Criminal Record Removal Services

[ns2008]

I called one of those "criminal record removal services" and explained to them my situation. I have been convicted of more than one felony, in Michigan, and based on my research so far, it doesn't seem that I have any option but to suffer the consequences of my past disgressions. But this service is claiming that based on what I have disclosed to them, i would be eligible for one of the following:

1. Expungement (which I don't believe to be true)

2. Sealing of Records (which I'm not sure to be true)

3. Clemency (which I'm not sure what this entails)

So, i guess my question is: Are these services capable of assisting in anyway or is it an attempt to extract money from me by preying on my willingness to be susceptible to a hope an a prayer?

Thank you in advance and please advise.

[moburkes]

I think that your suspicions are correct.

[aaron]

This sounds typical for this type of service - tell you what you want to hear, get your money, then give you the bad news (or a useless application for clemency).

The governor shall have power to grant reprieves, commutations and pardons after convictions for all offenses, except cases of impeachment, upon such conditions and limitations as he may direct, subject to procedures and regulations prescribed by law. He shall inform the legislature annually of each reprieve, commutation and pardon granted, stating reasons therefor.

From a purely technical standpoint you would probably be "eligible" for clemency. From a purely practical standpoint, looking at the governor's history and that of her predecessors, it's an extremely remote possibility.

Granholm, a Democrat in the first year of her second term, has granted 12 commutations and one pardon. John Engler, a three-term Republican, pardoned nine prisoners and commuted the sentences of 34 others. Jim Blanchard, a Democrat in office for eight years, issued five commutations and one pardon just days before he left office in 1990. He issued one other commutation during his tenure.

[ns2008]

So, just to make sure I'm understanding you correctly...

Any attorney or removal service who claims that I have a "good chance" or am "eligible" for any kind of ammendment to my record is most likely selling me a hopeless dream?

But, on the other hand they are correct in stating that there is a possibility, although that possibility is highly unlikely?

And is there anything, practical, that can be done in regards to sealing records, etc., or is it a completely hopeless situation?

Thanks for your advice. It's much appreciated!

[aaron]

If you walk outside you may be struck by lighting. True statement. The odds of it happening? Extremely slight.

Michigan's expungement/records sealing law, MCL 780.261, is limited to people with one qualifying conviction. You say you have two.

[ns2008]

Completely hopeless situation...got it.

Thanks!