Michael was born in St. Joseph, Missouri and raised in Yuma, Arizona. He was sentenced to a total of 13 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections between 1991 and 2012.  After having his first 10-year sentence overturned through a Rule 32 in 1994, he was released from custody after serving 35 months.

Michael relocated to Tempe, Arizona in 1995 where he attended Arizona State University.  In 2006, he was hired by a prominent criminal defense law firm based on his personal experience with the legal system.  Following a dental procedure, Michael experienced complications and was prescribed Vicodin.  Dependence and addiction ensued, and he was returned to prison for 3 years on August 10, 2012.  While in prison, Michael dedicated himself to rebuilding his life and cleaning up the wreckage of his criminal past.  He was released from prison for the last time on November 25, 2014 and returned home to his wife
and 3 daughters.

Since his release from custody, Michael has been successful in having all 15 of his felony convictions set aside and all rights (including gun rights) restored.  Since that time, he and his wife have tirelessly built Restore My Civil Rights which has assisted over 1000 others do the same.

When he is not working, Michael enjoys traveling to Rocky Point, Mexico with his wife and 3 daughters.  He also enjoys riding his Harley, skydiving, and outdoor target shooting.  Michael is active with the Freemasons of Arizona at Oriental Lodge in Mesa, Arizona where he will serve as Master of the Lodge in 2024.