Frequently Asked Questions About State and Federal Law

The two primary types of courts in the United States are federal and state courts. There are several key dissimilarities between these two court systems, and a few similarities too. Continue reading to learn some fundamental information about state and federal offenses, including the primary differences between state and federal court, types of federal crimes, the importance of federal criminal defense, and more.

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514
Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

How Do Federal and State Court Differ?

State courts are established by the state, and may include local courts as well. Local courts are usually established by individual cities, counties, townships, or other types of common municipalities. They adjudicate cases that involve crimes that break laws set and enforced by the state (also known as state laws). In contrast, federal courts are established under the United States Constitution, and adjudicate cases that involve crimes that break laws passed by Congress.

What is are Federal and State Crimes?

Federal crimes are more serious than state crimes, and generally come with heftier fines and penalties, including jail time. In fact, a felony crime is one that is punishable by up to one year in a federal prison. Felonies are divided into 7 categories in Indiana: Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, Level 4, Level 5, Level 6, and Murder. Each level of felony is assigned a separate statute regarding penalization.

State crimes are those that break laws set by and enforced by the state. They are referred to as “misdemeanors”, which are lesser offenses compared to felonies, but still serious crimes that come with harsh penalties and life-long consequences. Misdemeanors are divided into three “classes”, from most serious to least serious: Class A Misdemeanors, Class B Misdemeanors, and Class C Misdemeanors.

What are Some Common Federal Offenses?

Federal offenses are very serious. Some common examples include arson, bank fraud, healthcare fraud, mail fraud, car theft, identify theft, carjacking, kidnapping, civil rights offenses, drug trafficking, drug dealing, armed robbery, firearms offenses, assault and battery, sexual assault, child molestation, hate crimes, homicide, and murder.

Can I Remove State and Federal Crimes From My Criminal Record?

A new law regarding criminal record expungement has recently been passed in Indiana, which means qualified individuals can have their criminal records concealed from public access. The new law is also known as the Indiana Second Chance Law, and it involves a complicated petitioning process. For this reason, it is necessary to hire a criminal lawyer who it well-versed in the new laws to help you with your petition.

How to Get Started With Criminal Record Expungement

Call 317-636-7514 if you have a criminal record in Indiana that you would like to clean up this year. Our law firm is well-versed in the Indiana criminal record expungement laws, and charges as low as $850 for our services. Whether you are looking to seal or expunge a criminal record, we are the criminal lawyers to trust for a hassle-free petitioning process. Call 317-636-7514 to learn more, today.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514
Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Remove Criminal Charges and Arrests From Your Personal Record in Indiana

Currently, in Indiana, you can expunge criminal offenses from your personal records.  If you have been convicted of a crime, or arrested for a crime, you may be eligible to have those records removed for good!  Drunken driving charges, public intoxication arrests, driving violations, and more can all be hidden from potential employers, public records, home leasing contracts, and more. 

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney
Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Start By Hiring a Qualified Lawyer

Although a person can now expunge criminal records in Indiana, it is highly encouraged (arguably mandatory) to hire a lawyer for accurate assistance. Since you can only file for criminal expungement once in a lifetime, it is important to file your petition with 100% precision and correctness. Even a minor spelling error can jeopardize the outcome of your expungement approval.

Act Fast While There’s Still Time

In addition to precision petitioning, you must act fast before the new law is no longer in affect. Many interest groups were against this law being passed in the first place, so it could be repealed at any time. This possibility makes this law a once in a lifetime chance to clear your criminal history and get better job and housing opportunities for your family. Take action fast before this law goes away. It is a very unpopular law and can be repealed any day now.

Contact Expunge Criminal Record Indiana to get started on your petition as soon as today. We are highly experienced and licensed criminal defense attorneys who have a special practice dedicated solely to Indiana criminal record expungement clients and cases. Since before the new law was passed, our criminal defense attorneys have been fervently studying the new Indiana Second Chance law. We are the criminal defense lawyers to trust when it comes to expunging your criminal records the right way.

If You Don’t Qualify for Expungement

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for criminal record expungement, you may still qualify for record sealing or “shielding.” Your licensed criminal defense lawyer can make this determination for you, but the primary differences between expungement and sealing is who can access the records and who cannot. See our blog, “What is the Difference Between Expunging and Sealing a Criminal Record?” to learn more.

Think you can’t afford it? YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN!

We offer criminal expungement services starting as low as $850! Furthermore, we offer free initial consultations so that you may discuss your case without any out-of-pocket obligations. Call 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or criminal record expungement in Indianapolis. We are eager to help you reform your criminal record so that you can have the quality of life you and your loved ones deserve.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514
Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514