How to Get a Certificate of Actual Innocence

In order to get a Certificate of Actual Innocence in Indiana, you must meet a strict set of criteria. If you do not qualify to receive a Certificate of Actual Innocence, you may still be eligible for other forms of record sealing, such as criminal record expungement. Continue reading to learn more about these rare certificates, and how to obtain one for yourself in Indiana.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Innocent of a Crime?

A Certificate of Actual Innocence is the highest form of criminal record expungement, and just under a legal pardon. When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, and the charges are later dropped because it is found that the person was entirely innocent of the crime in question, they could qualify for a Certificate of Actual Innocence. Basically, it is a state issued notarized legal document acknowledging that a person should never have been arrested or charged with a crime because they were entirely innocent. This often happens as a result of mistaken identity or when a person is framed for a crime. Not only does a Certificate of Actual Innocence lawfully seal a conviction or arrest from a person’s criminal record, it affirms that the criminal mark should never have existed at all.

Those Who Do Not Qualify

If a person is arrested, charged, and found guilty of a crime, but then their conviction was later overturned, they would not qualify for a Certificate of Actual Innocence. Instead, they would be possible candidates for criminal record expungement. There are still various prerequisites that must be met in order to qualify for criminal record expungement. These often include the amount of time that has passed since the arrest or overturned conviction, the severity of the crime, past criminal activity, pending charges, and more. If you have questions about your eligibility for both criminal record expungement and a Certificate of Actual Innocence, talk to a licensed Indianapolis criminal record expungement lawyer for professional advice you can trust.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

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. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment, today.

FAQs About Indiana Criminal Record Expungement

Criminal record expungement is an understandably complex topic. Many people are just as confused as you are; so use these frequently asked questions and answers to help!

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514


Do you have a past criminal record in Indiana from years ago? Have you had questions about the new criminal record expungement laws and regulations? Fortunately, there are trustworthy sources of accurate information regarding your expungement concerns. The best route to take is speaking with a licensed criminal lawyer that specializes in criminal expungement services. It is important to choose an attorney that is well-versed in the new Indianapolis criminal expungement laws, since some are not. Continue reading to get some quick answers to some frequently asked questions about expunging criminal and arrest records in Indiana.

If I Don’t Know What’s On My Criminal Report, How Can I Find Out?

The best way to get a copy of your criminal history is to contact the local sheriff or clerk’s office in the county of your offense. They should be able to provide a records you need. If you have offenses in more than one county, it would be most efficient to have your expungement lawyer recover these documents for you. They have resources that make locating multiple crime records, easier.

What Do I Do If I Have Multiple Cases?

You will need to file a petition for expungement for each case in their separate counties. An experienced expungement lawyer will know how to efficiently and effectively do this for you. You can expunge multiple convictions at once, if you meet the eligibility requirements.

Am I Eligible?

There are several limitations and prerequisites you must meet in order to be an eligible candidate for expungement. For example, to be eligible to expunge arrest records, the arrest couldn’t have led to charges being filed against you, or the charges were later dropped as a result of mistaken identity. Basically, the court must find that there was either no crime committed, or not enough probable cause for the arrest. This is just one facet of the many stipulations involved with the expungement process.

How Does the Process Work?

Contact a trusted criminal defense attorney that specializes in expungement services, and they will navigate the entire process for you, in a safe and secure manner. You start by filing a petition, and several other forms and documents, and may even have to attend certain hearings.

Can I Be Denied?

Yes. The most common reasons to be denied include inaccuracies in court files, inaccuracies in applications, having additional pending charges, and not meeting the required waiting period. Talk to your lawyer about preventing these mistakes from happening. You only get one chance to file for expungement, so just one simple mistake can take that opportunity away forever.

Are the Benefits of an Expunged Record Worth the Effort?

If your arrest records are expunged, your fingerprints, mugshot, and all other documentation regarding the arrest and subsequent charges will be withheld from public access, including employers, loan officers, landlords, and more. Only law enforcement and government agencies will still retain these records. You can feel confident renting a home, applying for a loan, or going for that promotion, without fear of your criminal record holding you back.

Criminal Record Expungement in Indianapolis

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

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.

