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Can Minors Have their Criminal Records Expunged?

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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.

Pros and Cons Surrounding the Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Law

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The new criminal record expungement laws are earning mixed reviews among lawyers, legal committees, counsels, and magistrates. The critics are arguing that the new law, permitting past convicted criminals to expunge their records, just doesn’t quite add up. These reconsiderations are now encouraging our communities to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the new record expungement law, and adopt our own outlooks or positions on it.

Indiana Record Expungement

The Indiana criminal record expungement law came into effect last year in an effort to relieve past offenders of their criminal record encumbrances. Its purpose is to allow people with a non-violent criminal record to conceal their criminal histories and arrest records from the public in order to qualify for better jobs and broader personal prospects. It prohibits the public, like employers and mortgage companies, from accessing a person’s criminal history in order to investigate their eligibility and entitlement. This means expunged records will not be revealed on a standard background check.

This new law is gaining much expected popularity among past Indiana offenders and criminals. According to a recent article published by IndianaBusinessJournal.com, this year more than 270 requests for criminal records expungement were received in the first six months just in Monroe County, IN (“Prosecutors: Expungement Law” par. 3). There are two principle arguments that continue to arise when discussing the pros and cons to criminal record expungement. The first argument is that the law gives people another deserved opportunity they have longed for their whole lives; while the second argument remains that the law degrades and debases our country’s justice system by essentially eliminating the long-term consequences of committing a crime.

In the same article published by IBJ.com, Monroe County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Bob Miller was quoted telling the Herald-Times of Bloomington, “On the one hand, it provides a sort of amnesty for people who made a mistake when they were younger that has haunted them since in terms of education and employment. That part is a good thing…but victims can think it unfair for an offender to clear his or her records…”(“Prosecutors: Expungement Law” pars. 5-6). This tells us that there are both positive notes, as well as doubts, no matter which side of the debate you are asking.

Although many will argue that the process of judges and prosecutors granting expungement is becoming very hasty and routine, there are still those who draw the line. Prosecutors in various counties across Indiana are frequently denying requests for expungement where they see it’s not fit or justified. For example, criminals with certain felonies, like sexual or violent crimes, are still requesting expungement but not receiving approval because of the severity of their crimes. The unfortunate part is, judges are not allowed to weigh testimony from victims when a person is being reviewed for expungement. This means that many people that may not deserve a clean record are getting one anyway.

Works Cited: “Prosecutors: Expungement Law Has Good, Bad Sides.” Indiana Business Journal, 20 July 2014. Web. 07 Aug. 2014. http://www.ibj.com/prosecutors-expungement-law-has-good-bad-sides/PARAMS/article/48674

Indiana Expungement Lawyers

Call 317-636-7514 to expunge your criminal records in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are reputable and adept Indianapolis expungement lawyers that are well-versed and proficient in the new Indiana criminal record expungement laws. Call us today at 317-636-7514 to learn more about criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

How Soon Can You Expunge Criminal Records?

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When a person has been arrested, convicted, charged with a crime, or all three, then this information will stay on their permanent record. Criminal records retain information about an individual’s criminal history. Every time an arrest took place, or a run-in with law enforcement occurred, it was added to their criminal record. Currently, a new law recently passed allows people with past criminal histories to expunge their records and seal then from the public eye. This means employers, landlords, loan officers, mortgage brokers, and the public cannot access a person’s criminal record once expunged. There are several stipulations when it comes to qualifying for criminal record expungement. Not only are there prerequisites for qualifying, there are rules about time-frames and how long a person as to wait to be eligible for expungement. Continue reading to learn these stipulations and perquisites to expunge criminal records.

Criminal Record Expungement

Depending on the crime committed, a person must wait at least five years since the date of any conviction in order to be eligible for expungement. For more severe or serious crimes, like felonies, a person must wait at least eight to ten years before qualifying for record expungement. Many people that have heard about this new law are excited and eager to get their recent arrests and charges sealed for good; however, this law doesn’t work that way. It is not intended to clear a person’s record and wash away their accountability in a crime; instead, it is meant for people who made mistakes in their past that wish to conceal these arrests for future, healthy endeavors.

For example, a husband and new father has a drunk-driving or OWI arrest on his record from his college days. He wants to apply for the new promotion at work to better support his family, but cannot get the job because he has a criminal history. This man would benefit greatly from the new criminal record expungement law. He can have this long-ago arrest conceal from his employers so that he may be looked at as a potential candidate for the upcoming promotion. This law is not intended to seal a prostitution arrest from a month ago so a woman does not have to do more jail time the next time she is arrested on the streets.

