Can I Seal My Juvenile Arrest Records in Indiana?

Posted on September 16, 2020 by admin

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.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

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!

Your Next Step After Being Cleared of Drug Possession Charges in Indiana

Posted on August 24, 2020 by admin

Here in the Hoosier state, the law penalizes drug crimes heavily. Whether to set an example for an entire community, or rehab a habitual offender, Indiana law does not give leniency to those charged and convicted of a drug offense. However, for those who were wrongly suspected of drug possession, and as a result, were cleared of all related charges after their arrest, leniency is in the cards. Currently, Indiana allows past offenders, including those arrested but not convicted, a change to seal or expunge criminal records. This opens doors for all sorts of professional, financial, and social opportunities, making it an important step after having your Indiana drug charges dropped.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about Indiana’s Second Chance law, including how to get started on your petition today.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement

A few years ago, Indiana passed a new law that allows certain past offenders and those arrested, under specific criteria and prerequisites, to hide or remove criminal records from their personal criminal history report. For instance, if you were arrested for drug possession 6 years ago, but the prosecutor dropped all charges against you because you were in fact innocent, you could have that record of arrest completely removed from your criminal history so that no one can view it on your public and private records.

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. Of course, you must be eligible first, which means certain truths have to exist in order for you to be granted criminal record expungement or record sealing.

Criteria for Expungement Qualification

To be eligible for criminal record expungement, you must pass certain criteria. For instance, a certain number of years must pass before you can petition. Additional examples of criteria include the circumstances in which your arrest did not end up in a formal charge, the severity of the original charges, your age at the time of arrest, and more. Expunging non-conviction arrest records is one thing. To expunge or seal actual convictions is another.

Qualifying for criminal record expungement for a conviction is much more challenging, and the prerequisites are much sterner. This is especially true for those who were found guilty, or pleaded guilty to their criminal charges. In such cases, they could only have a chance at applying to seal their criminal records, rather than expunge them entirely. See our blog, “Expungement or Record Sealing: Which Do I Qualify For?” to learn more about distinguishing between the two types of eligibility.

How to Start an Application for Criminal Record Expungement

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. This is why it is vital to enlist the services of a licensed attorney, familiar with your state’s new expungement laws, to facilitate the entire process to ensure that everything is done properly.

How to Start Your Criminal Record Expungement Petition in Indianapolis

Call 317-636-7514 if you have a drug possession criminal record in Indiana that you would like to expunge or seal. Our criminal record expungement law firm is well-versed in the Indiana Second Chance 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.

Do My Background Check Results Really Matter?

Posted on June 29, 2020 by admin

When you first learn that you are subject to a background check, you might not think much of it. But after the reality sets in that someone will be viewing all of your criminal, and possibly civil, personal records, you might feel differently. Most people are anxious to have a background scan, especially if they have a criminal history. If this is a similar case to yours, you too might wonder how impactful or important your background check results are.

For help, continue below to review the basics surrounding background checks, including the various types available, and how their results might affect a person’s life, both personally and professionally.

What is a Background Check?

A background check is a process used to verify that a person is who they say they are. They can be used to verify the acumen and qualification of a worker, or to ensure that a potential partner does not have a violent past. However, employers and the general public are not the only markets for background checks. Background checks are also used by law enforcement, courts, admissions offices, rental companies, loan offices, landlords, professional licensing branches, and more. In fact, there are various types of background checks that exists, some offering only a limited view of basic information, and others that are highly-detailed and go back very far into a person’s past.

Common Types of Background Checks:

✏ Criminal Records
✏ Driving Records
✏ Employment History
✏ References Check
✏ Rental History
✏ Education Records
✏ Sex Offender Registry Check
✏ Credit Score Background Check
✏ Social Media Background Check
✏ Internet Background Check
✏ Professional License & Certification Check
✏ Social Security Number Trace

Do Results Matter?

