What To Do if You Have a Juvenile Criminal Record in Indiana

Posted on October 5, 2021 by admin

Are you an adult with a juvenile criminal record in Indiana? If so, this blog is for you. Continue reading to learn your options for concealing or removing juvenile arrest records and criminal convictions from your criminal history as a minor, including how to get started on a criminal record expungement petition as soon as today.

Juvenile Expungement Indianapolis IN 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

A few years back, Indiana passed a new law, referred to as Indiana’s Second Chance Law, that allows qualified applicants to seal or expunge, which basically means to remove or clean up, eligible criminal records. Both convictions and non-convictions, including arrests, may be eligible for criminal record expungement. However, not all petitioners will qualify in Indiana.

Furthermore, an applicant only gets one chance to petition for criminal record expungement in Indiana; and just one mistake, such as a missed deadline or spelling error, can have an applicant’s opportunity revoked forever. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged, and, practice, to hire an Indiana criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement services. A criminal defense expungement lawyer can navigate all elements of your criminal record expungement petition, ensuring that all paperwork and documentation are carefully crafted, reviewed, and submitted on time.

Juvenile Records Can Be Cleaned Up

As an adult, you may have run into certain challenges and setbacks as a result of your juvenile criminal record. If this is true in your case, the new Indiana Second Chance Law is exactly what you need for a brighter more opportunistic future. Many juvenile arrest records qualify for criminal record expungement and record sealing, but others may not.

Some criminal convictions and charges do not qualify at all, including murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, and similar egregious and violent offenses. Talk to an Indianapolis IN criminal expungement lawyer to learn your eligibility for cleaning up your juvenile criminal record in Indiana. In fact, this is your very first step in the juvenile criminal record expungement process.

What You Need to Know Right Now

Indiana’s Second Chance Law is not a popular one, and there are many lobbyist groups and parties who are actively trying to revoke the law every single day. It is possible that this criminal record expungement law is not around for much longer. For this reason, it is important to take advantage of it right now, before your opportunity passes you by forever.

Are you ready to get in touch with a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you clean up your juvenile criminal history in Indiana? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition, today. Our expungement fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

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

Do Teenagers Have the Right to Expunge Arrest Records in Indiana?

Posted on October 27, 2020 by admin

When a person has a criminal record, it can create a downhill spiral of consequences for life. Whether a person was arrest, convicted, or both, a record will hold them back from certain benefits and advantages in normal society. Taking out a bank loan, applying for a job opening, renting an apartment, and more can create obstacles for someone who has been arrested or convicted of a crime. The good news is that a person can now have their arrest records purged in certain states if they qualify. The better news is that teenagers can also petition for criminal record expungement in Indiana.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about juvenile criminal record expungement in Indiana, including how to turn in an application before the end of the year.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

The Definition of a Juvenile

An individual who is 17 years old or younger is considered a juvenile in the eyes of the law. When a kid under the age of 18 years old is arrested for a crime, they are generally charged as a juvenile. But if they are over the age of 14, and the crime they committed was a serious felony, the courts and state may decide to try them as an adult. In these cases, the crimes are pretty serious or extensive. Courts do this to not only set an example, but to also make a point to service the right amount of justice where deserved.

To clear up the confusion, a minor is someone who is restricted to do something due to their age, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and voting. A juvenile can be a juvenile and a minor, while someone who is 18 is not a juvenile, but being under the age of 21 makes them a minor in terms of alcohol.

When a Juvenile is Tried as an Adult

If a minor is over the age of 14, and the crime they commit is serious, the state may decide to try them as an adult. In terms of expungement, a juvenile must wait a certain number of years, without committing any other crimes in between, before they can even qualify at all. Once this time limit is up, generally between 5 and 8 years, they can begin to inquire about further eligibility. But some crimes are never eligible for expungement, including murder, sex crimes, arson, human trafficking, and more.

Expunging Misdemeanor Arrests

If a minor was convicted of a lesser crime, such as a misdemeanor or Level 6 felony, there is possibility for expungement. Depending on their past criminal history, this eligibility may change. Whether a juvenile was tried as an adult or not, there may be a chance for qualification. Each individual case is different, which is why it is important to consult a licensed criminal lawyer for accurate evaluation and

How to Turn in Your Juvenile Expungement Application 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. Don’t let price worry you. 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 Indiana expungement law and get your criminal record expunged this year!

Can I Seal My Juvenile Arrest Records in Indiana?

Posted on September 16, 2020 by admin

When we are kids, we tend to make some regrettable mistakes. But we should not have to be held accountable for them in our adult lives, especially if we are good, legally-abiding citizens. So, it is quite unfortunate for those who are held back from the professional licenses, careers, school admissions, and more, all because of an arrest record they acquired as a teenager or minor. But there is good news for anyone who is experiencing this same quality of life. Here in Indiana, a new law allows those with past criminal or arrest records to expunge or seal them from public access. This means you can have a fresh start at life, and move forward with peace of mind.

