If I plead no contest to a felony charge, is there a way for me to get this removed?
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If I plead no contest to a felony charge, is there a way for me to get this removed?
This all happened in 2007. I had never once been in trouble with the law. I messed up and got a cheap lawyer who pretty much talked me into pleading no contest. The firearm I was caught with I didn’t even know was in my apartment. I had a party and it was under a pile of clothes. Someone left it there. There was no way for me to know it was stolen or even in my place. Now I am stuck with this felony record and unable to pursue my dreams. How soon can I get this expunged?
Asked on July 6, 2011 under Criminal Law, Michigan
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 12 years ago | Contributor
A no contest plea is the same as a guilty plea from a criminal law standpoint. The difference is that by pleading no contest, your plea cannot later be used against you in any civil case related to the offense.
In MI an expungment is also known as "Setting Aside A Conviction". However this remedy is not available to anyone who has been convicted of a felony. So I'm afraid it appears that you will not be able to clear your criminal history record.
You may want to discuss your situation directly with a criminal law attorney who specializes in these cases. They can advise you further.
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