As mentioned, there are several parties that use background checks. When applying for a job or promotion, your background check results will tell an employer whether or not you are hire-able. When applying for a loan or rental home, a bank will want to check your personal records, and an apartment complex or landlord will want to view your rental history. If any of the results come back unsatisfactory, you could be denied a loan or a rental home. When trying to get into the school of your dreams, or even a program to obtain a certification, you can bet that the admissions office will run a background check to verify that you are a good candidate.

In most cases, the only personal record you really have to worry about is a criminal record. When employers, landlords, banks, and more, see that you were arrested or convicted of a crime, it sends up a giant red flag. Automatically, any applicant that does not have a criminal record will be more qualified than you. So, what can a person do that has a criminal record, but wants to be eligible for great jobs and housing? The answer is criminal record expungement.

Criminal Record Expungement Services in Indianapolis, Indiana

Call our Indianapolis expungement lawyers at 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.

Do All States Allow Criminal Record Expungement?

Posted on June 19, 2020 by admin

With so many laws being passed and repealed every day, it’s hard to keep up. And although most people are unaware of new laws being passed in their state, there is one new law that many cannot afford to ignore. Criminal record expungement is now legal in several states within the country. This new law allows past criminals to seal or restrict their past arrests and convictions from public view. There are endless benefits to this law, but not all states have approved it yet.

Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement and which states have approved the law.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

Expunging Criminal Records

The new criminal record expungement laws have the ability to change people’s lives in a dramatic way. With certain criminal records weighing over a person’s head and lingering on their public record, there are certain consequences. Aside from criminal stigma and judgement, a criminal record can hold a person back from any benefits that require a background check. This includes applying for a loan, renting an apartment, getting a job, and more.

Now, in cooperating states, people have the opportunity to have these past criminal records sealed or restricted from the public, with the exception of police and government officials. This allows people to take advantage of certain benefits, like better jobs and home loans, and live a better life. Most states have adopted this new criminal record expungement law, but some are still lingering on the back burner. Since most states have not approved and passed this new law, it is more efficient to list the ones that have so far.

Here is a list of states that allow criminal record expungement:

Indiana
Arizona
California
Colorado
Connecticut
Florida
Illinois
Missouri
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New York
Oregon
Ohio
Utah
Texas
Tennessee
Washington

Although these states have approved the criminal expungement law, it is not a permanent law. They have only approved it for a trial period. And since there are several opposed to this law, there is no telling when or if it will get repealed. This means it is important to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts. The only catch is that not everyone will qualify for criminal record expungement.

There are guidelines that one must meet to be eligible to conceal or expunge their criminal records. This is why it is necessary to hire a licensed criminal attorney for accurate and professional help. A person can only file one time in their life, and just one mistake can take that chance away. A lawyer can determine your eligibility and ensure everything is carried out precisely.

How to Start Criminal Record Expungement in Indianapolis, Indiana

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.

Make 2020 the Year of Improvement By Cleaning Up Your Criminal Record

Posted on January 15, 2020 by admin

Are you tired of being subjected to the consequences of having an arrest or criminal record from your past? Are you ready for better job opportunities, better housing, and more confidence in the dating world? If so, make this year the year of change, and finally do something about it with the help of Indiana’s Second Chance Law. Continue reading to learn what you need to know about criminal record expungement and sealing, including how to learn if you qualify and where to get started on your petition.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement

A couple of years ago, Indiana legislature passed a new law that allows certain individuals to conceal their criminal records from the general public, known as criminal record expungement and sealing. Although not everyone qualifies for criminal record expungement, this new law truly gives people another chance at making their lives better since their criminal record won’t hold them back from dating, better jobs, promotions, renting a nicer home, getting approved for a loan, and much more.

Once expunged or sealed, the public can no longer access your criminal record. It will be hidden from public view, including potential employers, rental companies, banks, school admission offices, and even the girl you are about to ask out for dinner. The only authorities that can still access expunged and sealed records is the government, including law enforcement, courts, and jails.