Understand the No Guarantee of Criminal Record Expungement

Although Indiana’s “Second Chance” Expungement Law is in Full-Affect, there are many who will not qualify. When you petition for criminal record expungement, there is no guarantee that your records will be expunged.

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514


Criminal record expungement is a long process. It is a process that takes more than filling out an application and waiting for approval. In fact, those who are interesting in verifying their eligibility and petitioning for criminal record expungement often hire a licensed criminal lawyer who specializes in the sealing and expungement petition process. Furthermore, there are very detailed requirements to qualify. Courts base their decisions to grant criminal record expungement to a past offender on several factors.

These factors can include, but are not limited to:

The severity of your crime;

The extent of your criminal history;

The length of time served for the offense;

The risk or threat you pose to the public;

The degree of rehabilitation you’ve taken after the offense;

The amount of restitution paid, both financially and morally;

Your current criminal standing;

Your employment and community involvement;

Recommendations of connected law enforcement, victims, witnesses, and other related or affected parties;

How you will benefit from having your record removed, and whether or not these benefits outweigh the disadvantage that would result from restricting your criminal history from public access.

Where to Go From Here

The limits to criminal record expungement and record sealing vary from case to case because of the numerous factors that influence a court’s decision in the matter. While some will qualify to expunge their arrest records, others will only qualify to have their records sealed or restricted. And many more won’t be eligible for either. The only way to truly find out whether or not you qualify is to consult a licensed Indianapolis criminal record expungement lawyer for an assessment.

ExpungementIndiana Code § 35-38-5-1
Restricted AccessIndiana Code § 35-38-5-5.5

Expunge Criminal Records in Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

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.

Beware of Indiana Expungement Forms

Indiana expungement applications are full of down falls, which makes them very complex and difficult to fill out. This causes thousands of petitions to be denied every month.

Criminal Record Expungement Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7414


When expungement forms are not filled out and filed exactly in compliance with Indiana code, they are denied. Even a mistake as minor as a spelling error can cause a petition for expungement to be rejected by the state. For this reason, numerous applicants are having trouble with the filing process, and learning the hard way that you can only file for expungement once in your lifetime. One simple filing error can eliminate that opportunity for anyone, regardless of crime or conviction. Continue reading to learn how to ensure your expungement application is filled out and filed properly.

Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney

If you want to be like all the other individuals who have successfully filed for and granted expungement, you will need to hire a licensed criminal defense attorney who is well-versed and experienced with the Indiana expungement laws and regulations. Their services are affordable for everyone, so you can hire a lawyer in this field to help you fill out and file your expungement application. Not only can they help you fill out and file your petition for expungement, they can help you collect all the necessary documents and evidence you’ll need to be granted expungement. This includes restitution documentation, paid fines, court records, and more. They can also ensure that your application process is in accordance with all the filing rules and requirements, including meeting deadlines.

When a person wishes to expunge court and arrest records in more than one county, the filing process becomes even more convoluted and complex. This situation would most certainly require the assistance of a licensed and experience criminal defense lawyer. Don’t lose your chance at expunging your past criminal records because you want to save some money and file yourself. The risk is not worth the possibility of clearing or sealing your criminal record.

An Indianapolis Expungement Lawyer You Can Trust

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call 317-636-7514 for professional and affordable criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis. Don’t think you can afford to expunge criminal records in Indiana? Think again! Our expungement legal services start as low as $850! Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your criminal records, and determine your eligibility. Call 317-636-7514 to finally expunge criminal records in Indiana, today!

Can I Get Probation Expunged From My Criminal Record?

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal record expungement is a tool used to give past offenders a second chance. The requirements and procedures vary among jurisdictions, but virtually all states have enacted laws that permit people to clean up their criminal record given that they qualify. The only catch is that the eligibility requirements are usually very restrictive, and diverge state to state.

If a person does qualify for criminal record expungement, and subsequently approved, they will no longer be obligated to disclose their criminal past to anyone, including potential employers, landlords, banks, and more. What it does not mean is that the record is gone. There is another form of expungement called record sealing, and it delivers much of the same benefits. The only difference is what happens to the criminal records.

A person may qualify for record sealing but not expungement, and vice versa. Regardless of which process you qualify for, you can rest assure that your charges, conviction, and any other court-ordered penalties, will be hidden from the general public. This includes probation, especially if your only penalty was probation.

