When we are kids, we tend to make some regrettable mistakes. But we should not have to be held accountable for them in our adult lives, especially if we are good, legally-abiding citizens. So, it is quite unfortunate for those who are held back from the professional licenses, careers, school admissions, and more, all because of an arrest record they acquired as a teenager or minor. But there is good news for anyone who is experiencing this same quality of life. Here in Indiana, a new law allows those with past criminal or arrest records to expunge or seal them from public access. This means you can have a fresh start at life, and move forward with peace of mind.
Continue reading to learn how to seal or expunge juvenile arrest records in Indiana, including how to qualify and where to get started.
Benefits of Arrest Record Sealing and Expungement
Numerous benefits come with expunging a criminal record in Indiana. Once a person has hired our seasoned attorneys to get their criminal records removed, they can expect certain rights to be restored to them, as well as, employment benefits, personal achievement, emotional reward, and much more. This new law will open up job opportunities and get more people back to work, repair driving records, eliminate the potential for lost job opportunities, let people feel better about themselves and their past, avoid public embarrassment, and so much more.
Difference Between Expungement and Record Sealing
Criminal record expungement is the process in which a petitioner asks the court to seal all court records and arrest information pertaining to a particular event on a person’s criminal record. Record sealing is very similar, except that if a person was arrested and found 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.
Eligibility Requirements for Arrest Record Sealing
In order to remove juvenile arrest records from your criminal history, you must pass the Indiana expungement eligibility requirements to move forward in your case. These include:
☑ Must Wait 1 Year Following Arrest
☑ No Conviction Resulted
☑ No Current, Further, or Pending Charges
KEEP IN MIND: One of the rules to expunging a criminal record is that a person can only file once in a lifetime. If a mistake is made, it could be the end of your pursuit to expunge your criminal record in Indiana.
How to Avoid Expungement and Record Sealing Errors
It is necessary to hire a criminal lawyer who it well-versed in the new laws to help you with your petition. 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. And our rates start as low as $850!