Can I Seal My Juvenile Criminal Records?

As kids, we all make mistakes. Some mistakes land juveniles in trouble with the law. Fortunately, with the right qualifications, Indiana’s Second Chance Law may allow you to seal your juvenile arrest and criminal records, even if you were ultimately found guilty of the charge. Continue below to learn how to confirm your eligibility for juvenile criminal record sealing, plus how to get started if you believe you meet the prerequisites for qualification.

Juvenile Record Sealing Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Juvenile Record Sealing Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Juvenile Record Sealing Stipulations

In order to qualify to seal your juvenile criminal records, you must meet certain, state-specified criteria. Criteria will include age, type of offense, time passed since the offense, and adult criminal records. Although such requirements vary among states, they are generally across the board with these before-mentioned factors.

Age and Time Passed Since Your Offense

Here in Indiana, you must be at least 18 years old to petition for juvenile record sealing. This means that juveniles, which are people under the age of 18 years old, cannot petition for record sealing. In addition to your age, eligibility largely depends on the amount of time that has passed since the date of the offense or subsequent charge. Some states allow petitioners to file for record sealing as soon as 30 days after their 18th birthday. Other states require a set time limit, typically 3 to 5 years since the date of the offense.

Type of Crime or Charge

Juveniles can be guilty of all sorts of infractions and offenses. The more serious ones may not qualify for record sealing, such as homicide, sexual assault, murder, and similar egregious federal-level crimes. Lesser offenses, like underage drinking, driving without a license, truancy, drug possession, shoplifting, running away, and similar common teenage wrongdoings, generally qualify for juvenile record sealing.

Adult Criminal Records

Not only must you be an adult, 18 years old or older, to petition for juvenile record sealing, but you must also be an adult with a clear adult criminal record. Perhaps one isolated or minor offense as an adult might not affect your eligibility, but more serious and certainly habitual offenses will cause your petition to be denied.

How to Get Started with Juvenile Record Sealing

To file for juvenile record sealing, you must complete a series of complicated paperwork, which will require you to locate and submit additional, relevant documents, plus pay a fee. And just one mistake on your petition, or a missed filing deadline, will cause your petition to be denied. After that happens, you are no longer eligible to file again. For these reasons and more, it is necessary to hire a licensed criminal defense attorney who specializes in expungement and record sealing services. They will ensure your petition is navigated properly.

Are you ready to get started on your Indiana juvenile record sealing petition? Contact us at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, and be one step closer to better and brighter future.

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Does the Indiana Second Chance Law Pertain to Juvenile Criminal Records?

The Indiana Second Chance Law has already changed the lives of thousands of past offenders in Indiana. This law allows those who qualify to conceal their criminal history from public access. Many people are wondering if they can have criminal and arrest records from their adolescent years expunged as well. No one wants to have a criminal history from a time when they were growing, learning minors that still made mistakes. The Indiana expungement law lets adults with juvenile arrest records seal their criminal history data from public view for good. Expunging juvenile arrest records is possible, and endlessly beneficial.

Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement and how to expunge juvenile arrest records without error.

Juvenile Record Sealing Expungement Indiana 317-636-7514
Juvenile Record Sealing Expungement Indiana 317-636-7514

Indiana Expungement of Juvenile Criminal Records

One of the stipulations for expunging arrest records, juvenile or not, is that a person can only file one time in their life; and if one small filing mistake is made, they lose their chance to conceal their arrest records forever. This is why it is vital to hire a licensed attorney that is well-versed in the new expungement laws. They can responsibly facilitate the entire expungement process, start to finish, including all paperwork and more.

They know how to effectively communicate to judges and prosecutors, as well as file all necessary paperwork and forms on time. A trusted lawyer that has studied and been involved with the new laws regarding record expunging, is the best approach to successfully concealing arrest records and criminal histories from when you were a minor.

How to Get Started With Juvenile Record Expungement

To get started, you must first determine if you are eligible for expungement. There are several prerequisites to qualify. Depending on factors like the type of record, arrest, charge, or conviction, there are different requirements. A certain number of years has had to have passed to be eligible and certain crimes do not qualify at all, like murder, sex crimes, and more.

Why Use a Lawyer for Expungement and Record Sealing

A licensed Indianapolis criminal lawyer can help you identify your eligibility for criminal record expungement. From there, they can assess whether or not you qualify and if they can file your request. Lawyer fees for Indiana criminal record expungement vary depending on the crime, level of difficulty, and individual law firms. You can hire a criminal record expungement lawyer for as low as $850 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

An Important Warning for Expungement Applicants…

Indiana expungement laws can be repealed at any time. This means you do not want to wait another second to get your criminal record cleared in Indiana! The expungement law has considerable opposition and can be gone at any time. Take advantage of this opportunity in Indiana, and get your criminal record expunged this year!

Do you have arrests on your juvenile record that have been holding you back from a better or happier 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.

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Can Juveniles Tried as Adults Have their Criminal Record Expunged?
Do Teenagers Have the Right to Expunge Arrest Records in Indiana?

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

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

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
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!