More Criminals Could Have Records Erased Under New Michigan Law

LANSING (WWJ/AP) - More criminals will be able to ask that their records be expunged under a new Michigan law.

Gov. Rick Snyder signed the measure Monday that lets offenders ask that their record be erased if they have up to one felony and two misdemeanors. They can petition a judge five years after finishing their sentence.

The option won't be available to those convicted of murder, child abuse and other serious offenses.

The decision to erase criminal records remains with the courts. Supporters of the law say it will help people who are currently experiencing difficulty finding a job with a felony on their record.

The new law also lets fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct convictions be expunged - but only if the conviction occurred before Monday and the applicant's other minor offenses were committed under age 21.

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