Record Expungement v. Record Sealing

There are two types of Second Chance Laws: expungement and sealing. For those who do not qualify for expungement, they may have a shot at being approved for record sealing. You see, those only qualify for criminal record expungement under very strict list of factors. There are several variables that determine who is eligible to get their record expunged in Indiana. Upon qualification, most misdemeanors, class D felonies, arrest records, and even infractions like traffic tickets and evictions, can all potentially be eliminated from a person’s personal record.

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.

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. See our blog, “FAQs About Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records” to learn more about the difference between the two.

It’s a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

When someone wants to explore their options for criminal record expungement, it is important to first and fully understand that a person can only apply and be granted expungement one time in their entire lives. This means you cannot apply to have additional criminal and arrest records expunged after already having your records concealed in the past.

If you decide to pursue criminal record concealment, be sure that all your paperwork, filing, deadlines, and additional requirements are accurate and in-line. Failing to file even one document, or filing it incorrectly, can instantly eliminate your chances of expunging your criminal history, forever. This is why it is vital to enlist the services of a licensed attorney, familiar with your state’s new expungement laws, to facilitate the entire process to ensure that everything is done properly.

How to Get Started on Your Petition

Call 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.

Basic Background Checks vs Comprehensive Background Checks

Posted on December 27, 2019 by admin

Background checks are not what you would call a dime a dozen. There are countless types of background checks and scans to choose from, all of which offering different kinds of information and to varying extents. Some background checks are for traffic-related histories, while others for rental histories, vehicular reports, and more. The most common type of background check is the type that others will perform to learn the criminal history of a particular person.

However, criminal history scans are also widely diversified. There are several sources of background check scans to choose from, some for a fee and some for free. The type chosen will depend on a few factors, such as the budget for background checking, the available sources, and the extent of information the user is looking for. Regardless of the type of background check used on someone, all types can be classified as either basic or comprehensive. The difference between the two umbrella categories will help a user decide which one they need to perform.

Continue reading to learn the differences between a basic background scan and a comprehensive background scan.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Law Firm 317-636-7514

Criminal History and Background Checks

Keep in mind that background checks are not solely focused on criminal records. Those running background checks might be checking up on universal information about a person, such as professional licensing, driving records, credit history, rental history, and much more. See our blog, “How Many Types of Background Checks Are There?” to learn some of the most common types of background scans.

As for criminal history scans, they typically source information from official authorities, such as national criminal databases, county courts, federal and state criminal records, sex offender registries, and even domestic and global terrorist watch lists. The extent of information sourced depends on whether a use runs a basic check or a comprehensive one.

In most cases, basic background checks are free, or for a low cost. Comprehensive scans are usually never free; in fact, they tend to cost a decent amount of money. On average, a full background scan will cost between $25 and $200, depending on the provider. Below you can view some of the most common data found in each type of background check.

Basic Background Checks:

📑 Criminal History Check
📑 Prior Employment Verification
📑 Reference Check
📑 Sexual Offender Registry Check
📑 Social Security Number Trace
📑 Professional License & Certificate Confirmation

Comprehensive Background Checks:

📑 Criminal History Check
📑 Prior Employment Verification
📑 Education Verification
📑 Reference Check
📑 Drug Screening
📑 Sexual Offender Registry Check
📑 Credit Background Check
📑 Social Media & Internet Check
📑 Driving Record
📑 Professional License & Certificate Confirmation
📑 Social Security Number Trace
📑 Listed Domestic or Global Terrorist
📑 And More

How to Clean Up Your Criminal Record

Can I Apply for Expungement With a Pending Criminal Charge?

Posted on October 31, 2019 by admin

When it comes to criminal record expungement, there are several rules, restrictions, and limitations involved in the process, from the initial petitioning stage, to final judgement. This means that not all applicants are eligible. For most, there are long waiting periods before becoming eligible for criminal record expungement for record sealing. And for those with pending criminal charges, the wait will be even longer.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about expungement eligibility in Indiana, and how long you might have to wait before you qualify.

