Understanding Juvenile Criminal Records in Indiana and Their Impact

Posted on December 13, 2024 by admin

Having a juvenile criminal record in Indiana can feel like an overwhelming burden, especially when it comes to building a promising future. For parents of young offenders, or young adults navigating their own experiences, the unknowns surrounding how a record might affect their education, career, and societal standing often generate stress and uncertainty. The good news? Resources and legal options, such as the expungement process, can help alleviate these concerns.

This comprehensive guide explores the impact of juvenile criminal records on future opportunities, provides an understanding of relevant laws in Indiana, and offers actionable advice for pursuing a fresh start through expungement.

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What is a Juvenile Criminal Record in Indiana?

Before we examine the effects of having a juvenile record, it’s important to understand what constitutes a juvenile criminal record in Indiana.

Juvenile offenses are generally acts committed by individuals under the age of 18 that violate state or federal laws. Indiana operates within a juvenile justice system designed not just to punish, but to rehabilitate, under the assumption that young offenders have a greater capacity for change.

However, even in a system aimed at rehabilitation, a formal record of offenses can still be created. This record often includes arrests, charges, adjudications (convictions in the juvenile system), and any court-mandated penalties.

Are Juvenile Records Public in Indiana?

Indiana laws ensure that juvenile criminal records are not fully accessible to the public. However, they can still be reviewed by law enforcement agencies, school officials, licensing entities, and, in some cases, potential employers. This restricted access offers some confidentiality but does not completely shield individuals from its effects.

How Juvenile Records Impact Education and Employment

One of the biggest concerns for parents and young adults alike is how a juvenile record might hinder future opportunities. Unfortunately, even with restricted access in Indiana, these records can leave lasting impressions.

Impact on Higher Education

Many colleges and universities inquire about criminal records during their admissions process. While having a juvenile record doesn’t automatically bar someone from attending college, it may complicate applications, especially when applying to schools with strict policies regarding student conduct.

Additionally, competitive scholarships and internships often conduct background checks, and a record could impact eligibility.

Barriers to Employment

When it comes to landing a good job, background checks can be a major hurdle. Although employers in Indiana are restricted from seeing certain juvenile records, jobs requiring licensing (e.g., healthcare or law enforcement) and positions involving minors often demand full disclosure.

Research shows that individuals with a criminal record face an unemployment rate nearly five times higher than those without one. While juvenile records may not have as severe an impact as adult records, they can still create significant barriers to employment in certain industries.

License Applications and Community Perception

Licenses for professions like nursing, teaching, or real estate often require a review of one’s criminal history. Additionally, the lingering stigma of having a juvenile record can affect how individuals and their families are perceived socially and within their communities.

The Process of Expungement in Indiana

For those disheartened by the lasting consequences of having a juvenile record, there is hope—Indiana law offers an expungement process to remove eligible juvenile offenses from one’s record.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the expungement process in Indiana and what you can expect along the way.

Step 1: Verify Eligibility

Not all juvenile offenses are eligible for expungement. Typically, Indiana allows for the expungement of non-violent offenses, while more serious crimes like murder may be exempt. To determine eligibility, consult an attorney or legal expert familiar with Indiana’s expungement laws.

Step 2: File a Petition

Eligible individuals must file a formal petition with the juvenile court where the offense occurred. This petition involves paperwork detailing the offense(s), the request for expungement, and any evidence that supports rehabilitation or good character.

Step 3: Prepare for the Hearing

The court may schedule a hearing to review your petition. During this hearing, the petitioner may need to provide evidence supporting the claim that the expungement is in the interest of justice. Examples might include proof of academic improvement, testimony from character witnesses, or successful completion of community service.

Step 4: Granting of Expungement

If the court approves the request, the juvenile record is sealed. This record will no longer be accessible by most entities and will not appear on background checks for employment or education.

Step 5: Moving Forward

Once the expungement is successful, the individual can legally state that they have no criminal record in situations like job applications or college admissions.

