Category Archives: Indiana Criminal Record Expungement

How to Do a Background Check

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There are many reasons for performing a background check on a person. Employers will run background checks to ensure they are hiring trusted staff members, while parents might choose to run background checks on potential nannies and babysitters to ensure the safety of their children. And with the current online dating trend, many daters are scanning the backgrounds of their dates before meeting them for the first time. Other people decide to run a background check on themselves to see if there are any irregularities or evidence of identity theft.

There are several resources available to help run a background check on yourself or another person, and it is easy to do and sometimes free of charge. Continue reading for advice on how to do a background check on yourself or someone else.

Background Check Websites

Background checks offer information about a person’s arrest, driving, criminal, marriage, and sometimes even credit history. The easiest and most popular method for doing background checks is using online services. There are many sources for background scanning services, including the city’s government webpage and background check company websites. Many are free of charge, but offer upgraded scans that will offer more background information about a person for a flat rate. Other online sources cost money because they perform detailed background scans and offer extensive information about a person’s history.

Simply type “free background check” into your browser’s search engine of choice, and peruse the results. Use a company or service that offers secure transactions and reliable information. To best gauge the integrity of background check websites, read customer reviews or look for professional associations and certifications. You may also use your city’s government webpage for background scanning and more.

For Indianapolis, go to http://www.indy.gov/Services/Pages/records.aspx or call the Indianapolis Police Department at 317-327-3153 for limited criminal history records and inquiries.

Additional Free Online Resources to Try:

National Center for State Courts
Local Court Website
Social Media Profiles
National Sex Offender Public Website

Paid Services:

Intelius
Been Verified

If your personal background scan displeases you because of past criminal mistakes, contact a licensed attorney to discuss your criminal expungement eligibility and perhaps seal your public records for good!

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for Indiana criminal record expungement information and professional assistance. We offer legal services for those who wish to seal or expunge their criminal records. Depending on your individual case details, you may or may not be eligible for expungement. Speak to one of our licensed lawyers, well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws, about the requirements for criminal record expungement, right away. Get started to a new future of job opportunities and more with a clean criminal slate. Call 317-636-7514 to expunge criminal records in Indiana, today!

Do You Need a Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer?

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A criminal record expungement lawyer will save you a substantial amount of time, money, and frustration in the expunging process. But do you NEED one to file for expungement? The answer is no; however, it is the wisest choice for anyone who wishes to properly expunge their criminal records in the one opportunity the law gives them. One simple mistake or misspelled word can revoke a person’s right to expunge their criminal records forever. A licensed attorney can make sure that doesn’t happen, and all for a reasonable one-time fee. Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement attorney services and how they can help you.

Expunging or Sealing Criminal Records

A person has one opportunity to file for criminal record expungement. One filing misstep can cost them that chance. A licensed attorney that is well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws can process all the necessary documents and paperwork needed to file for expungement. They can be sure you are informed, set, and ready for all mandatory court hearings, if any, and all other obligations involved in the process. With a lawyer, you can rest assure that the filing and application process is carried out perfectly so that you have the highest chance of having your records sealed from the public.

Generally, the cost of hiring an attorney to assist in expunging or sealing your criminal records is around $1,000, give or take. These prices go up depending on the extent of a person’s criminal history and the complexity of their case. Some lawyers may offer payment arrangements or financing plans, depending on the client’s credit history and other variables. No matter what the price, criminal record expungement is worth it tenfold.

Keep in mind that a public defender cannot offer service to assist in expungement applications and filing. You must either choose to file and apply yourself, or hire a licensed attorney for professional and organized assistance.

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for criminal record expungement services in Indiana. We are licensed attorneys well-versed in the current Indiana expungement laws and guidelines. We can ensure that your application process is carried out faultlessly. Rates start as low as $850 so call today!

Call Our Law Firm For Affordable Criminal Record Expungement Services in Indianapolis!

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If you have an Indiana criminal history or arrest record, or both, you can now have those records sealed from public databases if you qualify. This can open doors for new employment opportunities, living arrangements, and an improved quality of life all-around. When you have your criminal records sealed from general public access, no longer can landlords, employers, or the general public access your personal history.

Licensed Attorney Services You Can Trust!

Since the expungement process is so complicated, it is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed attorney that is well-versed in the new Indiana criminal record expungement laws. For Indianapolis Hoosiers, those attorneys are right here at our law firm! Call us at 317-636-7514 for answers to your questions about expunging criminal records in Indiana.

Affordable Rates!

We offer proficient and secure criminal expungement services in Indianapolis, and can manage your journey to sealing your criminal history for good. Rates for record expungement services start as low as $850, depending on the extent of a person’s criminal records, convictions, and arrests.