Continue reading to learn how to seal or expunge juvenile arrest records in Indiana, including how to qualify and where to get started.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Benefits of Arrest Record Sealing and Expungement

Numerous benefits come with expunging a criminal record in Indiana. Once a person has hired our seasoned attorneys to get their criminal records removed, they can expect certain rights to be restored to them, as well as, employment benefits, personal achievement, emotional reward, and much more. This new law will open up job opportunities and get more people back to work, repair driving records, eliminate the potential for lost job opportunities, let people feel better about themselves and their past, avoid public embarrassment, and so much more.

Difference Between Expungement and Record Sealing

Criminal record expungement is the process in which a petitioner asks the court to seal all court records and arrest information pertaining to a particular event on a person’s criminal record. Record sealing is very similar, except that if a person was arrested and found 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 police, federal government, the FBI, immigration officers, and other public officials. But when criminal records and arrests are sealed, they are no longer visible on public background check databases or accessible by employers, landlords, and other general public.

Eligibility Requirements for Arrest Record Sealing

In order to remove juvenile arrest records from your criminal history, you must pass the Indiana expungement eligibility requirements to move forward in your case. These include:

☑ Must Wait 1 Year Following Arrest
☑ No Conviction Resulted
☑ No Current, Further, or Pending Charges

KEEP IN MIND: One of the rules to expunging a criminal record is that a person can only file once in a lifetime. If a mistake is made, it could be the end of your pursuit to expunge your criminal record in Indiana.

How to Avoid Expungement and Record Sealing Errors

It is necessary to hire a criminal lawyer who it well-versed in the new laws to help you with your petition. 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!

Can the Indiana Expungement Law Help Juveniles?

Posted on February 12, 2020 by admin

Do you worry about your child’s future because of their past arrest or criminal record? Everything from their college admissions and dating, to professional licensing, mortgage loans, and more, can be negatively affected by a criminal record. Fortunately, the Indiana Criminal Record Expungement law might be able to provide your loved one with some legal relief, and put your mind at ease.

However, before you get your hopes up, you must know that there are several stipulations and limitations to expunging criminal records, primarily qualifying. Furthermore, the law is complex, so be prepared to hire a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement so that your child’s petition is secured.

Continue reading to learn how juveniles might benefit from Indiana criminal record expungement, and who to trust for accurate legal advice and petition services in Indianapolis.

Don’t Make the Biggest Mistake

When it comes to petitioning for criminal history expungement, the worst mistake you can make is to NOT hire a qualified lawyer. Attempting to petition for expungement on your own is a huge set up for disaster. Not only is the legal process and actual petition both highly complex, petitioners only get one chance in their entire lifetime to apply for expungement. The petition is so strict and complicated that just a single, insignificant mistake, like a skipped line or misspelled name, will revoke a person’s petition. After a petition is revoked, you do not get another try.

A criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement and sealing services will ensure that a petition is filled out precisely, submitted on time and to the proper departments. All of these elements of the petition process are vital. But filing a criminal record expungement petition correctly is not the only thing you must ensure. There is also the matter of qualifying.

Qualification for Expungement

In order to be eligible for criminal record expungement, there are certain facts that must exist. The most important requirement is that a person must be 18 years of age to petition for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Additional qualification factors are time and charge. A specific amount of time must pass from the date of the arrest in order for a petitioner to be eligible.

For instance, a person expunging a basic misdemeanor DUI charge must wait at least 5 years from the date of their arrest. This will affect your child’s petition since they will likely not be eligible until they are already a legal adult. For example, if your child was arrested on their 16^th birthday for drug possession, they won’t be eligible for expungement until they are 21 years old.

Get a Personal Assessment for Your Expungement Eligibility

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to see if your love one is eligible for Indiana criminal record expungement assessed. Our services start as low as $850, so anyone can afford to clean up their record. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation, today.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Will the State Expunge My Shoplifting Arrest Record?

Posted on September 10, 2019 by admin

Life is certainly a learning curve. And along the way, many of us make poor character choices that later teach us the morals we ultimately adopt as our own. One such error in judgement is the crime of shoplifting, which happens to be among the most common adolescent and young adult offenses committed in the United States. Unfortunately, being arrested for shoplifting does stay on your permanent, public record forever; unless you do something about it, of course. If you wish to improve the quality of your life full-circle, you might want to consider the Indiana Second Chance laws. Keep in mind, however, not all petitioners qualify.

