How Many Types of Background Checks Are There?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by admin

If you are currently interviewing for jobs or participating in a similar venture that might require someone to run a background check on you, you might be concerned about what people might find on your permanent record. For this reason, it is common for people to run a background check on themselves first. But how comprehensive are these background checks? How many do you have to do to find all the personal records that are available to the public?

Continue reading to learn about the different types of background check options open to public use for a better idea of where your records might show up. Want to clean up your personal record? We’ll discuss that too.

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Background Checks

There are various types of background checks you can perform on an individual that lives in the United States. Some are free, while others require a fee that ranges in price depending on how deep you want to dig. You can choose to run a background check online, in person, or via postal mail.

The option you choose depends on how much information you want, and how much you are willing to pay. As for potential employers, they tend to use the more invasive background checks. Jobs that require professional licensing or involve children will perform even more aggressive scans.

Common Types of Background Checks:

Free Online Background Checks – There are endless websites that provide free background check scans, from government portals to private investigation offices, and everything in between. However, these scans are usually not very detailed, and may not provide a lot of information on criminal history.

Paid Background Checks – There are several paid background check providers to choose from, both online and in person. Costs depend on the service fee of the vendor, as well as, the level of information desired. The more detailed the scan, the more money it will cost.

Public Background Checks – Public background checks are generally very vague. You are not likely to find criminal history through a public check, but rather, domestic information like address, phone number, marital status, dependents, driving record, and similar civil facts.

Comprehensive Background Checks – Comprehensive background checks will give very detailed reports on criminal history, traffic offenses, civil information, and more. These are typically more expensive, as they provide a very thorough scan and report.

Specific Background Checks – There are various types of specific background checks that can be performed, in addition to the ones listed above. The most common include criminal history check, past employment verification, school verification, reference check, drug tests, sexual offender registry checks, credit background checks, social media/internet checks, driving record, professional license and certificate verification, and social security number tracing.

How to Clean Up Your Criminal Records in Indiana

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to learn your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana. We are eager to help you get the fresh start in life that you deserve! Our services start as low as $850, so you can afford to clean up your record just as much as the next guy. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation, today.

What is the Current Status of the Indiana Expungement Law?

Posted on July 30, 2019 by admin

If you are still waiting to be eligible for criminal record expungement, you may be concerned that the status is going to change any time. The truth is, you are correct to be concerned about this, as this new law has been quite unpopular among several lobbyist parties and interest groups. For this reason, the Indiana Second Chance laws might not always be around. But as for now, they are still active, and you still have an opportunity to take advantage of criminal record expungement, so long as you qualify.

Continue reading to learn some basics about criminal record expungement, including how to qualify and where to get started on your petition.

Criminal Record Expungement

If you have past arrest records or criminal charges on your criminal history, the Indiana Second Chance Laws are something you should be very interested in; especially if you want to improve your vocational status, obtain professional licensing, rent housing, or pursue education. However, you must meet specific criteria in order to qualify for expungement.

For those who do not qualify for criminal record expungement, another option called record sealing may be a possibility. See our blog, “What is the Difference Between Expunging and Sealing a Criminal Record?” to learn more about both options, and how to get started on determining your eligibility for the Indiana Second Chance laws.

The Challenges of Expungement

The process of qualifying and petitioning for criminal record expungement is highly complex. It is not recommended to do it on your own unless you have a keen understanding of criminal law and the Indiana judicial system. Furthermore, petitioners are only allowed to apply once in their lifetime, and a simple spelling error or missed deadline can revoke your petition forever.

To avoid problems with a criminal record expungement petition, you must hire a licensed Indiana criminal defense law firm that specializes in criminal record expungement and record sealing assistance. They have the knowledge and resources to confirm your eligibility and implement all the filing, correctly.

How to Get Started

Call The Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or criminal record expungement in Indianapolis. We are happily provide free initial consultations to discuss your case without any out-of-pocket obligations. And our rates start as low as $850! We are eager to help you reform your criminal record so that you can have the quality of life you and your loved ones deserve. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment, today.

Warning: An Expunged Criminal Record is NOT Destroyed

Posted on July 16, 2019 by admin

If you are considering moving forward with an expungement petition in Indiana, you are likely on your way to a promising future full of better opportunities. However, it is important that you fully understand what criminal record expungement is, what it does, and its various limitations, before you begin. Fundamentally, you need to recognize that an expunged record is not destroyed or eliminated from your permanent criminal history; instead, it is simply unattainable by the general public.

Continue reading to learn who can still access expungement criminal records and who cannot, as well as, how to get started on the right tract with your petition.