Record Sealing

When a person has a criminal record sealed, the record is hidden from the general public access. This means that landlords, bankers, employers, and the general public cannot access your criminal records. The only parties who will have access to your sealed records is law enforcement agencies and certain governmental organizations. In Indiana, you may qualify for record sealing if your conviction was vacated, your charges dismissed, or you were found not guilty. Of course, there are several other requirements to qualify. These are just some primary points to start with. Talk to a criminal record expungement lawyer for information about your eligibility.

Record Expungement

When a person has a criminal record expunged, it is essentially eliminated from their criminal record. There is no possibility of anyone, including law enforcement, to ever see the record again. The qualification requirements are incredibly strict, but it gives those who were innocent of a crime a second chance to clean up their record and make it as it rightfully should be. In Indiana, a person may qualify for expungement if they were never actually charged with a crime, or the charges were later dropped as a result of specific reasons (i.e. mistaken identity, actual innocence, etc.).

All states require a waiting period before a person can qualify for either option. These range between a few years and up to 15 years. Talk to a criminal defense lawyer to learn your eligibility for record expungement or sealing.

Indianapolis Criminal Expungement Lawyer

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to learn your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana. He is well-versed in the new Indiana criminal record expungement laws, and 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 Difference Between Expunging and Sealing a Criminal Record?

To best understand the difference between sealing records and expunging records, it is helpful to review the common court hearing outcomes that follows an arrest. Keep in mind that an arrest is an actual encounter with police that results in going to jail, being issued an arrest warrant, or a receiving a mailed notice to appear in court. Courts can hand down several types of adjudications, including the well-known “guilty” or “not guilty.” But there is more to court adjudication than the black or white “guilty” or “not-guilty” decrees.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514


When a person is arrested, the courts will find the defendant one of the following:

No Information – No Bill

This means that the state received the arrest report but decided to not file charges. This is colloquially-referred to as a case being dropped.

Nolle Prosequi – Nol Pross

These Latin terms mean “to not prosecute”, describe a ruling in which the state filed formal charges, but then decides to drop the charges for whatever reason.

Dismissed or Acquitted

This is another ruling in which a case is essentially dropped. It occurs when a legal argument is presented by a lawyer to the courts that convince them or mandates them to dismiss the defendant’s case and/or charges.

Guilty – Convicted

This verdict occurs when a court or jury finds a defendant guilty and convicts them of a crime.

Knowing these outcomes can assist you in understanding the differences and similarities between sealing and expungement.

Sealing Arrest 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. One of the primary difference between sealed and expunged records has to do with purchasing firearms. Someone with a sealed record must still disclose their arrest when purchasing a firearm. Someone with an expunged record can legally deny an arrest.

Expungement of Criminal Records

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.

Expunging and sealing arrest records may differ in certain ways, but they both render the same benefits. It is very confusing to learn the process, rules, and guidelines to criminal record expungement. And there are several complicated variables that influences a person’s eligibility to expunge or seal criminal records. This is why it is vital to hire an experienced attorney to help you file for criminal record expungement accurately.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer

Call attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to file for criminal record expungement in Indiana. He is well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws and provides legal services starting as low as $850, depending on the extent of criminal history.

How to Get Your Indiana Criminal Record Expunged

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal charges come in all forms, but if yours meets certain criteria, you may be eligible to have it expunged from your permanent record. Right now, Indiana has two sets of laws surrounding a person’s right to improve their criminal record. Depending on several factors, a person may be eligible to either expunge or seal pieces of their criminal record. Expungement refers to complete erasure, while sealing refers to restricted public access. Eligibility is heavily influenced by time passed, severity of criminal charges, the circumstances surrounding a person’s arrest and conviction, and much more. For these reasons and more, it is vital to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney who can assist with all the convoluted and strict filing procedures and deadlines. You can only petition for expungement or sealing one time, so it is vital to do it correctly. Having a lawyer will ensure the accuracy of your petition.

Continue reading to learn where to determine your eligibility and how to get your Indiana criminal record expunged if you qualify.