So, can you expunge a shoplifting arrest from your criminal record? Continue reading to learn how to find out.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

Theft Charges in Indiana

If you were arrested for theft in Indiana, the type of charge you get, misdemeanor or felony, depends on the value of the stolen goods, and a few other contributing factors. Accordingly, the factors surrounding your eligibility for criminal record expungement will depend on the severity of your criminal charge. Below is a guide to help you understand the levels of punishment for different values of theft in Indiana.

📿 Under $750 = Class A Misdemeanor

🚙 Between $750 & $ 49,000 = Level 6 Felony

⛵ Over $50,000 = Level 5 Felony

Do You Qualify for Expungement?

Your eligibility for criminal record expungement first depends on whether or not you were ever charged, what you were charged with, and how long it has been since the date of your arrest. Additional contributing factors that determine your eligibility include your recent criminal history, employment, citizenship, and more.

Talk to a licensed Indiana expungement attorney for help confirming your eligibility for criminal record expungement. Keep in mind, not all offenses can be expunged. See our blog, “What You Can and Cannot Expunge” to learn more. But not to worry; if you do not qualify for expungement, you may be eligible for record sealing.

How to Start Your Expungement Application

Call our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm 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 and get your criminal record expunged this year!

Can Juveniles Tried as Adults Have their Criminal Record Expunged?

Posted on November 13, 2015 by admin

There are new Indiana laws that pertain to sealing or expunging criminal records for those who qualify, but there are several stipulations and complex procedures that influence a person’s right to expungement. For most misdemeanors, it is a required 5 year waiting period, from the date of the arrest, in order to meet the time-elapse qualifications. But there are many more, involving prior convictions, habitual offenders, serious felony crimes, and more. It is vitally important to talk to a licensed criminal attorney that is well-versed in the new Indiana record expungement laws in order to fully understand what it takes to
qualify and move forward with the process.

Many parents, or young adults, have questions about juvenile arrests and expungement. Mainly, people want to know if a juvenile record can be expunged, and if so, how to get started. But another common question has to do with minors that were arrested and tried as adults. Can these juvenile records still be expunged even though they were charged and convicted as an adult? And if so, how can a juvenile, or person with a juvenile record, qualify for criminal record expungement? Continue reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.

Juvenile Criminal Records

When a kid under the age of 18 years old is arrested for a crime, they are generally charged as a minor. But if they are over the age of 14 and the crime they committed was a serious felony, the courts and state may decide to try them as an adult. In these cases, the crimes are pretty serious or extensive. Courts do this to not only set an example, but to also make a point to service the right amount of justice where deserved.

In terms of expungement, a juvenile must wait a certain number of years, without committing any other crimes in between, before they can even qualify at all. Once this time limit is up, generally between 5 and 8 years, they can begin to inquire about further eligibility. What we mean is, some crimes are never eligible for expungement, including murder, sex crimes, arson, human trafficking, and more. But is a juvenile was convicted of a lesser crime, such as a misdemeanor or Level 6 felony, there is possibility for expungement. Depending on their past criminal history, this eligibility may change. Whether a juvenile was tried as an adult or not, there may be a chance for qualification. Each individual case is different, which is why it is important to consult a licensed criminal lawyer for accurate evaluation and information.

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for information about juvenile criminal record expungement in Indiana. We are well-versed in the new Indiana laws pertaining to the processes, procedures, rules, eligibility, and more. We can provide secure assistance to seal or expunge criminal records and arrest records. Our services start as low as $850 and he offers free case evaluations. Call 317-636-7514 to determine your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana, today.

Can Minors Have their Criminal Records Expunged?

Posted on September 25, 2014 by admin

New Indiana laws permit past offenders to have their previous criminal records concealed from the public. This means clean background checks and restricted criminal histories for anyone who is granted expungement. Many families who have minors with criminal convictions want to know if their son or daughter can also have their criminal records concealed. They answer is not so straight-forward. Continue reading to learn how to qualify for criminal record expungement, and if minors can be included in the system.

Juvenile Record Expungement

Anyone who wishes to have their arrest records and convictions concealed from public access must qualify by meeting certain criteria. One of the first and foremost criteria for expunging criminal records, is that the requesting party must be at least 18 years old. Only a legal adult can qualify to have their records expunged; however, this does not mean adults cannot have their juvenile records concealed. Once someone turns 18 years old, and they meet all other requirements for record expungement, they can pursue this legal grant with the help of a licensed Indianapolis attorney.

Although minors cannot have their arrest records expunged, it is not their last hope. Once they turn 18 years old, and their offenses have passed a certain amount of time, they too can pursue record expungement legally. For misdemeanors, five years must pass before the conviction can be sealed; while more severe convictions require more allotted time. It all depends on the individual’s crime, charge, and conviction.