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Criminal Record Expungement Process

Basically, criminal record expungement involves attending court with the intention of asking the judge to remove certain records that resulted from a past criminal court case so they are not visible to the general public. The process requires extensive filing and paperwork, all of which is very complicated. For this reason, most applicants hire a licensed criminal defense attorney who specializes in the service. You only get once chance to apply, and a minor error like a misspelled work or missed deadline can revoke your right to petition, forever.

Who is the “General Public?”

When a person has a criminal record, such records are available to the general public, either through paid background checks or free public scans, depending on how detailed of a report the user wants. So who makes up the general public? Well, the general public would include anyone who has access to a computer. Common parties that use background checks and scans include employers, schools, banks, rental companies, landlords, airlines, friends, family, and even potential dates or parents of your potential date.

Who Can Still Access Expunged Records?

Although a criminal record is expunged, it still exists. It is not a pardon, nor a repealed conviction. Instead, an expunged record is withdrawn from public databases, but not private ones. Private authorities who will still have access include law enforcement and certain governmental parties, including the police, courts, FBI, immigration officers, and other public officials. On the other hand, these authorities only access such records in very specific situations.

Read our blog, “FAQs About Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records” to learn all the basics to the process of criminal record expungement. This will get you ready to start working on your petition!

How to Get Started on Your Petition

Do Not Miss Your Chance to Clean Up Your Criminal Record This Year!

Posted on January 14, 2019 by admin

The new Indiana Second Chance law surrounding criminal record expungement is not so “new” anymore. And many powerful heads have not been very happy with the law being in effect. These factors, combined with various others to lengthy to mention, are the reasons why this year is the right year to get started on cleaning up your record.

We just don’t know if or when this law will be repealed, and your chances at a better quality of life are gone forever. And for this reason, 2019 is your time to make a change and take advantage of this criminal record sealing law. Scroll down to learn more.

Why You Need to Act in 2019

As mentioned, when the new Indiana Second Chance laws came into effect, there were (and still are) several large groups and organizations against them. Since the induction of the Indiana Second Chance laws, there have been many attempts to have the laws repealed. There is a very good chance that this law does not make it to 2020. This circumstance makes it risky to wait on getting started on your expungement or record sealing process. Best of all, if you get started on your criminal record expungement or sealing petition now, you can be free of the stress of having a public criminal record by the end of the year!

Benefits of a Clean Criminal Record

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.

What You Need to Know

Before you can reap the numerous benefits of criminal record expungement and sealing, you must be eligible first. There are several variables that determine who qualifies to get their record expunged in Indiana. Misdemeanors, class D felonies, arrest records, and more can all potentially be eliminated from a person’s criminal history. The first prerequisite for expungement eligibility is the type of conviction or charge a person was sentenced with; meaning either a misdemeanor, felony dropped to a misdemeanor, or felony.

The second factor is time. Depending on the charge, there are rules on how many years a person must wait to expunge their record. For details on the legalities surrounding criminal expungement in Indiana, you must contact a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense law firm that is well-versed and experienced in the new Indiana Second Chance Laws.

Where to Get Started

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call 317-636-7514 if you have a criminal record in Indiana that you would like to clean up this year. Our law firm is well-versed in the Indiana criminal record expungement laws, and charges as low as $850 for our services. Whether you are looking to seal or expunge a criminal record, we are the criminal lawyers to trust for a hassle-free petitioning process. Call 317-636-7514 to learn more, today.

Expungement or Record Sealing: Which Do I Qualify For?

Posted on November 29, 2018 by admin

If you are taking the steps to clean up your public criminal record, you already know that the very first step is learning whether or not you qualify. In addition to determining if you are eligible, you must also determine what you are eligible for. That is because there are two primary kinds of criminal record clean up. A person can either have criminal records expunged, or they can have them sealed. The difference between the two are significant to your process, so be sure you understand the requisites for both.

Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement and sealing, including how to get started on your petition.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Record Sealing

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 the police, federal government, FBI, immigration, and all other public officials. However, when criminal records are sealed, they are no longer visible on public background check databases or accessible by employers, landlords, and other general public.

Criminal Record Expungement

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.

Determine Your Eligibility TODAY

Even though you can understand the difference between criminal record expungement and sealing, you cannot know which one you qualify for, for sure; not until you meet with a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in the Indiana criminal record expungement and sealing laws and procedures.

The process of petitioning for criminal record expungement is intensive and challenging. It requires professional legal assistance, no matter how confident you are that you can do it on your own. Individuals can only petition for expungement and record sealing once in their life, and a small error, like a misspelled name or missed deadline, can revoke your chances forever.

Expunge Indiana Criminal Records

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call 317-636-7514 to expunge criminal records in Indiana. We offer criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850! As a seasoned criminal defense law firm, we are well-versed in the new 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.

FAQs About Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records

Posted on October 26, 2018 by admin

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

☛ What is the Difference Between Expunging Criminal Records and Sealing Criminal Records?