There are various other stipulations when it comes to criminal expungement eligibility. Not everyone will qualify and be granted expungement rights; even if the required amount of time has passed since the arrest. Certain crimes are not seal-able; such as murder, sex crimes, kidnapping, and other felonies. Some states do allow record expungement for felonies at all; only misdemeanors and arrests.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement

Call 317-636-7514 for accurate information and consultation regarding criminal record expungement in Indiana. Our Indianapolis attorneys have decades of experience practicing law in Indiana, and are well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws. We offer free initial consultations to assess your circumstances and determine your eligibility for record expungement. If you want to expunge criminal records in Indianapolis, IN, call 317-636-7514 right away.

How to Seal Court Records for Minors

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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.

What is a Certificate of Actual Innocence?

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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.

Do You Want to Expunge Your Criminal Record?

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Living with a criminal record can be extremely frustrating and shameful. Many people make mistakes when their younger, or when they’re put in undesirable situations. Sometimes these situations or mistakes result in arrests, trial, and convictions. When this happens, a person has no choice but to live with the consequences that come with breaking the law. Employers, landlords, and more can access public record directories and find a person’s criminal history. They can identify whether or not a person has been arrested or convicted of a crime. Misdemeanors, companies, and simple arrests are all posted to their personal background records. Crimes and convictions follow people their entire lives and prohibits them from enjoying normal amenities that any of the person with better criminal record can enjoy. And amenities such as renting a home or apartment, or earning a promotion they are qualified for by rejected due to their criminal histories, and more.

Criminal Record Expungement Process

If you are someone with a criminal record, you might want to know how to restrict these records from the public eye. This process is called expungement. Fortunately, Indiana has passed a new law allowing criminal record expungement for people with arrest records and criminal histories. Although there are several stipulations surrounding eligibility and requirements, many people are now able to feel their criminal records from all public access; including landlords, employers, public databases, and more.

If you are somebody that wishes to expunge their criminal record, take action right away. This new law is extremely controversial and retains a huge following of naysayers and sex. It is important to act immediately and begin the process of record expungement in case the law is banished in the near future. Here is the quick guide to starting the criminal record expungement process in Indiana:

1. Recall all Previous Arrests and/or Convictions and their Dates
2. Gather All Related Legal Paperwork for Each Arrest and/or Conviction
3. Call a Criminal Record Expungement Attorney
4. Schedule a Free Initial Consultation to Assess Your Eligibility for Expungement
5. Retain the Services of a Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer
6. Follow All Instructions and Counsel Recommended by Your Expungement Attorney

Call 317-636-7514 for criminal record expungement information in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our attorneys are well-versed in the new Indiana expungement law and can answer your questions about expunging criminal records. We help our clients by offering free initial consultations to assess whether or not a client is eligible to expunge his or her criminal records in Indiana. We offer professional attorney services for adult criminal record expungement and juvenile record expungement. Contact Us at 317-636-7514 to schedule your free consultation and get started on the right track towards expunging criminal records in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

Can I Look Up a Person’s Expunged Personal Background Records?

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Back in 2011, a new law in Indiana was put into effect regarding the sealing and restriction of a person’s past criminal records and convictions. Basically, this law allowed past offenders to retain legal counsel and petition for criminal record expungement. If they qualify for expungement and granted approval by the courts, their past criminal and arrest records are indefinitely concealed from public reach. This means that employers, landlords, and more cannot look up or identify a person’s criminal arrest records during a standard background check or screening.

Expunged Records

So the answer to this question is that person’s expunged records cannot be accessed by another person, company, or entity. The only exception to this rule is that law-enforcement officials, magistrates, courts, government officials, license branches, loan offices, and other government-run offices and associations will always retain the ability to obtain these records at any time.

You can say criminal record expungement is similar to giving a person a second chance at life. This is because there are several benefits to expunge and arrest records and criminal records. Although this laws now in fact in Indiana, there is no promise that it will remain forever. This law can go away at any moment and any day. It’s highly recommended to take advantage of this opportunity because it can open so many doors for past offenders, felons, and anyone with a criminal record. It is also highly recommended to retain professional legal counsel because the law limits how many times a person can apply for criminal record expungement.

The application process is lengthy, tedious, and complex; which is why an attorney is needed. If any mistakes are made during the application process for record expungement, a person can be denied. The law only allows someone to apply for criminal record expungement once in their lifetime. This is why it is vital that no mistakes are made during the application process. A license inexperienced attorney retains the knowledge and training to facilitate this application process accurately the first time.