Indianapolis Expungement Services

Call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana at 317-636-7514 to learn more about the Indiana criminal record expungement laws and eligibility requirements. Our seasoned attorneys are acutely well-versed in the new Indiana criminal expungement laws, and retain good-standing relationships with the local courthouses and magistrates. We can help you conceal your criminal records this year! Call 317-636-7514 and schedule a consultation with a licensed criminal record expungement lawyer in Indianapolis, IN today.

How to Seal Court Records for Minors

Posted on June 11, 2014 by admin

Kids are known to make mistakes. Now under a new expungement law in Indiana, minors with criminal records can get a fresh start by sealing their juvenile court histories. They can legally file a petition to the courts, requesting criminal record expungement of their past criminal convictions. If they are granted expungement, they can start right away by hiring an attorney that specializes in this new law.

Juvenile Criminal Expungement

When a person expunges their past criminal and court records, they can legally tell potential employers, landlords, licensing agencies, and more that they have never been arrested or convicted of a crime. However, there are several stipulations and perquisites for a person to qualify for expungement. To determine if someone is eligible for criminal expungement, it is best to consult a licensed attorney who is well-versed in this area of law. They can inform you of all the steps and procedures involved in filing for record expungement, and can facilitate all of the proper requirements and obligations accurately. Having a lawyer on your side is vital in order to be approved for expungement because, under law, a person has only one chance in their lifetime to file for expungement. If one document or paperwork is filed incorrectly, a person loses their opportunity to expunge their court records.

Here are the general eligibility guidelines, subject to vary depending on individual circumstances and convictions, for juvenile record expungement:

1. Age – Must Be 18 Years Old or Older

2. Time Passed – Must Be At Least 5 Years Since Date of Minor’s Conviction

3. Type of Offense – Serious Convictions Cannot Be Expunged (i.e. crimes that would be felony offenses in adult court)

4. Subsequent Crimes – Petitions Will Be Denied if Succeeding Adult Convictions Exist

In order to file for juvenile expungement, a person must meet all of the above criteria, then follow these steps:

1. Hire a Licensed Indianapolis Attorney
2. File a Petition to the Juvenile Court Clerk in the County of Conviction or Arrest
3. Pay a Court Filing Fee

Indiana Expungement Services for Juveniles and Adults

Call 317-636-7514 for juvenile expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are extensively well-versed in the new criminal record expungement laws, and can assist you in accurate and precise filing services. If you were arrested or convicted of a crime in your adolescent years, you may be eligible for expungement. Call us today at 317-636-7514 and schedule a free initial consultation for us to assess your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana.

How Can the New Indiana Expungement Law Help a Teenager with a Criminal Record?

Posted on February 8, 2014 by admin

Indiana courts now allow juveniles with arrest and criminal records to petition for criminal record expungement at any time. This means they can file a claim in a juvenile court and present their case to a judge, asking to have their criminal records sealed from the general public. There is no concrete equation or agenda for determining if a teen can have their juvenile records expunged. Instead, all cases are addressed individually by a judge and jury. If a petition for juvenile record expungement is granted, then that teenager’s criminal history and arrest records will be hidden from general public view forever.

Potential employers and landlords cannot see these kinds of criminal records on a background check; nor will they be visible on any public database. Their juvenile record will be erased from all police agency files, court files, medical files, and more. Looking back, we know we have all made mistakes when we were young and naive. This is why juvenile criminal record expungement is a fantastic opportunity at a second chance for teens and young adults. They can still have a promising future without past records of petty crimes and arrest holding them back.

College applications look much better to schools, and employers cannot see if a teenager has been arrested in the past. Future career opportunities with higher paying companies will be attainable because they will not be able to see a person’s juvenile arrest record on a background scan. When it comes to renting an apartment, landlords cannot access arrest or criminal records of a juvenile and deny their application. There are various advantages for teenagers who have their juvenile arrest records expunged in Indiana. The most important advantage and reason is opening doors and opportunities for teenagers; but the most rewarding is peace of mind.

Indianapolis Juvenile Record Expungement Services

If your teenager has a criminal record in Indiana, call us for superior Indianapolis juvenile record expungement services and assistance. We are highly trained and proficient attorneys that have studied the new Indiana expungement law thoroughly. It is a complex and complicated process that requires acute attention to detail and delicacy in the court room. To expunge juvenile arrest records in Indiana, one must consult a lawyer for help. If one mistake is made during the process, a teenager can never file for criminal expungement in Indiana ever again. This is why it is vital to hire an experienced attorney for successful results.

Visit our website at https://www.expungecriminalrecordindiana.com/eligible-for-expungement.php to see if you or your teen is eligible for expungement. We offer initial consultations for free to assess whether or not you or your teen meet the expungement requirements. We also offer payment plans, 24 hour phone service, and more. Call us today at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation for Indianapolis juvenile record expungement services and information in Indiana.