Advice for Parents and Young Adults

Navigating the complexities of life post-juvenile conviction can be intimidating. However, with the right strategies and mindset, it’s possible to minimize its impact and move toward a brighter future.

For Parents:

Educate Yourself: Familiarize yourself with Indiana’s juvenile justice system and expungement process. Understanding the legal pathways available can empower you to help your child.
Support Emotional Growth: Reassure your child that a juvenile record does not define their worth or potential. Emotional support can make all the difference in their confidence to rebuild and achieve their goals.
Advocate for Their Success: Encourage them to pursue community involvement, tutoring, or part-time work that demonstrates accountability and growth.

For Young Adults:

Own Your Story: Don’t shy away from addressing your mistakes. Instead, frame them as learning experiences and show how you’ve grown as a result.
Build Your Skills: Focus on developing your talents and adding valuable skills to your repertoire to compensate for gaps in education or employment caused by the criminal record.
Stay Out of Trouble: Further legal troubles can derail progress and make expungement more difficult. Keep a clean record moving forward.

In Summary

A juvenile criminal record in Indiana may present challenges, but it doesn’t have to dictate the rest of your life. With the right mindset, support, and understanding of the expungement process, it’s possible to wipe the slate clean and take meaningful steps toward new opportunities.

Taking control of your future starts with action. If you or a loved one is eligible for expungement, consider reaching out to an experienced legal professional to guide you through the steps. By pursuing expungement, you can create a fresh canvas to fill with new dreams, achievements, and promise.

Don’t let the past define your future—take control and seize the opportunity to expunge your record today. Contact our respected lawyers for affordable criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

Where to Get Juvenile Record Expungement Legal Help in Indiana

Posted on September 30, 2022 by admin

Minor arrests and misdemeanors can now be sealed from public access in Indiana, so long as you have a licensed criminal attorney by your side. Continue below to learn where to find reputable criminal record expungement legal help for juvenile records in Indiana, plus how to get started in your petition this month.

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Expungement For Juvenile Criminal Records in Indiana

Expunge Criminal Record Indiana provides exceptional legal counsel for families and individuals all across Indiana. Not only are we highly accomplished and respected personal injury attorneys, but we are also extensively well-versed and proficient in the new criminal record expungement laws. We offer our services for individuals who wish to seal our criminal records from when we were just a minor!

If you were arrested or convicted of a crime as a juvenile, you may be eligible for criminal record expungement. Not all will qualify, and there are several stipulations regarding eligibility and approval, which is why you need a licensed attorney to facilitate the application process for you, flawlessly!

Here are Central Indiana cities we provide juvenile criminal expungement legal assistance for:

▣ Avon
▣ Carmel
▣ Columbus
▣ Fishers
▣ Franklin
▣ Greenwood
▣ Indianapolis
▣ Noblesville
▣ Martinsville
▣ Mooresville
▣ Westfield
▣ Zionsville

Request a Free Consultation to Learn Your Eligibility

We offer free initial consultations to assess your case and determine if you are eligible to expunge criminal records in Indiana. This means there is no obligation to pay for your first meeting with our licensed attorneys!

Are you ready to get started on learning your eligibility and starting point for juvenile criminal expungement? Contact us at 317-636-7514 for criminal record expungement services for minors and juveniles in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

Can I Seal My Juvenile Criminal Records?

Posted on June 22, 2022 by admin

As kids, we all make mistakes. Some mistakes land juveniles in trouble with the law. Fortunately, with the right qualifications, Indiana’s Second Chance Law may allow you to seal your juvenile arrest and criminal records, even if you were ultimately found guilty of the charge. Continue below to learn how to confirm your eligibility for juvenile criminal record sealing, plus how to get started if you believe you meet the prerequisites for qualification.

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Juvenile Record Sealing Stipulations

In order to qualify to seal your juvenile criminal records, you must meet certain, state-specified criteria. Criteria will include age, type of offense, time passed since the offense, and adult criminal records. Although such requirements vary among states, they are generally across the board with these before-mentioned factors.