Criminal Record Expungement

Indiana Code § 35-38-5-1

To qualify for expungement, you must meet certain strict criteria. These include but are not limited to:

❋ A specific amount of time has passed since the initial date of arrest or indictment;

❋ You were never actually charged with the crime;

❋ Your charges were later dropped as a result of 1) mistaken identity, 2) no crime was actually committed, or 3) there was no probable cause to believe you committed a crime;

❋ You have no pending criminal charges;

❋ Your offense was not a sex crime;

❋ Your offense did not result in serious bodily injury or death;

Note: If your conviction was later reversed and your case dismissed, you may be eligible to have your DNA profile expunged from the state DNA database. IC § 10-13-6-18

Getting Started

If you believe you may qualify to have your criminal record expunged or sealed, contact a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer to determine your eligibility. Choose an attorney who is experienced and well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws. Choose David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Law Firm

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to learn your eligibility for Indiana criminal record expungement and restricted access. Our criminal defense law firm offers free initial consultations to do just that! That means no out-of-pocket charges to see if you qualify! And rates start as low as $850 of those who do! Call 317-636-7514 to schedule your consultation for criminal record expungement, today.

Can I Expunge a Conviction if I Was a Minor Tried as an Adult?

Criminal Record Expungement Attorneys 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

There are several options for those who wish to seal or expunge criminal records, so long as they meet the prerequisites for eligibility. As for those who were arrested as minors but tried as adults, the options are not much different. To get the answer to this question in regards to your specific case, you must start with the eligibility requirements for both criminal record expungement and criminal record sealing in Indiana. From there, you can move forward with a better understanding of your personal qualifications, how the process works, and where to get started. Continue reading to learn more about expunging or sealing criminal records as a person who was arrested as a minor but tried as an adult.

Criminal Record Expungement

Indiana Code § 35-38-5-1

The eligibility requirements for criminal record expungement in Indiana are very strict. Not many people qualify to have their criminal records expunged. That is because in order to be eligible, you must have never actually been charged with a crime, or the charges were later dropped. More specifically, one of the following statements must be true about your arrest:

You were never officially charged with a crime;

OR

Your charges were later dropped because:

Ⅰ. Your identity was mistaken;
Ⅱ. You did not in fact commit the crime;
Ⅲ. There was no probable cause to believe you committed the crime.

Criminal Record Sealing

Indiana Code § 35-38-5-5.5

If you do not qualify for expungement, you may qualify to seal your criminal records, which is also known as “restricted access.” If you were arrested but never charged with a crime, charged but you were later acquitted of all charges, or you were convicted and your conviction as later vacated, you could qualify for restricted access in Indiana.

If you were charged and convicted of a misdemeanors or Level 6 Felony, and you have completed all court orders, you may be able to petition for restricted access if all the following are true about your crime:

Ⅰ. Your crime did not cause bodily harm;
Ⅱ. Your crime was not a sex offense;
Ⅲ. Your crime was committed over 8 years ago;
Ⅳ. You do not have any new criminal convictions.

Trust in Criminal Defense

It is important to discuss your criminal record concerns with a licensed criminal defense attorney who can provide accurate information and guidance specific to your unique case. In the meantime, learn as much as you can about criminal record expungement and criminal record sealing for better understanding of the legal process.

Indianapolis Expungement Lawyer

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Call Indiana Expungement at 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! We are eager to help you reform your criminal records so that you can have the life you deserve. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with a licensed Indianapolis expungement attorney, today.

Limits to Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7414

A criminal record can hold a person back from a lot of freedoms and opportunities. A large majority of employers run a criminal background check on applicants; and if it comes back unsatisfactory, they reserve the right to deny employment or promotion. Aside from a restricted career and paygrade, a poor criminal record can also affect a person’s right to vote, hold office, own or possess a firearm, and more. Fortunately for Hoosiers, the state passed a new law in 2011 that gave people the right to restrict public access to their
criminal records if they meet the requirements.

The law, commonly referred to as “Indiana’s Second Chance Law”, was expanded upon again in the following years. Depending on their qualifications, they past offenders can either seal or expunge their criminal records in Indiana. But as mentioned, there are certain requirements individuals must meet in order to be granted expungement or sealing. Continue reading to learn what limitations to expect when petitioning for criminal record expungement in Indiana.