Expunge Criminal Record Indiana

Expunge Criminal Record Indiana is a law firm in Indianapolis that can help you apply for criminal record expungement before the opportunity is lost. our highly knowledgeable and proficient attorneys are well-versed in the Indiana expungement law and can properly facilitate the application for criminal record expungement for anyone with past convictions, arrests, or records. There are several limitations, restrictions, and prerequisites that qualifies a person for expungement. Most can qualify; however, some people will not qualify depending on the type of convictions they have on the record. For more information about this, call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation to see if you qualify for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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

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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.

Expunging Adult Criminal Records in Indiana

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Any adult that has a past criminal record in Indiana has certainly experienced some road blocks in life. Any crimes, felonies, arrests, charges, and more are permanently recorded in state police records, public databases, and their personal record. These records affect people when they are applying for jobs, renting an apartment, applying for a loan, buying a house, and more. Managers, supervisors, business owners, banks, landlords, and more frequently inquire about police and criminal records during application processes. Although it seems intrusive, it is their way of accessing a person’s ability to perform well on the job, pay back a loan, responsibly rent an apartment, etcetera.

Criminal histories almost always make these ventures impossible or extremely difficult. It is not likely that a person will be hired for a job, approved for a bank loan, or handed a contract for an apartment if they have a lengthy criminal record. Why would they when there might be several other candidates that do not have criminal records? The good news is that there is a new law that allows past convicts to hide or expunge these criminal records from people such as this and make their lives better. Continue reading to learn about expunging adult criminal records in Indiana.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement for Adults

To expunge a criminal record is not the same thing as magically erasing these charges from a person’s record. A person is still guilty of their past crimes and they will still be visible and attainable on police records and other governmental databases like the DMV and social security office. However, expungement hides these past criminal charges from the public view; making it impossible for employers, landlords, and other public viewers to see a person’s criminal history. There are some crimes that cannot be expunged; such as murder, rape, child molestation, etc. For the most part, misdemeanors and non-violent felonies are able to be expunged.

To expunge an adult criminal record, there are a few rules and guidelines that a person must follow. There is also a substantial amount of criteria they must fit in order to expunge criminal records. To understand these guidelines and to see if someone is eligible for criminal record expungement, they must consult a lawyer that is familiar with the new law.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Lawyers

Call 317-636-7514 for information about criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are highly knowledgeable on the new laws, criteria, and processes for adult criminal record expungement in Indiana. Visit our website at https://www.expungecriminalrecordindiana.com/expungement.php for details about our services and company background. For accurate and reliable information about adult criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, IN, call 317-636-7514 for a free consultation today.

What Can Criminal Record Expungement Services Do for You?

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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 to counter all of these negative consequences is that a person can now have their arrest and conviction records expunged in certain states. Continue reading to learn how the expungement process operates, and how expunging criminal arrest records can better a person’s life.

Expunge Criminal Records

Expunging a criminal record does not mean that you are now not-guilty of a prior conviction or arrest; it simple seals or hides your criminal record from the public eye. Although you are still found guilty of the crime or offense, the proof that the arrest or conviction exists is only visible by law enforcement and government. Landlords, employers, job applications, banks, and more cannot ask about or find proof of expunged criminal records. This service is a delicate one that requires expert focus and exact operation. One mistake can cost a person a lifetime of regret because it is the law that a person can only file for expungement once in their life. One mistake means your chance is over and gone forever. It is highly advised to hire a lawyer that has extensively studied the expungement law, and knows how to file appropriately.

Certificate of Actual Innocence

One of the highest and most powerful forms of criminal expungement is receiving a Certificate of Actual Innocence. Not only does this type of expungement seal prior records, it proves that the arrest and charges should never have existed at all. If a person is arrested and charged with a crime that are later dropped, they can get the arrest completely removed from their record and show that it never should have happened to begin with; as well as, an actual certificate that states they were never guilty of anything.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Services

For Indianapolis criminal record expungement services, call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana at 317-636-7514. We are highly proficient in the new Indiana expungement laws and processes; and can help you or a loved one remove criminal records and arrests. Get better jobs, rent apartments, and more with an expunged criminal record. Visit our webpage at https://www.expungecriminalrecordindiana.com/expungement.php for details about our services and attorneys. For criminal record expungement services you can trust and afford in Indianapolis, IN, call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana 317-636-7514 today.