Criminal Defense Laws in Michigan.

Michigan's sentencing guidelines calculate a recommended minimum sentence range based on Prior Record Variables (PRV) and Offense Variables (OV). The guidelines are advisory — judges may depart but must justify. The judge sets a minimum; the maximum is generally fixed by statute.

Eligible for offenders ages 18–25 (expanded from 24 in 2021). Ages 18–20: court may assign HYTA without prosecutorial consent. Ages 21–25: requires prosecutor consent. Excludes life offenses and certain sex crimes. Upon successful completion, no conviction is entered on the public record.

Effective April 11, 2023: eligible felonies are automatically set aside 10 years after sentencing/imprisonment. Misdemeanors automatically set aside after 7 years. Limits: no more than 2 felonies and 4 serious misdemeanors automatically. Application-based set-aside also expanded to up to 3 felonies and unlimited misdemeanors.

Second felony: up to 1.5x statutory maximum. Third felony: up to 2x. Fourth felony: up to life for certain offenses.