Few Michigan residents try to get convictions erased

A study has found few Michigan residents are taking advantage of a legal option that allows people to erase their criminal convictions, even though an expungement can open doors to housing, student loans and employment.

The Lansing State Journal reports that a University of Michigan law school study estimates just 6.5% of people who meet the requirements end up having their convictions set aside within five years of becoming eligible.

Attorneys and law students volunteered their time last week at a free clinic in Lansing to educate more than 100 people on how to clear their records.

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Law is using a $20,000 grant from the Michigan State Bar Foundation to host a series of free clinics around the state.  (AP)