Many people ask about certificates of actual innocence and how they can help clear their legal slate; but they are commonly confused with expunging criminal records. Understandably, this confusion creates a wide-range of skewed and inaccurate answers to the question, “What is a Certificate of Actual Innocence?” To comprehend the purpose of these certificates, it is important to understand criminal record expungement as well.

Knowing the difference between record expunging and certificates of innocence can sometimes answer questions for you that you didn’t even know you had. For those of you looking up ways to get a clean criminal slate, learn whether or not you need to apply for a Certificate of Actual Innocence or criminal record expungement.

Defining Certificates of Actual Innocence

A Certificate of Actual Innocence is the utmost and highest form of criminal record expungement. Not only does it lawfully seals a conviction or arrest from a person’s criminal record, it recognizes that the person was innocent of the crime to begin with and should not have been arrested in the first place. It conceals a past criminal mark on a person’s record, while stating that the criminal mark should never have existed at all.

These certificates are awarded to those who were arrested for charges they did not commit, and whose charges were later dropped. These individuals can choose to have this particular arrest sealed permanently on their personal record and legally indicated that it should never have occurred to begin with. For those arrested and charged with a crime they were found guilty of, criminal record expungement may be possible, but a certificate of innocence is not.

People wish to conceal past arrests and convictions in order to protect their image, career, families, and more. Having a criminal record can prevent a person from getting a decent job, being approved for a bank loan, renting a home, and more. It is important to conceal arrest records with the help of a professional lawyer or law firm that specializes in expunging arrest records. If you were arrested or charged with a crime you are not guilty of, call a licensed Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Attorney right away. They can determine if you are eligible to expunge your criminal and arrest records or if you qualify for a Certificate of Actual Innocence in Indiana.

Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

If you were arrested for a crime you are not guilty of, or were arrested and later found innocent, you may be eligible for a Certificate of Actual Innocence in Indiana. Call 317-636-7514 to learn more about criminal record expungement and certificates of innocence today. Our highly experienced and knowledgeable attorneys are extensively well-versed in expungement law in Indiana and can answer any questions you may have. Contact Us at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultations to examine your case and discuss your eligibility for a Certificate of Actual Innocence in Indiana.