Criminal Record Expungement

The application process to seal criminal records is very complicated, and just one error or missing document can lose your chances of expungement forever. We provide safe and secure services to expunge criminal records in Indiana, including arrests, misdemeanors, DUI’s, Class D felonies, and more! Call 317-636-7514 to learn if you qualify for Indiana criminal record expungement, today.

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 to start the criminal record expungement process in Indiana, today. We offer free initial consultations, and rates start as low as $850! Expunge arrest records, DUI’s, DWI’s, misdemeanors, Class D felonies, and more with the help of a licensed and experienced Indianapolis lawyer. Call 317-636-7514 and learn how to seal public records in Indiana, today!

Are Voting Rights Restored After Expunging a Felony?

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Two years ago, the Indiana expungement laws have granted past felons the opportunity to seal their criminal records. Before July of 2013, only charges that were dismissed, acquitted, dropped, or voided could be sealed, but then the expungement laws were revised and now convicted persons can have their criminal records expunged. Continue reading to learn more about felony expungement in Indiana, and who to call for reliable and professional filing services.

Felony Expungement

Although filing is a delicate process that cannot even start until a certain amount of time has passed (up to 10 years for felony charges), expungement services are well worth the patience and effort in the end. After a person has a felony record expunged, all of their civil rights are restored, including the right to vote, to be a juror, and the right to firearms. But there are stipulations to having these rights restored, and they are as follows:

• Must Not Be Incarcerated Since the Conviction
• Must Not Commit Any More Crimes Since the Conviction
• Must Not Be On Probation Since the Conviction
• Must Pay All Legal Restitution On Time for the Conviction
• Defendant Maintains a Clean Record Following Expungement

In order to expunge a felony record, a person must have all of their crime-committing days behind them. This is because a person can only have records expunged one time in Indiana. A person can expunge multiple charges and convictions so long as it is done all at the same time, but they only get once chance to file. If one filing mistake is made, the request is dismissed and a person loses their opportunity to file for expungement in Indiana forever.

For this reason, it is important to retain the services of a licensed attorney that is well-versed in the Indiana expungement laws and procedures. For a reasonable fee, an experienced lawyer can file all documents to the court and manage all other filing procedures for a defendant. This will ensure it gets done right the first time, which is the only time you have.

Indiana Expungement Lawyer

Call 317-636-7514 to learn about expunging criminal records in Indiana. We are well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws and can answer your questions about eligibility and filing. Our rates start as low as $850 making our expungement services affordable for anyone. The fee increases as complexity and seriousness of charges increases. Call 317-636-7514 and speak with an Indiana expungement lawyer you can trust.

Can I Use a Public Defender to File for Criminal Record Expungement?

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New ordinances have allowed qualifying past offenders to conceal their criminal history from the general public. This has opened doors for new employment opportunities because expunged records cannot be accessed by employers or anyone performing a background check. It has also opened doors for several other opportunities and provided several benefits for those with arrest records and past convictions.

Expunging Arrest Records

Filing for criminal record expungement is a delicate and complex process that cannot be done incorrectly in any aspect; even if a mistake is a small one, like a misspelled name. One misfile or misprint can cause a person to lose their chance to conceal their criminal records for the rest of their lives. For this reason and more, it has been widely recognized that people need the assistance of a lawyer that is well-versed in the new expungement laws and procedures.

Since lawyers can sometimes be costly, many people are intimidated to look into the price of hiring an attorney for expungement filing purposes. Instead, people are inquiring about using public defenders instead. The problem here is that it is not allowed. Public defenders are only used for criminal cases and trials. For criminal expungement assistance, a hired lawyer is the only option for guaranteed accuracy and assurance.

The good news is that hiring a lawyer to facilitate your motion to expunge your criminal records is more affordable than many think. Most law firms or attorneys offer low base prices, anywhere from $900 to $1500, depending on the difficulty of each individual case. And some lawyers might even offer financial plans or payment installations.

See If You Qualify for Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

Call 317-636-7514 to see if you qualify for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Our rates start out as low as $850, and we don’t charge unless you qualify. Expunge arrest records, misdemeanors, D felonies, OWI’s, and more in Indiana. Call 317-636-7514 and speak to a licensed attorney that is well-versed in the new Indiana criminal record expungement laws and processes, today.

Can I Expunge Criminal Records with Pending Criminal Charges?

