allows an attorney focused on set-asides to offer a lower price.

Choosing an Expungement Attorney Online

There are many attorney sites online that offer expungement services. Choosing the right set-aside attorney can be the determining factor when it comes to having your criminal record set aside successfully. Below are questions you should ask an attorney before choosing them to set aside your criminal record.

Do they focus on setting aside records?
Can you speak to the attorney handling your case?
What is their success rates with expungements in your state?
Do they offer a money-back guarantee?
Do they have a street address?
Does the price include all fees associated with the set aside?
Does the price include answering objections from the district attorney?
Does the price include sending an attorney to court for you?

Caution! Do Not Let a Non-Attorney Website Mislead You

Some websites on the internet offer "record sealing assistance" services. All they do, is provide you with forms, and leave you alone to fight the district attorney and the courts. On top of that, if you have any questions, they charge extra consultation fees and may not even answer the phones. The majority of these companies have numerous complaints filed against them and have a track record for taking people's money and doing nothing with it.

Whether or Not to Represent Yourself

While you have the right to represent yourself in court, you should not expect any special treatment, help, or attention from the court. You must still comply with the rules of the court, even if you are not familiar with them. Each state has different rules and guidelines determining what help is available. The following is a list of what courts typically will and will not do.

Generally, Michigan Courts will:

Explain and answer questions about how the court works.
Tell you what the requirements are to have your case considered by the court.
Give you some information from your case file.
Provide you with samples of court forms that are available.
Provide you with guidance on how to fill out forms.
Usually answer questions about court deadlines.

Michigan Courts will NOT:

Give you legal advice. Only your lawyer can give you legal advice.
Tell you whether or not you should bring your case to court.
Give you an opinion about what will happen if you bring your case to court.
Recommend a lawyer, but they can provide you with the telephone number of a local lawyer referral service.
Talk to the judge for you about what will happen in your case.
Let you talk to the judge outside of court.
Change an order issued by a judge.