Do My Background Check Results Really Matter?

Posted on June 29, 2020 by admin

When you first learn that you are subject to a background check, you might not think much of it. But after the reality sets in that someone will be viewing all of your criminal, and possibly civil, personal records, you might feel differently. Most people are anxious to have a background scan, especially if they have a criminal history. If this is a similar case to yours, you too might wonder how impactful or important your background check results are.

For help, continue below to review the basics surrounding background checks, including the various types available, and how their results might affect a person’s life, both personally and professionally.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

What is a Background Check?

A background check is a process used to verify that a person is who they say they are. They can be used to verify the acumen and qualification of a worker, or to ensure that a potential partner does not have a violent past. However, employers and the general public are not the only markets for background checks. Background checks are also used by law enforcement, courts, admissions offices, rental companies, loan offices, landlords, professional licensing branches, and more. In fact, there are various types of background checks that exists, some offering only a limited view of basic information, and others that are highly-detailed and go back very far into a person’s past.

Common Types of Background Checks:

✏ Criminal Records
✏ Driving Records
✏ Employment History
✏ References Check
✏ Rental History
✏ Education Records
✏ Sex Offender Registry Check
✏ Credit Score Background Check
✏ Social Media Background Check
✏ Internet Background Check
✏ Professional License & Certification Check
✏ Social Security Number Trace

Do Results Matter?

As mentioned, there are several parties that use background checks. When applying for a job or promotion, your background check results will tell an employer whether or not you are hire-able. When applying for a loan or rental home, a bank will want to check your personal records, and an apartment complex or landlord will want to view your rental history. If any of the results come back unsatisfactory, you could be denied a loan or a rental home. When trying to get into the school of your dreams, or even a program to obtain a certification, you can bet that the admissions office will run a background check to verify that you are a good candidate.

In most cases, the only personal record you really have to worry about is a criminal record. When employers, landlords, banks, and more, see that you were arrested or convicted of a crime, it sends up a giant red flag. Automatically, any applicant that does not have a criminal record will be more qualified than you. So, what can a person do that has a criminal record, but wants to be eligible for great jobs and housing? The answer is criminal record expungement.

Criminal Record Expungement Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call our Indianapolis expungement lawyers at 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.

What Does Your Background Check Say About You?

Posted on January 28, 2020 by admin

If you were to run a background check on yourself, do you know what it would say? Do you know what kind of information would be listed and how it would affect both your personal and professional life? Continue reading to learn what basic background scans reveal about a person, how it can influence work and social affairs, and most importantly, what you can do if your criminal history needs some improvement.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

The Consequences of a Criminal Record

If your criminal history report is not something you are proud of, it is likely holding you back from a more promising future with better opportunities. Everything from dating and community inclusion, to housing rentals, loans, school admissions, employment, professional licensing, and more, can be negatively affected if you have a criminal record. Let’s say you are preparing to enter the dating world, but you have a felony on your criminal record for domestic violence.

If a potential date decides to run a background scan on you, it could push quality dating partners away. In another example, a poor criminal record can prompt an employer to demote or fire you, or pass you up on a well-deserved promotion. When it comes to renting an apartment, getting a loan, moving into a new neighborhood, or joining a new community, a poor criminal record can have negative ripples just as easily as it can in the other, above-mentioned examples.

Basic Background Scans

There are several ways a person can look up your criminal record. Most basic scans are free and open to the public, while more in-depth scans are not free. Employers and professional authorities are the common parties that use detailed background scans. As for the general public, anyone can run a basic scan for free, or choose more detailed options for a small fee.

Basic background checks generally reveal the following information:

➤ Full Legal Name
➤ Age/Date of Birth
➤ Residence
➤ Marital Status
➤ Arrest Records
➤ Driving Records
➤ Employment History
➤ Credit Report

Want to know what your personal record says? See our blog, “How to Do a Background Check” to learn how. To best gauge the integrity of background check websites, read customer reviews or look for professional associations and certifications. You may also use your city’s government webpage for background scanning and more. For Indianapolis, call the Indianapolis Police Department at 317-327-3153 for limited criminal history records and inquiries.

How to Clean Up Your Criminal Records in Indiana

Call our legal office at 317-636-7514 to learn your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana. We are eager to help you get the fresh start in life that you deserve! Our services start as low as $850, so you can afford to clean up your record just as much as the next guy. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation, today.