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It is simply human to make mistakes. After all, making mistakes is how we learn. This gives us a great deal of wisdom, but also, regret. One of the most common “mistakes” people make in their pasts involve legal troubles and infractions. Fortunately, with the new expungement laws in Indiana, many individuals now have the opportunity to conceal past mistakes like arrests, criminal charges, and convictions. This permits people with criminal histories to explore and pursue certain prospects that were not available to them before. Expunging criminal records allows people to apply for jobs or promotions without judgement or discrimination. And it allows people to apply for certain loans, mortgages, apartments, and more.

Concealing Past Criminal Records

Concealing past criminal records can truly change a person’s life for the better. However, it is important to know that it is not something that comes along easily. Criminal record expungement is something a person can file for only once in their life. And it is a very intense and delicate application process that cannot be implemented incorrectly in any way. A simple misspelled word or missed signature can eliminate a person’s chance to expunge their criminal history. For this reason, it is necessary to hire a licensed attorney well-versed in the criminal record expungement laws and procedures. They have the proper resources and knowledge to facilitate the process flawlessly for a small one-time fee.

There are so many questions regarding expungement and the process of hiring an attorney to file for expungement. It is recommended to review some basic Criminal Record Expungement Facts to better understand the laws surrounding the application and approval process. One common questions past offenders have involves pending criminal charges. Many people want to know if they can still file for expungement if they have current pending criminal charges in the works. The answer to this questions is very simple; no.

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.

Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

Call 317-636-7514 to learn more about expunging criminal records in Indiana. We are well-versed in criminal expungement law and can help you determine your eligibility. If eligible, we can then assist in all filing and application procedures to ensure your records are legally concealed. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment today!

Can Drug Offenses Be Expunged from a Criminal Record?

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Criminal record expungement laws and requirements differ from state to state, all across the country. It is important to talk to a licensed attorney that specializes in your state’s new expungement laws so that you may determine your eligibility first before moving forward with the application process. Many individuals with drug offenses and convictions ask about the possibility and the process of expunging such records, but have no success in finding the right answers. Here in this blog, we will skim the surface of expunging drug offenses and charges, and then provide you the resources to discuss this topic in detail with a licensed criminal record expungement attorney.

Expunging Drug Convictions

There are several types of controlled substance and drug convictions a person could have on their record. For example, someone could be charged with being under the influence of drugs, possession of drugs, possession with intent to distribute, transporting a controlled substance, marijuana cultivation, possession of paraphernalia, and more. Depending on the severity of the crime (felony or misdemeanor), the individual’s past criminal history, and the particular state in which the crime occurred, the degree of difficulty and amount of time to expunge such records will vary. All of these variables, and more, will play a role in the expungement process.

For first-time offenders, there might also be the option of enrolling in a drug diversion program. Many jurisdictions offer drug diversion programs that will automatically expunge a drug-related arrest and charge once the individual successfully completes the program on time without any other convictions or arrests. Individuals must plead guilty to the charges and then they can be granted entry into a substance abuse program. These programs are generally only available for individuals without a previous arrest record or criminal history and who were arrested and charged with a misdemeanor drug crime like possession or possession of paraphernalia. The diversionary period can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months, depending on the county and the program. Once the program is completed, an individual can legally claim that they have never been arrested for a drug charge.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement

Call 317-636-7514 for information about Indianapolis criminal record expungement and eligibility requirements. Prices for our criminal record expungement services start as low as $850, and fluctuate depending on the complexity of an individual’s case. We are a professional Indiana corporation that offers friendly and knowledgeable counsel for those who wish to expunge criminal records in Indiana. Call 317-636-7514 and speak with a qualified lawyer about expunging arrest records in Indianapolis, IN.

Learning the Difference Between Criminal Pardons and Criminal Expungement

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As of right now, there are laws passed in Indiana that allow past convicts and criminals to conceal their public arrest records. Records can be fully sealed or partially sealed, depending on a person’s qualifications. All cases are different, but these records can include certain felonies, arrests, charges, convictions, misdemeanors, and more. There is a strict guideline that decides who is qualified for criminal record expungement, as well as, a rigid application process that often times throws individuals off course. This is why professional legal counsel is necessary for anyone who wishes to have arrest records expunged. There are also application fees and several other types of prerequisites.

Legal Pardons

A legal pardon is entirely different from criminal expungement. Although, their similarities makes it understandable why many confuse the two terms with one another. A legal pardon is the government’s way of forgiving a person for their crime or 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.

Criminal Expungement

In contrast to being pardoned for a crime, criminal record expungement does not “forgive” an individual for the crimes they committed, but they will treat it as though it never happened. It is a classic case of forgive or forget, where pardons are “forgiving” and expungement is “forgetting.” When a person has their arrest records expunged, they no longer show up on public databases, and they are no longer penalized for their past criminal history. They are free to apply for jobs, bank loans, apartments, and more!

