How to Request a Copy of Your Criminal Records in Indiana

If you are looking to obtain a hard copy of your Indiana criminal records, it is important to understand that the process is not as easy as making a phone call or clicking a download button. In fact, you may have to try more than one source to get a full report. Continue reading to learn the top 3 options that will be most effective when requesting your past criminal records in Indiana.

Indianapolis, Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514
Indianapolis, Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Local, State, and Federal Records

As mentioned, there is no cumulative database for your criminal records. Depending on the counties and states you have offenses in, you may need to look in multiple places to get a full copy of your criminal records. If you have only one infraction on your record, obtaining a full report is simple so long as you know which level of government your record falls under. Local records, state records, and federal records are all different.

Federal Offenses

Felonies are generally reported to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). If your conviction was a federal offense, you will need to visit the official FBI website and request a criminal history summary by filling out an application information form. This service is not free and may cost up to $18 or more depending on current rates. You will need to send in a money order or certified check through the mail or pay via electronic payment.

State and Local Offenses

For all other criminal offenses, you will need to contact the state or local authorities where your crime took place. The avenue in which to do this varies from place to place, so start by calling the Department of Justice or state law enforcement department. From there, they can get you in touch with the proper resources for obtaining a copy of your criminal records. The process of obtaining your state and local criminal records vary as well. However, you can expect to be asked to present payment, identification, documentation, and more. It generally takes between 2 and 4 weeks to get results in the mail.

Do you have arrests on your criminal record that hold you back from a better life? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers at 317-636-7514 to learn how to begin your petition, today. We serve clients all throughout the state, and never charge for initial consultations.

You Should Also Read:

Can Guilty Pleas Be Appealed?
Do My Background Check Results Really Matter?
How to Fix a Mistakes on Your Criminal Record

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

Facts About Arrest Warrants and Other Types of Court Issued Warrants

If you are facing an arrest warrant or bench warrant, it is vital that you understand the difference between the two so that you take the right steps to protect yourself and your freedom. Once you have been issued a warrant, it stays on your permanent record forever, unless you petition for criminal record expungement or sealing.

Continue below to learn more about arrest warrants and bench warrants, as well as how to seal or destroy such criminal records for the sake of your future.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Services 317-636-7514
Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Services 317-636-7514

Why Courts Issue Warrants

If a person commits a crime, or is guilty under penalty of law, they are expected to obey their court orders and instruction until they have fulfilled their obligations to the court.  If a person who is under court ruling disobeys their rules and regulations, such as failing to appear for a court hearing, or violating their probation orders, they will be issued a warrant for their re-arrest.

When this happens, the local police are notified, the Department of Motor Vehicles is alerted, and online databases are updated to inform the public of the notice.  If you have a warrant out for your arrest, you need to turn yourself in to authorities at the local police station; otherwise, you are considered a fugitive of the law.

Arrest Warrants

A person with a warrant out for their arrest can expect to live with a great deal of paranoia.  This is because they can be picked up by the police and arrested on the spot at any place.  They can be arrested at work, at home, in the gym, and anywhere else they might be noticed or discovered.  Having a warrant is a bad, but resolvable situation.  A person needs to contact their lawyer and turn themselves into authorities before they get themselves in more trouble.

Bench Warrants

A bench warrant is another term used for arrest warrant.  Specifically, a bench warrant is intended to flag someone for violation, and call them to the judge’s “bench” for sentencing.  They are issued when a person fails a court ordered drug test, skips a probation meeting, misses a court date, or commits other similar court violations.  Same as any other warrant, it is advised to turn yourself in before your legal situation escalates into something bigger.

If you are facing any kind of warrant, time is of the essence. Act fact and contact a lawyer to help you with a speedy and secure surrender.

Do you have arrests on your criminal record that hold you back from a better life? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition, today. We serve clients all throughout the state, and never charge for initial consultations.