Make 2020 the Year of Improvement By Cleaning Up Your Criminal Record

Posted on January 15, 2020 by admin

Are you tired of being subjected to the consequences of having an arrest or criminal record from your past? Are you ready for better job opportunities, better housing, and more confidence in the dating world? If so, make this year the year of change, and finally do something about it with the help of Indiana’s Second Chance Law. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about criminal record expungement and sealing, including how to learn if you qualify and where to get started on your petition.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement

A couple of years ago, Indiana legislature passed a new law that allows certain individuals to conceal their criminal records from the general public, known as criminal record expungement and sealing. Although not everyone qualifies for criminal record expungement, this new law truly gives people another chance at making their lives better since their criminal record won’t hold them back from dating, better jobs, promotions, renting a nicer home, getting approved for a loan, and much more.

Once expunged or sealed, the public can no longer access your criminal record. It will be hidden from public view, including potential employers, rental companies, banks, school admission offices, and even the girl you are about to ask out for dinner. The only authorities that can still access expunged and sealed records is the government, including law enforcement, courts, and jails.

Record Expungement v. Record Sealing

There are two types of Second Chance Laws: expungement and sealing. For those who do not qualify for expungement, they may have a shot at being approved for record sealing. You see, those only qualify for criminal record expungement under very strict list of factors. There are several variables that determine who is eligible to get their record expunged in Indiana. Upon qualification, most misdemeanors, class D felonies, arrest records, and even infractions like traffic tickets and evictions, can all potentially be eliminated from a person’s personal record.

If a person was arrested and found guilty, or pleaded guilty, to a charge, then they can only apply to seal their criminal records. This means these records will not be physically destroyed and will still be accessible by the police, federal government, FBI, immigration, and all other public officials. However, when criminal records are sealed, they are no longer visible on public background check databases or accessible by employers, landlords, and other general public.

A person can only expunge arrest records that never ended in a conviction. This means arrests that were later dropped, acquitted, or dismissed can be completely expunged from physical and online databases. Although government officials and police can still access these records, just as they can sealed records, the general public cannot ever see them, and a person can legally claim to never have been arrested. See our blog, “FAQs About Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records” to learn more about the difference between the two.

It’s a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

When someone wants to explore their options for criminal record expungement, it is important to first and fully understand that a person can only apply and be granted expungement one time in their entire lives. This means you cannot apply to have additional criminal and arrest records expunged after already having your records concealed in the past.

If you decide to pursue criminal record concealment, be sure that all your paperwork, filing, deadlines, and additional requirements are accurate and in-line. Failing to file even one document, or filing it incorrectly, can instantly eliminate your chances of expunging your criminal history, forever. This is why it is vital to enlist the services of a licensed attorney, familiar with your state’s new expungement laws, to facilitate the entire process to ensure that everything is done properly.

How to Get Started on Your Petition

Call 317-636-7514 to learn your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana. We are eager to help you get the fresh start in life that you deserve! Our services start as low as $850, so you can afford to clean up your record just as much as the next guy. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation, today.

Basic Background Checks vs Comprehensive Background Checks

Posted on December 27, 2019 by admin

Background checks are not what you would call a dime a dozen. There are countless types of background checks and scans to choose from, all of which offering different kinds of information and to varying extents. Some background checks are for traffic-related histories, while others for rental histories, vehicular reports, and more. The most common type of background check is the type that others will perform to learn the criminal history of a particular person.

However, criminal history scans are also widely diversified. There are several sources of background check scans to choose from, some for a fee and some for free. The type chosen will depend on a few factors, such as the budget for background checking, the available sources, and the extent of information the user is looking for. Regardless of the type of background check used on someone, all types can be classified as either basic or comprehensive. The difference between the two umbrella categories will help a user decide which one they need to perform.

Continue reading to learn the differences between a basic background scan and a comprehensive background scan.

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Criminal History and Background Checks

Keep in mind that background checks are not solely focused on criminal records. Those running background checks might be checking up on universal information about a person, such as professional licensing, driving records, credit history, rental history, and much more. See our blog, “How Many Types of Background Checks Are There?” to learn some of the most common types of background scans.

As for criminal history scans, they typically source information from official authorities, such as national criminal databases, county courts, federal and state criminal records, sex offender registries, and even domestic and global terrorist watch lists. The extent of information sourced depends on whether a use runs a basic check or a comprehensive one.

In most cases, basic background checks are free, or for a low cost. Comprehensive scans are usually never free; in fact, they tend to cost a decent amount of money. On average, a full background scan will cost between $25 and $200, depending on the provider. Below you can view some of the most common data found in each type of background check.