Pending Criminal Charges

If a person has current criminal charges pending, they are not eligible to expunge their criminal records. Once the charges are dealt with accordingly, and are no longer pending, and the individual is no longer on probation, they can then apply for criminal record expungement. This, however, does not mean they will be eligible. There are several prerequisites and requirements for eligibility. Factors such as time, the type of offense, the state, and more, all influence a person’s chances of being approved for record expungement.

Possible Timelines for Indiana Expungement

You must wait for a certain amount of time from the date of arrest before being eligible to petition for criminal record expungement. The amount of time you must wait largely depends on your criminal history and the convictions you have. They are as follows:

⌛ Dismissed Cases = 1 Year
⌛ Cases w/No Conviction = 1 Year
⌛ Misdemeanor Convictions = 5 Years
⌛ Level D Felony Convictions = 8 Years
⌛ Other Felony Convictions = 8 Years, or 3 Years from sentencing completion date – whichever comes later.
⌛ Serious Felony Convictions = 10 Years, or 5 Years from sentencing completion date – whichever comes later.

If You Don’t Qualify for Expungement

If you do not meet the eligibility requirements for criminal record expungement, you may still qualify for record sealing or “shielding.” Your licensed criminal defense lawyer can make this determination for you, but the primary differences between expungement and sealing is who can access the records and who cannot. See our blog, “What is the Difference Between Expunging and Sealing a Criminal Record?” to learn more.

Determining Your Eligibility Status

The eligibility requirements for sealing and expunging arrest records are quite complex. Furthermore, the process that is required of a petitioner is complicated, and revolves around a stringent schedule that’s difficult to follow. For this reason, it is important to review the criminal expungement laws and procedures before you begin on your petition. Consult with a licensed criminal defense lawyer for information about record expungement and sealing in Indiana.

How to Get Started on Your Petition

Call 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.

Who Can Grant Criminal Pardons in the United States?

Posted on September 16, 2019 by admin

When facing a federal criminal charge, there are two chief outcomes: guilty or not guilty. But what about being pardoned for your crimes? What does this mean, exactly? And who can grant pardons to suspected or convicted criminals? Continue reading to learn what you need to know about criminal pardons if you are someone you love is facing serious charges.

What is a Pardon?

Also known as clemency, a pardon is a type of acquittal that wholly sets aside or lessens the punishment for a felony. You have likely seen this action take place on your favorite crime action hero movies, and there is a reason why. Federal criminal pardons are extremely rare. It is essentially the government’s way of forgiving a person for their crimes. There are a few additional forms of clemency that the President can grant to a defendant. These include commutation, remission, and reprieve.

☛ Commutation – Given a lesser punishment;
☛ Remission – Given relief from a penalty, restitution, or forfeiture;
☛ Reprieve – Temporary delay of sentence (i.e. death penalty);

Granting a Pardon

If you are wondering whether or not there is a change of be granted a pardon, perhaps learning who has the discretion to grant them will answer your question. You see, a federal pardon can only be given by the President of the United States, known as the power of executive clemency, and decreed in Article II, Section 2, Clause 1 of the U.S. Constitution.

So in order to receive a pardon for a crime, someone must get the attention of the Presidency. In order for a defendant to be granted clemency by the President of the United States, they must also meet the specified qualifications, which involve factors such as the number of years since the conviction or release from incarceration, character references, recent criminal history, and more.

Records of Pardoned Crimes

Depending on the state, if a person has a crime pardoned by the government, it will most likely still show up on public databases, but it will also show that the person was pardoned for the incident. In such cases, a person could petition for criminal record expungement to have their criminal history sealed from public access.

How to Expunge Criminal Records in Indiana

Call 317-636-7514 to get started on the Indiana criminal record expungement application process. We offer professional criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850! As a seasoned criminal defense law firm, we are well-versed in the 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.