Age and Time Passed Since Your Offense

Here in Indiana, you must be at least 18 years old to petition for juvenile record sealing. This means that juveniles, which are people under the age of 18 years old, cannot petition for record sealing. In addition to your age, eligibility largely depends on the amount of time that has passed since the date of the offense or subsequent charge. Some states allow petitioners to file for record sealing as soon as 30 days after their 18^th birthday. Other states require a set time limit, typically 3 to 5 years since the date of the offense.

Type of Crime or Charge

Juveniles can be guilty of all sorts of infractions and offenses. The more serious ones may not qualify for record sealing, such as homicide, sexual assault, murder, and similar egregious federal-level crimes. Lesser offenses, like underage drinking, driving without a license, truancy, drug possession, shoplifting, running away, and similar common teenage wrongdoings, generally qualify for juvenile record sealing.

Adult Criminal Records

Not only must you be an adult, 18 years old or older, to petition for juvenile record sealing, but you must also be an adult with a clear adult criminal record. Perhaps one isolated or minor offense as an adult might not affect your eligibility, but more serious and certainly habitual offenses will cause your petition to be denied.

How to Get Started with Juvenile Record Sealing

To file for juvenile record sealing, you must complete a series of complicated paperwork, which will require you to locate and submit additional, relevant documents, plus pay a fee. And just one mistake on your petition, or a missed filing deadline, will cause your petition to be denied. After that happens, you are no longer eligible to file again. For these reasons and more, it is necessary to hire a licensed criminal defense attorney who specializes in expungement and record sealing services. They will ensure your petition is navigated properly.

Are you ready to get started on your Indiana juvenile record sealing petition? Contact us at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, and be one step closer to better and brighter future.

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What Indiana is Doing to Prevent Juveniles From Entering the Criminal System

Posted on May 13, 2022 by admin

All good-minded Hoosiers can agree that we should be doing whatever it takes to keep kids out of the criminal justice court system. But how does Indiana help parents and legal custodians achieve this goal? From categorical offenses to record expungement, Indiana has many resources and programs to offer for children who have and have not been arrested.

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Convictions Have Future Consequences for Juveniles

When a juvenile is arrested, charged, and ultimately convicted, their life is forever changed. There are many lasting and ongoing consequences to having a juvenile criminal record, and they are not anything we would wish for a child. Here in Indiana, a juvenile is a minor under the age of 18 years old. Sometimes, juveniles commit crimes so serious, they are tried in adult court. This is mostly typical among 16 and 17 year old defendants, but the court system has tried children as young as 12 years old in recent history.

Criminal records impact a defendant’s opportunity for education, employment, housing, financial assistance, and professional licensing. In worst scenarios, juvenile arrests and convictions pave the pathway for minors to grow into habitual or career criminals, spending most of their life in and out of the system. So, needless to say, it is in our best interest as a society to keep kids out of the criminal system using what resources and powers available to us. But what can we do? What can Indiana do?

Indiana Charges Kids With Delinquent or Status Offenses

There are two types of charges Indiana imposes on juvenile defendants. Status offenses are crimes that can only be committed by minors, such as underage drinking, underage smoking, truancy, curfew violations, and running away from home. Most of these offenses are dealt with using alternatives to arrest.

Delinquent offenses are crimes that can also be committed by adults, such as vandalism, voyeurism, theft, shoplifting, unlicensed driving, assault, and battery. These are clearly more serious than status offenses, and therefore, commonly land juveniles in adult court rather than juvenile court.

Protecting Juveniles From a Melancholy Future

After juveniles see a judge for their charges, they can be sentenced to a wide scope of penalties, which typically include fines and probation, but may also include community service, restitution, mental health counseling, educational programs, drug/alcohol treatment, and in worse cases, time spent in juvenile detention. In fact, many of these court orders are sentenced in place of juvenile detention or even a conviction altogether.