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

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!

Will My Misdemeanor Show Up on a Background Check?

Posted on August 14, 2017 by admin

If you are preparing for a job interview, or perhaps even a blind date, you might want to know what your background check would reveal if one is performed on you!

Seal Your Criminal Records 317-636-7514

It is mostly common knowledge that any standard background check will reveal a felony conviction or criminal charge. However, people question whether or not less serious convictions, such as misdemeanors, are reported on background scans. A misdemeanor conviction is less serious than a felony, however, it is still a criminal conviction nonetheless. This means you are considered a past offender, or criminal, as a result of the misdemeanor conviction. For this reason, you can almost guarantee that your misdemeanor will appear on your background check. Continue reading to learn more.

Misdemeanor Convictions

There are several types of misdemeanor crimes, with the most common being petty theft, drug possession, intoxicated driving, public intoxication, disorderly or lewd conduct, and vandalism. These convictions usually come with minor to moderate legal penalties that are mandatory, including jail time, probation, routine drug testing, fines, suspended drivers’ license, community service, drug and alcohol education, rehabilitation, house arrest, and more.

The consequences of a misdemeanor conviction are much less severe than those of a felony conviction, however, misdemeanors and felonies do have one thing in common: they stay on your criminal record for life. So if a person runs a background check on you, they are likely to receive information about any criminal convictions you have on your record, misdemeanors or felonies. However, some background check systems are not as thorough, so it may not show up at all depending on the level of scan they perform.

For instance, because most misdemeanors are prosecuted at county levels, a person running a state background will only find misdemeanors committed in the same state or county. If you have a misdemeanor on your criminal record in another state, it might not show up on a background report. On the other hand, if they were to run a federal level background check, or a more comprehensive check, they may be able to find your misdemeanor conviction or charge.

Seal Misdemeanors and Other Public Criminal Records

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

It is important to always assume that your criminal records will appear on all background checks. Fortunately, in Indiana, there is a new law that allows past offenders to seal their public criminal records if they qualify. And misdemeanors are easier to seal so long as a person meets all other qualifications! In order to expunge a misdemeanor, you must file your petition properly. One mistake, even a tiny spelling error, can erase your opportunity for the rest of your life. For this reason, you need a professional Indianapolis expungement lawyer to help you file your application and meet all your state requirements and deadlines.

Call 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or expunge an arrest from your criminal record in Indianapolis. 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!

FAQs About Sealing Criminal Records

Posted on July 17, 2017 by admin

Many people are still not aware that some states have adopted a new law that allows past criminal records to be sealed from public access. Depending on several factors, a person may be qualified to have certain criminal records, such as arrests or charges, hidden from the public. This means that employers, banks, landlords, and regular people cannot see these sealed records no matter how much they pay or how hard they look. The only groups that will still have access to sealed records are the courts, jails, and other governmental organizations. If you would like to know more about sealing criminal records, continue reading to review some answers to the questions most frequently asked.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

What is the Difference Between Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records?

Expungement is more complex, and very difficult to qualify for. Most often, those who were arrested and never charged, found innocent of the charges, or had charges dismissed, acquitted, and so forth, can have their records expunged. This means that the record no longer exists publically and they can legally say they have never been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. Sealing criminal records results in removing them from public records, but the same benefits generally apply.

How Do I Seal My Criminal Records?

You must petition for criminal record sealing by completing a complex series of paperwork, filing, deadlines, and more. Unfortunately, one simple error in any of these areas will result in a petition being denied. This is not good because a person can only petition once in their life for criminal record sealing. To get started, you will need to research your state’s laws and procedures for sealing criminal records. It is strongly encouraged to hire a criminal defense lawyer for assistance.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Seal Criminal Records?

You don’t have to have a lawyer by law, but it is strongly encouraged to hire one for assistance because the process and requirements are very stringent and complicated. One simple error, like a misspelled name, can get a petition denied instantly. An experienced criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in the state’s new law can ensure your application and filing process go smoothly. They will make sure all paperwork is filed properly and on time.

When Can I Apply to Seal My Criminal Records?

Depending on your state’s particular laws, the time you must wait from the day of your conviction to the day you can apply will vary. In all cases, it must be at least 3 to 5 years since the date of the original charges. For more serious offenses, this time is increased. Talk to your trusted attorney to determine how long you have until you can qualify to apply for record sealing.

Who Can I Trust For Indiana Criminal Record Sealing Assistance?

Call 317-636-7514 if you have a criminal record in Indiana. Our law firm is well-versed in the Indiana criminal record expungement laws, and charges as low as $850 for our services. Whether you are looking to seal or expunge a criminal record, we are the criminal lawyers to trust for a hassle-free petitioning process. Call 317-636-7514 to learn more about Indianapolis criminal record expungement, today.