How to Fix a Mistakes on Your Criminal Record

Anyone with an arrest or criminal record can expect a few road blocks along the road of life.  This is especially relevant to applying for a job, promotion, professional license, loan, or a residence to rent.  Landlords, supervisors, and managers commonly inquire about criminal histories to better understand the applicant and their capacity to either perform well on the job, pay back a loan, or responsibly take care of a home. If a person has a criminal record that is incorrect or misleading, it can really damage their personal and public quality of life. Fortunately, a new law has passed that allow changes to be made to criminal records, especially in the case that a record is inaccurate.

Continue reading to learn how criminal record expungement can help fix mistakes that are on your personal criminal record in Indiana.

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

Sealing Criminal Records for Adults

Criminal record expungement refers to the process in which a person hides or seals their past criminal convictions and arrests from public access. This means if a landlord or potential employer asks if you’ve been arrested and convicted of a crime, you can legally say no.  There are several details and stipulations that are involved with the expungement process, which is why a lawyer is highly recommended.

Not everyone is eligible for expungement so it is important to outsource professional legal assistance to facilitate the process exactly the way it should.  If a person qualifies for expungement but makes a single mistake during the filing process, they lose out on dealing their records and cannot ever file again. You only get one chance to seal adult criminal records.

Eligibility Requirements

When it comes to criminal record expungement, there are rules and requirements that a person must have.  For example, depending on the type of charges, a person must wait at least five years from the date of conviction to even think about filing for record expungement.  For more serious crimes, a person must wait at least 8 to 10 years from the date of arrest. 

Also, not all records are eligible for expungement; such as kidnapping, rape, murder, etc.  It is important to hire a qualified and licensed attorney that specializes in criminal record expungement services.  Because this law is new, there are many novice expungement services available; but be sure to choose a reputable law firm that genuinely understands the law and everything it entails.

Where to Get Expungement Help in Indianapolis?

Call The Law Firm of Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to get started on the Indiana criminal record expungement application process. We offer professional criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850! As a seasoned criminal defense law firm, we are well-versed in the 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.

Types of Criminal and Arrest Records That Qualify for Expungement

If you have a criminal record, whether a conviction, a charge, or just an arrest or detainment, it is in your best interest to have such records removed or sealed from public access. Just be sure to ACT NOW before the Indiana Second Chance laws are no longer available. They are not popular among many, posing the risk of abolishment at any moment.

There are many types of records that can be expunged or sealed, depending on what you qualify for. Scroll down to review information about the most common types of criminal records expunged everyday.

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

Arrest Records (If No Conviction Resulted)

A father of two, who was arrested once in their college days for public intoxication in Indiana but never convicted, is now able to have that arrest cleared from their criminal record. This is a perfect example of how the new expungement law can help. A person arrested more than a year ago, but never convicted of a crime, can have that arrest removed from their criminal record with the help of our experienced criminal attorneys in Indianapolis.

Misdemeanor Convictions (Including Class D Felonies Reduced to Misdemeanors)

Everyone made mistakes; especially when we were young. It is common for people to have insignificant misdemeanor convictions on their criminal records; such as operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI or DUI), shoplifting, check fraud, small narcotic possession charges, battery without injury, and more. Often times, these misdemeanor convictions can be removed from a person’s record with the help of a skilled attorney. Our knowledgeable attorneys can give you the details on how to get your record cleared of misdemeanors for good in Indiana.

Class D Felony Convictions

If a class D felony was not reduced to a misdemeanor charge, a person may still have a chance to get it expunged from their criminal record in Indiana. Class D felonies such as theft, OWI/DUI with priors, intimidation, fraud, and drug possession, can all be cleared from a person’s criminal records so long as they meet all the eligibility requirements. For details about the Indiana expungement eligibility requirements, call our law office at 317-636-7514 today.

Other Felonies

Other felonies, more serious than a class D felony, can be expunged from a criminal record. This does not include sex offenses, homicide, human trafficking, sex crimes, and more. Although there are more stringent requirements for this type of expungement case, a court may still rule in a person’s favor. This all depends on whether or not they meet the eligibility standards, their most recent criminal activity, and more. Call our law office for details about felony expungement in Indiana.

Hire a Lawyer Before You Apply

It is strongly recommended to discuss all of your questions and concerns surrounding criminal record expungement and sealing with a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who is well-versed and experienced in these laws. They can provide a personalized investigation and assessment of your case and determine whether or not you qualify. From there, they can assist with your petition process to ensure everything is filed properly. Just one simple error or missed deadline can deny you the second chance at petitioning, which is why having a professional do the work for you is so critical to your case.

Call 317-636-7514 to expunge criminal records in Indiana. We offer criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850!

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!

Limits to Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7414

A criminal record can hold a person back from a lot of freedoms and opportunities. A large majority of employers run a criminal background check on applicants; and if it comes back unsatisfactory, they reserve the right to deny employment or promotion. Aside from a restricted career and paygrade, a poor criminal record can also affect a person’s right to vote, hold office, own or possess a firearm, and more. Fortunately for Hoosiers, the state passed a new law in 2011 that gave people the right to restrict public access to their
criminal records if they meet the requirements.

The law, commonly referred to as “Indiana’s Second Chance Law”, was expanded upon again in the following years. Depending on their qualifications, they past offenders can either seal or expunge their criminal records in Indiana. But as mentioned, there are certain requirements individuals must meet in order to be granted expungement or sealing. Continue reading to learn what limitations to expect when petitioning for criminal record expungement in Indiana.

Expunging Criminal Records

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

After you have been granted expungement, you can legally say “No” when someone asks you if you have a criminal record. Although getting there takes hard work, diligence, and patience, ultimately, it takes meeting the requirements. These requirements are what limits people’s eligibility for criminal record expungement. Talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney for help determining your eligibility and filing the petition. Below, you will find a breakdown of the standard limitations to
expect under the criminal record expungement law.

Expungement – Indiana Code § 35-38-5-1

For those who do not have an actual conviction on their criminal record, they have the greatest chance at being granted criminal record expungement in Indiana. If your charges were dropped because 1) mistaken identity, 2) actual innocence, and 3) no probable cause that you committed the crime in question, you have a good chance at being granted expungement.

Of course, there are time stipulations as well. It must be a certain number of years since the initial arrest. And this is just the start, there are several other factors that influence eligibility as well, such as pending criminal charges and more. A criminal defense lawyer will guide you through the requirements so you can learn all the limitations that may apply to you and your criminal record.

Restricted Access – Indiana Code § 35-38-5-5.5

For those who were arrested but charges were never brought against them or later dropped (for instance, a college public intoxication arrest where cops just put someone in the “drunk tank” to sober up and then release them without charges after), they would not meet the requirements for criminal record expungement. But they could be eligible for “restricted access.” This applies to those who were 1) arrested but never charged, 2) arrested, charged, but then acquitted of all charges, or 3) convicted but conviction was later vacated.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to file for criminal record expungement in Indiana. He is an experienced criminal defense attorney that is well-versed in all Indiana expungement and sealing laws. You can only file one time in your life, and one mistake or missed deadline can take your only chance away forever. Avoid that risk by having David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, file your petition for you. His services start as low as $850! Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation and learn the best strategy for your criminal record, today.