Indiana wants to keep kids out of the criminal system, which is why there are so many alternatives to arrest and criminal conviction. Fortunately, juveniles who are convicted of a crime may qualify later on for criminal record expungement or record sealing.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer ASAP

Not only do you want to protect your children’s current quality of life, but you also want to ensure their future rights and freedoms are secured as well. Do this by hiring a skilled Indiana criminal defense attorney who can fight your kid’s charges, reducing or dismissing them altogether.

Choose a lawyer who also specializes in criminal record expungement. They can set you up with details on how to expunge or seal your juvenile’s records so that their future is not impacted by any criminal charges from their past. The same goes for you, now. If you have a juvenile criminal history holding you back, contact a licensed expungement lawyer to see if you qualify now that you are an adult.

Are you ready to clear up your juvenile criminal record in Indiana? Contact our esteemed lawyers for affordable criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Are fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

Do Juvenile Arrest Records Matter as an Adult?

Posted on April 25, 2022 by admin

Anyone who thinks a juvenile arrest record just disappears when you turn 18 is wrongly mistaken. If you developed a criminal record as a teenager, it is still there. Even worse, it is accessible to the general public. This means that anybody with your name and a WiFi connection can look up your arrest and criminal records. But does this matter now that you are an adult?

Yes. Continue reading to learn why and what you can do to clean up your juvenile criminal history in Indiana.

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Juvenile Records Can Impact Your Quality of Life

Juvenile arrest and criminal records stay with you for life unless something is done about it. When you apply for a job or professional license, or get placed as a candidate for a promotion, a background check of your entire criminal history will be carried out. If you have arrests, criminal penalties, or charges against you as a teenager, it will appear on the results of the scan.

But employers are not the only authorities you need to worry about, or even people. As mentioned, criminal records can be accessed by the general public. Imagine getting set up on a blind date. Your date might look you up on the internet, and if they so choose, run a background check on you. A tainted past might turn them off from going on the date.

Consider applying to a college, trade school, or grad school. Same process applies. If you have some questionable adjudications on your background scan, the board might be inclined to reject your application. Are you interested in joining the military? The recruiters will review your criminal history, and that includes your juvenile records. Have you ever dreamed of being a foster parent? Well, if you have any juvenile adjudications on your record, the Indiana Department of Child Services says you cannot.

The same expected risks apply to landlords, leasing agents, banks, financial institutions, charitable foundation programs, municipal memberships, and more. So, you can see how a juvenile record can have lasting, negative effects on an adult’s life. Fortunately, there may be a solution.

Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

Indiana’s Second Chance Law was passed a few years ago, and it allows past offenders, innocent or not, to seal or destroy criminal records upon qualifications. If approved for criminal record expungement or record sealing, each have their own set of requirements, the general public can no longer access the records, including employers and financial institutions. It truly is a second chance at life for those who qualify!

Are you are wondering about your eligibility for criminal record sealing and expungement? Contact us at 317-636-7514 to speak with an experienced expungement lawyer in Indianapolis who is well-versed in the new criminal record expungement law. Our Indiana criminal expungement services start as low as $850!

Does the Indiana Second Chance Law Pertain to Juvenile Criminal Records?

Posted on February 15, 2022 by admin

The Indiana Second Chance Law has already changed the lives of thousands of past offenders in Indiana. This law allows those who qualify to conceal their criminal history from public access. Many people are wondering if they can have criminal and arrest records from their adolescent years expunged as well. No one wants to have a criminal history from a time when they were growing, learning minors that still made mistakes. The Indiana expungement law lets adults with juvenile arrest records seal their criminal history data from public view for good. Expunging juvenile arrest records is possible, and endlessly beneficial.

Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement and how to expunge juvenile arrest records without error.

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Indiana Expungement of Juvenile Criminal Records

One of the stipulations for expunging arrest records, juvenile or not, is that a person can only file one time in their life; and if one small filing mistake is made, they lose their chance to conceal their arrest records forever. This is why it is vital to hire a licensed attorney that is well-versed in the new expungement laws. They can responsibly facilitate the entire expungement process, start to finish, including all paperwork and more.