Basic Background Checks:

📑 Criminal History Check
📑 Prior Employment Verification
📑 Reference Check
📑 Sexual Offender Registry Check
📑 Social Security Number Trace
📑 Professional License & Certificate Confirmation

Comprehensive Background Checks:

📑 Criminal History Check
📑 Prior Employment Verification
📑 Education Verification
📑 Reference Check
📑 Drug Screening
📑 Sexual Offender Registry Check
📑 Credit Background Check
📑 Social Media & Internet Check
📑 Driving Record
📑 Professional License & Certificate Confirmation
📑 Social Security Number Trace
📑 Listed Domestic or Global Terrorist
📑 And More

How to Clean Up Your Criminal Record

How Many Types of Background Checks Are There?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by admin

If you are currently interviewing for jobs or participating in a similar venture that might require someone to run a background check on you, you might be concerned about what people might find on your permanent record. For this reason, it is common for people to run a background check on themselves first. But how comprehensive are these background checks? How many do you have to do to find all the personal records that are available to the public?

Continue reading to learn about the different types of background check options open to public use for a better idea of where your records might show up. Want to clean up your personal record? We’ll discuss that too.

Background Checks

There are various types of background checks you can perform on an individual that lives in the United States. Some are free, while others require a fee that ranges in price depending on how deep you want to dig. You can choose to run a background check online, in person, or via postal mail.

The option you choose depends on how much information you want, and how much you are willing to pay. As for potential employers, they tend to use the more invasive background checks. Jobs that require professional licensing or involve children will perform even more aggressive scans.

Common Types of Background Checks:

Free Online Background Checks – There are endless websites that provide free background check scans, from government portals to private investigation offices, and everything in between. However, these scans are usually not very detailed, and may not provide a lot of information on criminal history.

Paid Background Checks – There are several paid background check providers to choose from, both online and in person. Costs depend on the service fee of the vendor, as well as, the level of information desired. The more detailed the scan, the more money it will cost.

Public Background Checks – Public background checks are generally very vague. You are not likely to find criminal history through a public check, but rather, domestic information like address, phone number, marital status, dependents, driving record, and similar civil facts.

Comprehensive Background Checks – Comprehensive background checks will give very detailed reports on criminal history, traffic offenses, civil information, and more. These are typically more expensive, as they provide a very thorough scan and report.

Specific Background Checks – There are various types of specific background checks that can be performed, in addition to the ones listed above. The most common include criminal history check, past employment verification, school verification, reference check, drug tests, sexual offender registry checks, credit background checks, social media/internet checks, driving record, professional license and certificate verification, and social security number tracing.

How to Clean Up Your Criminal Records in Indiana

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to learn your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana. We are eager to help you get the fresh start in life that you deserve! Our services start as low as $850, so you can afford to clean up your record just as much as the next guy. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation, today.

How Does Expungement Prohibit Employers From Discriminating Against Applicants?

Posted on March 12, 2019 by admin

If you have a criminal record from your past that is still lingering around and holding you back from a better life, perhaps it is time to learn what the new expungement laws can do for you. One of the most important and beneficial aspects of the new Indiana Second Chance Law is that it strictly prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants with criminal histories. This means you have a chance at higher employment, promotions, professional licenses, and more.

Continue reading to learn exactly what the Indiana expungement laws say about employer discrimination and applicant rights.

The Indiana Second Chance Law Helps You Get Better Jobs

If you want to know what the Indiana Second Chance law states about employers and discrimination against applicants with criminal records, you will need to refer to the Indiana Expungement Statue, IC-35-38-9-10(b), which specifically states:

“(b) It is unlawful discrimination for any person to…

(1) suspend;

(2) expel;

(3) refuse to employ;

(4) refuse to admit;

(5) refuse to grant or renew a license, permit, or certificate necessary to engage in any activity, occupation, or profession; or

(6) otherwise discriminate against;

…any person because of a conviction or arrest record expunged or sealed under this chapter.”

The statute goes on to say, “The Indiana Expungement Statue states that a person whose record is expunged shall be treated as if the person had never been convicted of the offense. So after your successful expungement, on any employment application, or other applications, you can legally answer that you have never been convicted of a crime.”

**See Indiana Code 35-38-9, Sealing and Expunging Conviction Records

How to Apply for Record Expungement

The first step to petitioning for criminal record expungement in Indiana is to confirm your eligibility. Unfortunately, not everyone will qualify, as there are several prerequisites and stipulations. For instance, violent and sexual offenses are not eligible for expungement, nor are convictions in which you were found guilty of the crime. Also, a certain amount of time must pass before you can have a criminal record expunged. Read our blog, “Expungement or Record Sealing: Which Do I Qualify For?” to learn more about criminal record expungement and record sealing eligibility.