Will the State Expunge My Shoplifting Arrest Record?

Posted on September 10, 2019 by admin

Life is certainly a learning curve. And along the way, many of us make poor character choices that later teach us the morals we ultimately adopt as our own. One such error in judgement is the crime of shoplifting, which happens to be among the most common adolescent and young adult offenses committed in the United States. Unfortunately, being arrested for shoplifting does stay on your permanent, public record forever; unless you do something about it, of course. If you wish to improve the quality of your life full-circle, you might want to consider the Indiana Second Chance laws. Keep in mind, however, not all petitioners qualify.

So, can you expunge a shoplifting arrest from your criminal record? Continue reading to learn how to find out.

Theft Charges in Indiana

If you were arrested for theft in Indiana, the type of charge you get, misdemeanor or felony, depends on the value of the stolen goods, and a few other contributing factors. Accordingly, the factors surrounding your eligibility for criminal record expungement will depend on the severity of your criminal charge. Below is a guide to help you understand the levels of punishment for different values of theft in Indiana.

📿 Under $750 = Class A Misdemeanor

🚙 Between $750 & $ 49,000 = Level 6 Felony

⛵ Over $50,000 = Level 5 Felony

Do You Qualify for Expungement?

Your eligibility for criminal record expungement first depends on whether or not you were ever charged, what you were charged with, and how long it has been since the date of your arrest. Additional contributing factors that determine your eligibility include your recent criminal history, employment, citizenship, and more.

Talk to a licensed Indiana expungement attorney for help confirming your eligibility for criminal record expungement. Keep in mind, not all offenses can be expunged. See our blog, “What You Can and Cannot Expunge” to learn more. But not to worry; if you do not qualify for expungement, you may be eligible for record sealing.

How to Start Your Expungement Application

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 and get your criminal record expunged this year!

Can I Expunge My Pretrial Diversion Records in Indiana?

Posted on August 30, 2019 by admin

Everyone has a past, and for some, that means criminal records. But just because you have an arrest, charge, or similar non-conviction on your permanent record, it does not make you a delinquent or low-class citizen in any right. That is why Indiana now allows those who qualify to expunge such records, sealing them from public access. Once expunged, the law mandates that a person is to be treated as though the record never existed. When it comes to housing, loans, professional licenses, promotions, career opportunities, and more, this is a highly valuable advantage.

Still, there are several conditions and circumstances that go along with criminal record expungement, all of which will influence your eligibility and what you can and cannot expunge. A common question among expungement petitioners has to do with pretrial diversion programs, also known as pretrial probation .

Continue reading to learn whether or not Indiana permits expungement of such programs.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Law Firm 317-636-7514

Pretrial Diversion (PTD)

Pretrial diversion programs are ordered by the court to a defendant facing criminal charges. It is applied as an alternative to a criminal conviction. Generally, this option is only given to first-time misdemeanor offenders and juveniles. After a person completes the program, the charges are dismissed by the state.

However, even though no conviction results, the record still remains on a person’s criminal history since they have to admit to the crime to which they are being charged. This record is available to the public via various portals and resources. For this reason, many people wish to seal pretrial diversion programs in order to better their life.

✨ So yes, pretrial diversion programs may be expunged so long as the petitioner qualifies!

Learn if You Qualify for Expungement

A person can only file for expungement if they were never actually charged with a crime, or, if their charges were later dropped because, 1) their arrest was a result of mistaken identity, 2) they were truly innocent of the allegations made against them, and/or 3) a judge found there was no probable cause or evidence that they committed a crime.

So long as a person meets one or more of the above criteria, and does not have any pending criminal charges against them, their petition should be granted. This of course also depends on whether or not they file correctly. It is important to hire an attorney for help filing all paperwork and meeting all deadlines.

Professional Expungement Services 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. And our rates start as low as $850!