They know how to effectively communicate to judges and prosecutors, as well as file all necessary paperwork and forms on time. A trusted lawyer that has studied and been involved with the new laws regarding record expunging, is the best approach to successfully concealing arrest records and criminal histories from when you were a minor.

How to Get Started With Juvenile Record Expungement

To get started, you must first determine if you are eligible for expungement. There are several prerequisites to qualify. Depending on factors like the type of record, arrest, charge, or conviction, there are different requirements. A certain number of years has had to have passed to be eligible and certain crimes do not qualify at all, like murder, sex crimes, and more.

Why Use a Lawyer for Expungement and Record Sealing

A licensed Indianapolis criminal lawyer can help you identify your eligibility for criminal record expungement. From there, they can assess whether or not you qualify and if they can file your request. Lawyer fees for Indiana criminal record expungement vary depending on the crime, level of difficulty, and individual law firms. You can hire a criminal record e xpungement lawyer for as low as $850 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

An Important Warning for Expungement Applicants…

Indiana expungement laws can be repealed at any time. This means you do not want to wait another second to get your criminal record cleared in Indiana! The expungement law has considerable opposition and can be gone at any time. Take advantage of this opportunity in Indiana, and get your criminal record expunged this year!

Do you have arrests on your juvenile record that have been holding you back from a better or happier life? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition, today. We serve clients all throughout the state, and never charge for initial consultations.

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What To Do if You Have a Juvenile Criminal Record in Indiana

Posted on October 5, 2021 by admin

Are you an adult with a juvenile criminal record in Indiana? If so, this blog is for you. Continue reading to learn your options for concealing or removing juvenile arrest records and criminal convictions from your criminal history as a minor, including how to get started on a criminal record expungement petition as soon as today.

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Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

A few years back, Indiana passed a new law, referred to as Indiana’s Second Chance Law, that allows qualified applicants to seal or expunge, which basically means to remove or clean up, eligible criminal records. Both convictions and non-convictions, including arrests, may be eligible for criminal record expungement. However, not all petitioners will qualify in Indiana.

Furthermore, an applicant only gets one chance to petition for criminal record expungement in Indiana; and just one mistake, such as a missed deadline or spelling error, can have an applicant’s opportunity revoked forever. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged, and, practice, to hire an Indiana criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement services. A criminal defense expungement lawyer can navigate all elements of your criminal record expungement petition, ensuring that all paperwork and documentation are carefully crafted, reviewed, and submitted on time.

Juvenile Records Can Be Cleaned Up

As an adult, you may have run into certain challenges and setbacks as a result of your juvenile criminal record. If this is true in your case, the new Indiana Second Chance Law is exactly what you need for a brighter more opportunistic future. Many juvenile arrest records qualify for criminal record expungement and record sealing, but others may not.

Some criminal convictions and charges do not qualify at all, including murder, kidnapping, sexual assault, and similar egregious and violent offenses. Talk to an Indianapolis IN criminal expungement lawyer to learn your eligibility for cleaning up your juvenile criminal record in Indiana. In fact, this is your very first step in the juvenile criminal record expungement process.

What You Need to Know Right Now

Indiana’s Second Chance Law is not a popular one, and there are many lobbyist groups and parties who are actively trying to revoke the law every single day. It is possible that this criminal record expungement law is not around for much longer. For this reason, it is important to take advantage of it right now, before your opportunity passes you by forever.

Are you ready to get in touch with a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you clean up your juvenile criminal history in Indiana? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition, today. Our expungement fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

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Do Teenagers Have the Right to Expunge Arrest Records in Indiana?

Posted on October 27, 2020 by admin

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 is that a person can now have their arrest records purged in certain states if they qualify. The better news is that teenagers can also petition for criminal record expungement in Indiana.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about juvenile criminal record expungement in Indiana, including how to turn in an application before the end of the year.