Expunging Criminal Records

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

After you have been granted expungement, you can legally say “No” when someone asks you if you have a criminal record. Although getting there takes hard work, diligence, and patience, ultimately, it takes meeting the requirements. These requirements are what limits people’s eligibility for criminal record expungement. Talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney for help determining your eligibility and filing the petition. Below, you will find a breakdown of the standard limitations to
expect under the criminal record expungement law.

Expungement – Indiana Code § 35-38-5-1

For those who do not have an actual conviction on their criminal record, they have the greatest chance at being granted criminal record expungement in Indiana. If your charges were dropped because 1) mistaken identity, 2) actual innocence, and 3) no probable cause that you committed the crime in question, you have a good chance at being granted expungement.

Of course, there are time stipulations as well. It must be a certain number of years since the initial arrest. And this is just the start, there are several other factors that influence eligibility as well, such as pending criminal charges and more. A criminal defense lawyer will guide you through the requirements so you can learn all the limitations that may apply to you and your criminal record.

Restricted Access – Indiana Code § 35-38-5-5.5

For those who were arrested but charges were never brought against them or later dropped (for instance, a college public intoxication arrest where cops just put someone in the “drunk tank” to sober up and then release them without charges after), they would not meet the requirements for criminal record expungement. But they could be eligible for “restricted access.” This applies to those who were 1) arrested but never charged, 2) arrested, charged, but then acquitted of all charges, or 3) convicted but conviction was later vacated.

Indianapolis Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to file for criminal record expungement in Indiana. He is an experienced criminal defense attorney that is well-versed in all Indiana expungement and sealing laws. You can only file one time in your life, and one mistake or missed deadline can take your only chance away forever. Avoid that risk by having David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, file your petition for you. His services start as low as $850! Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation and learn the best strategy for your criminal record, today.

The Difference Between Basic and Comprehensive Background Checks

There are various types of background checks available to the public, all ranging in price and scope. But the two primary types of background checks include basic background checks and comprehensive background checks. Continue reading to learn the difference between the two, as well as, which one you should choose for your individual research purposes.

Basic Background Checks

A basic background check is primarily used for hiring and employment purposes. For that reason, a basic background check is also referred to as an employment background check. But they are also a common resource for rental and landlord purposes. These scans are usually cheap and very easy to perform. With the computer and Internet service, anyone can perform a basic background check on anyone, so long as they’re willing to pay the fee. In most cases, they reveal the minimum information about a person needed to make a generalized citizen assessment, and include identity verification, criminal database scan, and national sex offender search. It is common for basic background checks to expose the following:

• Name
• Date of Birth
• Social Security Number
• Address History
• Known Aliases
• Traffic Records
• Criminal Records
• Court Records
• Superior Court Index Of Felonies and Misdemeanors
• Administrative Office of Courts Records
• Department of Correction Records
• And More

Comprehensive Background Checks

Comprehensive background checks dig a little deeper. For this reason, they are primarily used for high-security clearances, investigations, professional employment, childcare employment, professional licensing, gun licensing and permits, and similar types of applications. They provide the most accurate and up-to-date information about a person. These are all-inclusive background scans that mitigate the risk of negligent hiring or licensing. They generally include:

• All Public and Civil Records Revealed in a Basic Scan
• Education Confirmation
• Credit Reports
• Prior Employment
• Social Security Number Trace
• Federal, State, & County Criminal Records
• Criminal History
• Drivers History
• Sex Offender Registry
• Drug Testing History
• Previous References
• License and Certification Confirmations
• And More

The Indiana Second Chance Law

If you are concerned that your background check could potentially impose your ability for promotion or housing, consider expunging your criminal records. The Indiana Second Chance Law allows past offenders to seal or expunge their criminal records if they qualify. Contact criminal defense attorney for professional criminal record expungement services. You can only file once in lifetime, and one mistake can get your petition denied. You need a qualified lawyer to help you with the complex filing and petitioning process.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement lawyer

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, at 317-636-7514 to file for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Our law firm is eager to help you seal or expunge your criminal records, and our services start as low as $850! Broaden your opportunities in more ways than one with Indiana criminal record expungement service. Start today! Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation with a trusted Indianapolis criminal record expungement lawyer, today.