You Should Read:

Will My Conviction Fall Off My Record After a Long Time?
Why it is Important to Run a Background Check on Yourself
How to Get Started With Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

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

Do All States Allow Criminal Record Expungement?

With so many laws being passed and repealed every day, it’s hard to keep up. And although most people are unaware of new laws being passed in their state, there is one new law that many cannot afford to ignore. Criminal record expungement is now legal in several states within the country. This new law allows past criminals to seal or restrict their past arrests and convictions from public view. There are endless benefits to this law, but not all states have approved it yet.

Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement and which states have approved the law.

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

Expunging Criminal Records

The new criminal record expungement laws have the ability to change people’s lives in a dramatic way. With certain criminal records weighing over a person’s head and lingering on their public record, there are certain consequences. Aside from criminal stigma and judgement, a criminal record can hold a person back from any benefits that require a background check. This includes applying for a loan, renting an apartment, getting a job, and more.

Now, in cooperating states, people have the opportunity to have these past criminal records sealed or restricted from the public, with the exception of police and government officials. This allows people to take advantage of certain benefits, like better jobs and home loans, and live a better life. Most states have adopted this new criminal record expungement law, but some are still lingering on the back burner. Since most states have not approved and passed this new law, it is more efficient to list the ones that have so far.

Here is a list of states that allow criminal record expungement:

  • Indiana
  • Arizona
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Florida
  • Illinois
  • Missouri
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Ohio
  • Utah
  • Texas
  • Tennessee
  • Washington

Although these states have approved the criminal expungement law, it is not a permanent law. They have only approved it for a trial period. And since there are several opposed to this law, there is no telling when or if it will get repealed. This means it is important to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts. The only catch is that not everyone will qualify for criminal record expungement.

There are guidelines that one must meet to be eligible to conceal or expunge their criminal records. This is why it is necessary to hire a licensed criminal attorney for accurate and professional help. A person can only file one time in their life, and just one mistake can take that chance away. A lawyer can determine your eligibility and ensure everything is carried out precisely.

How to Start Criminal Record Expungement in Indianapolis, Indiana

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.

FAQs About Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Now that many past offenders have had great success with Indiana’s Second Chance Law, you too should strongly consider taking advantage of this opportunity before it is gone forever. If you have a criminal record that you wish could be restricted from public access, then now is the time to look into your eligibility and requirements.

Your best course of action is to discuss your criminal record concerns and goals with a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in the new expungement laws. You can schedule a free initial consultation to get all the answers you need.

In the meantime, continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about record sealing and expunging in Indiana.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

What is the Difference Between Expunging Criminal Records and Sealing Criminal Records?

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.

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 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.

Am I Qualified for Criminal Record Expungement?

Not everyone qualified for criminal record expungement. There are several perquisites to be eligible, all of which vary depending on the state, type of charges, amount of time that that has passed, current legal probation stints or pending charges, and much more. Generally, the types of petitioners who can apply includes individuals who were falsely charged, found not guilty, acquitted, had charges dismissed, or not guilty of the charges.

Can Adults Expunge Juvenile Records?

Yes; if you are 18 years or older, but have criminal convictions, arrests, or charges from when you were a minor, you may be able to have these records expunged in Indiana! When you have past arrests, misdemeanors, and low-grade felonies blocked from public access, you can feel more confident about interviewing for that dream job, or applying for a loan, and much more.

How Much Does it Cost to Expunge or Seal Criminal Records?

The cost of criminal expungement in Indiana differs. It all depends on the severity of the conviction, the number of convictions, the location of the convictions, the age of the convictions, and court costs. Fortunately, there are law firms that do not charge a fee for your first consultation. This means you have nothing to lose and only knowledge to gain regarding your eligibility for criminal expungement, if you find the right Indianapolis criminal defense law firm that specializes in expungement services.

How Do I Expunge My Criminal Record in Indiana?

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

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 in Indiana, and get your criminal record expunged this year!