Professional Expungement Services in Indiana

Call our Indianapolis criminal record expungement lawyers at 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or expunge an arrest from your criminal record in Indiana. We are happy to provide free initial consultations to discuss your case without any out-of-pocket obligations. And our rates start as low as $850! Whether you are looking to seal or expunge a criminal record, we are the criminal lawyers to trust for a hassle-free petitioning process. Take advantage of this opportunity in Indiana, and get your criminal record expunged this year!

What is the Seven Year Rule for Arrest Records?

Posted on December 31, 2018 by admin

Continue reading to learn about the “Seven Year Rule”, and confirm where your arrest record stands.

If you are preparing to interview for a new job, you must also prepare yourself to answer questions about your past. And if your past involves an arrest or criminal conviction, you might be wondering what exactly is going to show up on your background check. Understanding this information is key in order to have the right response for your potential employer, especially since they may already know what’s on your criminal history before you even sit down for your interview.

If you think it has been too long since your last arrest, you may also feel at ease being under the impression that it will not appear on a criminal background check. But be very careful; depending on the circumstances of your arrest, it might stay on your permanent record indefinitely. Other types of arrests will be sealed after a certain amount of time. This is known as the Seven Year Rule, and may apply to your criminal history.

The Seven Year Rule

The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) prohibits reporting agencies from sharing non-conviction arrest records with employers after 7 years has passed from the date of the arrest. This practice is known as the Seven Year Rule. But before you get too excited, keep in mind that this rule only applies to non-conviction arrests. These are arrests that, although occurred, never led to a conviction. Here are some examples of arrest scenarios that do not end in a conviction:

You were with a group of peers who are engaging in vandalism. The entire group was caught and arrested on vandalism charges. Later, the state determines that you were not an active participant in the vandalism, they do not press charges against you. You have an arrest on your record, but no conviction.

You were out with friends on New Year’s Eve and had too much to drink. You were caught by police arguing with your girlfriend, and detained on public intoxication charges. You spent the night in the drunk tank, but charges were dropped and you were not convicted of a crime.

Criminal Record Expungement

For arrests that did end up in a conviction, the only way to hide them from being listed on public background checks is through expungement. Otherwise, they will remain on your personal record forever. Talk to a licensed criminal defense lawyer who specializes in Indiana criminal record expungement services to learn if you qualify. There are several complex rules and stipulations for criminal record expungement eligibility, and the process to petition is highly complex; hiring a lawyer is your best chance at navigating the process accurately and efficiently.

How to Expunge Criminal Records in Indiana

Call 317-636-7514 to expunge criminal records in Indiana. We offer criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850! As a seasoned criminal defense law firm, we are well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws, and know exactly how to file and obtain a legal expungement, successfully. Call our office at 317-636-7514 and schedule a free initial consultation to determine your eligibility, today.

Things an Employer Cannot Ask You

Posted on June 18, 2018 by admin

If you are applying for a job, there are several types of information an employer can legally ask you to disclose. In contrast, there are also several questions they cannot ask you. Continue reading to learn what a potential employer cannot ask you on a job application nor in an interview.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

When you are looking for a new job, you can expect a potential employer to ask you questions. In fact, they are sure to ask about all kinds of information pertaining to your vocational and educational history, including references, criminal records, and even credit reports. Employers are also perfectly within their legal right to ask applicants about their job skills, and can even have them take certain tests to assess their job aptitude.

What They CANNOT Ask About

Although employers can ask a lot of questions about you, there are some topics that are off limits; primarily, those that discriminate. Below are a list of topics that are considered discriminatory. The exception to this rule is legality. If there is a legal reason that justifies asking a particular question, then it is permitted. Otherwise, you can politely pass on answering it on a job application or in an interview.

☓ Age
☓ Color
☓ National Origin
☓ Race/Ethnicity
☓ Religion/Creed
☓ Sex/Gender
☓ Sexual Orientation
☓ Gender Identity
☓ Marital Status
☓ Disabilities
☓ Pregnancy
☓ Public/Governmental Benefits

Criminal Records and Expungement

Since employers are allowed to inquire about an applicant’s criminal history, many people with criminal records are reluctant or hesitant to apply for a job. Certain types of criminal records can hold applicants back from getting professional licenses, promotions, or even entry level positions paid by the hour. This can affect a person for the rest of their life, and hold them back from a world of vocational opportunities.

