Expungement Lawyer Wayne County – If you’re wrestling with a misdemeanor record in Wayne County, MI, you’re not alone. Michigan’s 2021 Clean Slate Act opened doors for thousands to clear their past, but navigating the process without an expungement lawyer Wayne County, MI is like driving through Detroit traffic blindfolded. Here’s the lowdown on three standout attorneys who’ll fight to wipe your slate clean—plus pro tips to dodge common pitfalls.
1. Baron Defense Firm – The Misdemeanor Mavericks
Why They Shine: Baron Defense Firm specializes in expunging misdemeanors under Michigan’s Clean Slate Act, particularly for first-time offenders and non-assaultive crimes like petty theft, disorderly conduct, or minor drug possession. Their team leverages the “one bad night” rule to bundle multiple misdemeanors from a single 24-hour incident into one expungement application.
- Specialties:
- Non-violent misdemeanors: Shoplifting, trespassing, minor in possession (MIP).
- Marijuana expungements: Quick filing for pre-2018 cannabis convictions now legal under state law.
- Traffic offenses: Expunging non-DUI violations (e.g., driving with a suspended license).
- Fee Structure: Flat-rate packages (1,500–1,500–3,500) with payment plans for low-income clients.
- Pro Tip: “Gather every court document, even dismissed charges. Wayne County courts treat deferred sentences as convictions—we’ll argue they shouldn’t count against you”.
- Phone: 248-306-9158
- Website: Baron Defense Firm
- Address: 1441 St Antoine, Detroit, MI 48226 (3rd Circuit Court).
2. Jonathan Jones Law – The Clean Slate Guru
Why He Shines: With 30+ years in Detroit courts, Jonathan Jones is a expungement lawyer Wayne County, MI who’s shaped local expungement strategies since the Clean Slate Act’s inception. He’s a bulldog for clients with old misdemeanors haunting job applications or housing bids.
- Specialties:
- OWI expungements: First-time drunk driving offenses (5-year wait, no injuries).
- Assaultive crime exceptions: Fighting to expunge misdemeanor assault charges under the “two-lifetime” rule.
- Employment-focused cases: Highlighting post-conviction job promotions or community service to sway judges.
- Fee Structure: Contingency (30% post-win) + free eligibility checks.
- Pro Tip: “Don’t wait for automatic expungement—it could take 7+ years. File proactively and shave years off your wait time”.
- Phone: 248-310-3399
- Service Area: Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties.
3. Manley & Manley – The Paperwork Perfectionists
Why Expungement Lawyer Wayne County Shine: This father-son duo has filed 1,200+ expungement petitions since the 1980s, mastering Wayne County’s bureaucratic maze. They’re the go-to for complex cases involving multiple misdemeanors or overlapping probation terms.
- Specialties:
- Multi-misdemeanor bundles: Expunging up to 4+ non-assaultive charges in one sweep.
- Probation violations: Arguing technicalities to reset waiting periods (e.g., minor probation slip-ups).
- ICHAT disputes: Fixing errors in Michigan State Police’s criminal history reports that delay approvals.
- Fee Structure: Hourly (250–250–400) with a 95% success rate for misdemeanors.
- Pro Tip: “Get fingerprinted before filing. MSP takes 2+ months to process—we’ll fast-track it using our law enforcement contacts”.
- Phone: 810-374-0240
- Website: Manley & Manley
Key Steps to Expunge Misdemeanors in Wayne County
- Check Eligibility to benefit from Expungement Lawyer Wayne County:
- Wait Periods: 3 years for most misdemeanors; 5 years for assaultive crimes or if probation was violated.
- Excluded Offenses: DUIs (except first-time OWI), domestic violence, and traffic crimes causing injury.
- Limits: Up to 3 felonies + unlimited misdemeanors, but only 2 assaultive crimes in your lifetime.
- Gather Documents:
- MC 227 Form: The state’s expungement application—Baron Defense Firm provides pre-filled templates.
- Certified Court Records: Obtain from Wayne County’s 3rd Circuit Court (cost: $10/page).
- Proof of Rehabilitation: Pay stubs, volunteer certificates, or landlord references to prove “public welfare” benefit.
- File Strategically:
- Bundle Charges: Use the “one bad night” rule for multiple same-day misdemeanors.
- Avoid DIY Traps: A single form error can delay your case 3+ years. Manley & Manley’s paralegals audit submissions for $150.
Why Hire an Expungement Lawyer Wayne County, MI?
- Courtroom Savvy: Judges like 3rd Circuit’s Timothy Kenny demand airtight petitions. Jonathan Jones knows his “tell a redemption story” playbook.
- Speed vs. Automatic Expungement: Clean Slate’s auto-process won’t start until 2026—and it’ll only handle 2 felonies + 4 misdemeanors. Proactive filing clears records 2–4 years faster.
- Hidden Loopholes: Baron Defense Firm recently expunged a 2014 DUI by arguing the waiting period started at probation end, not sentencing.
Cost Breakdown
- DIY: $500 (filing fees + fingerprints) but 60% rejection rate.
- With a Lawyer: 1,500–1,500–4,000, but 90% approval odds. Some firms like Manley & Manley offer pro bono slots for veterans.
A misdemeanor record in Wayne County shouldn’t chain you to the past. With Baron Defense Firm’s affordability, Jonathan Jones’s OWI expertise, or Manley & Manley’s paperwork precision, you’re not just hiring a lawyer—you’re hiring a lifeline.
Need more on Expungement Lawyer Wayne County? Dive into Michigan’s ICHAT tool to check your record or Friedman Law Firm’s eligibility quiz for a free screen. In 2025, your future’s brighter than your past—grab it.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Consult an expungement lawyer Wayne County, MI for case-specific advice.