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The Definition of a Juvenile

An individual who is 17 years old or younger is considered a juvenile in the eyes of the law. When a kid under the age of 18 years old is arrested for a crime, they are generally charged as a juvenile. But if they are over the age of 14, and the crime they committed was a serious felony, the courts and state may decide to try them as an adult. In these cases, the crimes are pretty serious or extensive. Courts do this to not only set an example, but to also make a point to service the right amount of justice where deserved.

To clear up the confusion, a minor is someone who is restricted to do something due to their age, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and voting. A juvenile can be a juvenile and a minor, while someone who is 18 is not a juvenile, but being under the age of 21 makes them a minor in terms of alcohol.

When a Juvenile is Tried as an Adult

If a minor is over the age of 14, and the crime they commit is serious, the state may decide to try them as an adult. In terms of expungement, a juvenile must wait a certain number of years, without committing any other crimes in between, before they can even qualify at all. Once this time limit is up, generally between 5 and 8 years, they can begin to inquire about further eligibility. But some crimes are never eligible for expungement, including murder, sex crimes, arson, human trafficking, and more.

Expunging Misdemeanor Arrests

If a minor was convicted of a lesser crime, such as a misdemeanor or Level 6 felony, there is possibility for expungement. Depending on their past criminal history, this eligibility may change. Whether a juvenile was tried as an adult or not, there may be a chance for qualification. Each individual case is different, which is why it is important to consult a licensed criminal lawyer for accurate evaluation and

How to Turn in Your Juvenile Expungement Application 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. Don’t let price worry you. 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 Indiana expungement law and get your criminal record expunged this year!

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.

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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!

Can the Indiana Expungement Law Help Juveniles?

Posted on February 12, 2020 by admin

Do you worry about your child’s future because of their past arrest or criminal record? Everything from their college admissions and dating, to professional licensing, mortgage loans, and more, can be negatively affected by a criminal record. Fortunately, the Indiana Criminal Record Expungement law might be able to provide your loved one with some legal relief, and put your mind at ease.

However, before you get your hopes up, you must know that there are several stipulations and limitations to expunging criminal records, primarily qualifying. Furthermore, the law is complex, so be prepared to hire a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement so that your child’s petition is secured.

Continue reading to learn how juveniles might benefit from Indiana criminal record expungement, and who to trust for accurate legal advice and petition services in Indianapolis.

Don’t Make the Biggest Mistake

When it comes to petitioning for criminal history expungement, the worst mistake you can make is to NOT hire a qualified lawyer. Attempting to petition for expungement on your own is a huge set up for disaster. Not only is the legal process and actual petition both highly complex, petitioners only get one chance in their entire lifetime to apply for expungement. The petition is so strict and complicated that just a single, insignificant mistake, like a skipped line or misspelled name, will revoke a person’s petition. After a petition is revoked, you do not get another try.

A criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement and sealing services will ensure that a petition is filled out precisely, submitted on time and to the proper departments. All of these elements of the petition process are vital. But filing a criminal record expungement petition correctly is not the only thing you must ensure. There is also the matter of qualifying.

Qualification for Expungement

In order to be eligible for criminal record expungement, there are certain facts that must exist. The most important requirement is that a person must be 18 years of age to petition for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Additional qualification factors are time and charge. A specific amount of time must pass from the date of the arrest in order for a petitioner to be eligible.

For instance, a person expunging a basic misdemeanor DUI charge must wait at least 5 years from the date of their arrest. This will affect your child’s petition since they will likely not be eligible until they are already a legal adult. For example, if your child was arrested on their 16^th birthday for drug possession, they won’t be eligible for expungement until they are 21 years old.

Get a Personal Assessment for Your Expungement Eligibility

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to see if your love one is eligible for Indiana criminal record expungement assessed. Our services start as low as $850, so anyone can afford to clean up their record. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation, today.