Fortunately, some may quality for criminal record expungement or sealing, which can greatly improve a person’s employment potential. A person may quality to either expunge or seal their records. The difference between the two are complex, so it is important to discuss your eligibility with a licensed Indianapolis expungement lawyer who is well-versed in the Indiana expungement laws.

Furthermore, the petition process is rigorous, and requires astute implementation that only a lawyer can provide. You only get to petition for expungement one time in your life, and just one mistake on your application can take it all back in an instant. You need a licensed attorney to ensure your petition is implemented without a hitch.

Expunge Criminal Records in Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

What Does a Background Check Look For?

Posted on October 17, 2017 by admin

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

With the increase of internet and social media popularity, the ability to peer closer into a person’s private life is becoming easier and more desirable. One common resource for doing so is called a background check. What was once exclusively used for law enforcement, credit lenders, and employers, is now easily available to the general public for a small fee. There are thousands of online portals that offer background scanning services, private investigation, and more. Anyone can go online and find a website that provides background checks for a one-time non-refundable payment. By simply typing in your credit card number and clicking a few buttons, you too can access anyone’s public records. But what do these background checks really check for? What is included in a person’s public record? Continue reading to find out!

Background Scans

In general, there are three primary categories that a background check will provide information about. These categories include employment history, credit history, and criminal history. Of course, some background checks can be more invasive, depending on the security clearance of the authorities performing the scan, as well as, how much a person is willing to pay for such information. This can include social services history, divorce records, address changes, and more.

Within the three primary categories of standard background checks, there are detailed pieces of information that can be exposed about a person. These details and information can be used against the person when interviewing for jobs, romantically dating, applying for loans, and more. Potential employers may run a background scan for the sake of assuring someone is trustworthy for certain job responsibilities and security clearances, while a woman might run a background check on a man she has been set up on a blind date with. Depending on what the scanner is looking for, the information can be used against or in favor of a person.

Employment History – Employment background scans will look for education records, previous employers, job resignations, job losses, job responsibilities, professional credentials, military records, and more. It will also look for workers’ compensation suits and settlements, state licensing records, professional references, personal references, and more.

Credit History – Scans will look for or expose credit scores, social security numbers, bank accounts, property ownership, assets, past credit loans, defaulted loans, repossessions, outstanding debt, bankruptcies, medical records, insurance records, biological children, dependents, and more.

Criminal History – Criminal background checks will look for driving records, arrest records, jail records, court records, drug test records, institutionalization records, sex offender registrations, warrants, and more.

Call 317-636-7514 for criminal record expungement legal services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Schedule a free consultation for new clients, today.

Employee Discrimination Has its Consequences for Employers

Posted on December 23, 2014 by admin

A new law, appropriately termed the “Second Chance” law, was passed last year to allow people with past criminal convictions or arrests to conceal their records from public access through a process called criminal record expungement. This act, ACT No. 1482, was signed by Governor Mike Pence in July, and remains an active statute in Indiana, for now.

This laws applies to all Indiana-based employers and employers who hire individuals in the state of Indiana. Ex-offenders can request to have their past criminal activities sealed and expunged if they qualify. If a person qualifies to have their records expunged, employers will not be able to view past criminal histories on background checks, screens, and scans. This opens doors for past offenders that would not otherwise be available to them, such as buying a home, applying for a job, and much more.

Employee Rights

Anyone who applies for a job, or a promoted position in a company they already work for, cannot be denied employment solely for an arrest or conviction that has been expunged under law. This is unlawful of an employer to do, and they can be subjected to several penalties if reported or caught. Such violations are categorized as Class C infractions and can result in a contempt order by the courts, or even injunctive relief.

An employer can, however, ask an applicant if they have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime that has not been legally expunged. This will let the employer know if the job applicant is a habitual offender or criminal. They cannot, however, inquire about expunged records, nor ask directly if the employee has ever had a conviction or arrest expunged. Again, these are legal infractions that have major consequences.

So how do employers meet the standard of care in hiring suitable and safe employees if they might not be able to see all of a person’s criminal history? The answer is not so simple. If something were to happen, and an employer is confronted for negligent hiring, they can submit the individual’s order of expungement as evidence in support of their innocence. Also, extreme and serious crimes cannot be expunged, so employers never have to feat that they may be hiring an ex-murderer, sex offender, or rapist.

Expungement in Indiana

Call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana at 317-636-7514 for more information about criminal record expungement in Indiana. We are licensed attorneys with decades of trial and litigation experience, and now, we are extensively well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws and processes. We can represent you on your journey to concealing past criminal arrest records, starting today! Call 317-636-7514 and schedule a consultation for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, IN today.