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for detailed explanations regarding the new criminal record expungement laws in Indiana. We are well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws and can determine your eligibility today! Expungement prices start at $850 so schedule your initial consultation as soon as possible. Anyone can afford to have their criminal records expunged in Indiana at these prices! Call 317-636-7514 for information about the Indiana criminal record expungement process, and start opening doors that have been closed for much too long.

Can I Have a Felony Expunged from My Criminal Record?

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Having a felony on your record can feel much like having a kettle ball tied to your ankle for the remainder of your life. Fortunately, there are new state and federal laws passing in many states allowing past offenders the opportunity to conceal their arrest records from the general public. This is called criminal record expungement. Not everyone qualifies for criminal record expungement, as there are many stipulations and prerequisites. Eligibility depends on a number of variables, making no two cases alike. Arrests, violations, and misdemeanors can all be expunged, but felonies are trickier. Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement and who to call to see if you qualify in your city or state.

Felony Convictions and Expungement

If a person could conceal a felony conviction that has been haunting them for quite some time, they could change their lives. They could apply for loans, buy a home, rent an apartment, and apply for jobs they would never have qualified for in the past. Fortunately, with the new criminal record expungement laws, this can be a real-life option for some. What this means is, some candidates may be granted record expungement by a judge depending on the type of felony conviction and their criminal history. So yes, sometimes a felony can be expunged if a person qualifies.

Felony expungement works differently in every state because every state has different laws regarding rules and eligibility. In a case that a felony might be expunged, a person would only have one felony and the crime was something non-violent, and perhaps even an accident. For example, if you have a felony charge for receiving multiple DUI’s, and are now a recovering alcoholic, a judge might consider granting them expungement rights. But again, this is all very dependent on a person’s individual situation and their criminal history. If a past habitual offender wants to expunge a felony conviction, they might have a much harder time.

The best way to determine your eligibility for criminal record expungement, and your best chances at successfully doing so, is to consult a licensed attorney that provides these services. Lawyer fees generally start around $900, give or take, depending on the law firm and the complexity of a client’s case.

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for accurate and reliable information regarding criminal record expungement in Indiana. Our seasoned attorneys are well-versed in the new Indiana criminal record expungement laws, and are eager to help get a fresh start to life! Our law firm offers expungement representation services for as low as $850! Get D felonies, arrests, DUI’s, and misdemeanors concealed for good in Indiana! Call 317-636-7514 and schedule a consultation to determine your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, IN today.

Criminal History Providers Forced to Make Changes for New Indiana Expungement Laws

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With the new Indiana expungement options in place, criminal history providers must make changes to the methods of revealing criminal accounts for anyone who has had their criminal records expunged. Criminal history providers are organizations and companies that allow businesses, employers, and general public to see any person’s criminal record and past convictions. These providers are also called background screening companies (CRA’s) and commercial database companies. They are popularly called background checks, criminal record checks, and criminal history look-ups.

Criminal archives show arrests, jail time, convictions, charges, and more. Now that Indiana has passed criminal record expungement laws, individuals who qualify can have their records sealed from public access. This means criminal history providers and background check services must limit the way they reveal a person’s public records in compliance with the expungement new laws.

Criminal Record Expungement

In order to qualify for criminal record expungement, a person must exhibit all prerequisites mandated by law. Depending on the amount of time that’s passed since the date of the conviction, current criminal mischief, the crime or conviction committed, and more, an individual may or may not qualify, or not qualify just yet. It is important to consult an Indianapolis criminal record expungement attorney to determine a person’s eligibility. You can only file to expunge your criminal records once in a lifetime. If even one tiny filing mistake is made or overlooked, it can cost you your investment into attorney fees and your opportunity to conceal your criminal records for good. A licensed attorney, well-versed in the new expungement laws, can accurately guide you through the process or implement the filing work for you to ensure accuracy.

Once a person’s criminal records are expunged, criminal history providers must prohibit revealing:

• Arrests w/o Convictions
• Infractions w/o Convictions
• Charges w/o Convictions
• Record or Proof of Expungement
• D-Felonies Converted to A-Misdemeanors
• Inaccurate Records

Criminal History Providers Must Also:

1. Complete an Annual Record Inspection to Make Sure All Records are Current and Updated, and All Information is Accurate and True

2. Annually Remove All Inaccurate and Incorrect Information in Records

3. Only Disclose Accurate and Precise Information Pertaining to a Conviction

Criminal Record Expungement Attorneys

Call 317-636-7514 for help with filing for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Get accurate advice and legal counsel for expunging criminal records in Indianapolis, IN. Costs start at only $850, and range depending on criminal history and convictions. Call 317-636-7514 to file for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, Indiana.