30+ years of trial experience in criminal defense, expungements, OWI/DUI, family law, and civil litigation—serving Grand Rapids and West Michigan. Personalized strategy. Proven results. Se habla español.
- 660 Cascade West Pkwy SE, Ste 70 Grand Rapids, MI 49546
- (616) 676-8770
- brucealanblock.com
Meet Attorney Bruce Alan Block
With over 30 years of courtroom experience, Bruce Alan Block has built a reputation for strong advocacy and proven results across West Michigan. He takes a hands-on approach to every case, offering clients personal attention and reliable guidance.
Michigan Expungement Lawyer
One in four Michigan residents has a misdemeanor conviction; one in six has a felony conviction. An expungement, or “setting aside a conviction,” is the process where a person petitions the sentencing court to remove the conviction from the public criminal history database. If the court grants the petition, the record is sealed and no longer appears in standard background checks.
In 2021, Michigan expanded its expungement laws, allowing more people to qualify:
- One DUI/OWI conviction may now be set aside
- Unlimited misdemeanors can be cleared (subject to eligibility)
- Up to three felonies may be expunged, depending on the offense
For over 30 years, Attorney Bruce Alan Block has helped clients across Michigan achieve a clean slate. Few things are more rewarding than requesting a criminal history report and seeing “no record found.”
Why File for Expungement?
A past conviction can affect nearly every area of your life. Setting aside a conviction can help you:
- Improve job and career opportunities
- Qualify for housing without unnecessary barriers
- Apply for federal student aid and grants
- Restore certain civil rights, including firearm rights in some cases
- Travel internationally with fewer obstacles
Don’t let one mistake dictate your future. Attorney Bruce Alan Block guides you through every step of the process.
Special Considerations for OWI/DUI Expungement
Michigan now allows certain OWI convictions to be expunged, but there are limits. You do not qualify if:
- You have more than one DUI/OWI on your record
- The DUI/OWI caused death or serious injury
- The offense occurred in a commercial vehicle while you held a CDL
OWI convictions are also not part of the 2020 automatic expungement laws. Even if eligible, you must petition the court. With thousands of residents qualifying, it’s important to act rather than let an old conviction continue to limit your rights.
Out-of-State Residents
Live outside Michigan but have a conviction here? No problem. Many expungements can be handled remotely with documents exchanged by mail or email. Courts frequently allow clients to appear by Zoom, saving time and travel costs.
Why Hire an Experienced Attorney?
Expungement is a legal process that requires:
- Strict compliance with forms and procedures
- Meeting eligibility rules and waiting periods
- Evidence of post-conviction rehabilitation and good conduct
- Responses to possible objections from the prosecutor, attorney general, or the victim
These challenges are best handled by a lawyer who has successfully managed expungements for decades. Attorney Bruce Alan Block has been helping clients clear their records for over 30 years—and does it right the first time.
FAQs – Michigan Expungement
Most expungements take 6–12 months, depending on the court’s schedule, background checks, and whether the prosecutor objects.
If granted, the conviction is removed from public records and sealed. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access it, but it will not appear on most employment or housing checks.
Not always. Many courts allow remote appearances by Zoom. Attorney Bruce Alan Block can guide you if travel is necessary.