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.

What is a Certificate of Actual Innocence?

Many people ask about certificates of actual innocence and how they can help clear their legal slate; but they are commonly confused with expunging criminal records. Understandably, this confusion creates a wide-range of skewed and inaccurate answers to the question, “What is a Certificate of Actual Innocence?” To comprehend the purpose of these certificates, it is important to understand criminal record expungement as well.

Knowing the difference between record expunging and certificates of innocence can sometimes answer questions for you that you didn’t even know you had. For those of you looking up ways to get a clean criminal slate, learn whether or not you need to apply for a Certificate of Actual Innocence or criminal record expungement.

Defining Certificates of Actual Innocence

A Certificate of Actual Innocence is the utmost and highest form of criminal record expungement. Not only does it lawfully seals a conviction or arrest from a person’s criminal record, it recognizes that the person was innocent of the crime to begin with and should not have been arrested in the first place. It conceals a past criminal mark on a person’s record, while stating that the criminal mark should never have existed at all.

These certificates are awarded to those who were arrested for charges they did not commit, and whose charges were later dropped. These individuals can choose to have this particular arrest sealed permanently on their personal record and legally indicated that it should never have occurred to begin with. For those arrested and charged with a crime they were found guilty of, criminal record expungement may be possible, but a certificate of innocence is not.

People wish to conceal past arrests and convictions in order to protect their image, career, families, and more. Having a criminal record can prevent a person from getting a decent job, being approved for a bank loan, renting a home, and more. It is important to conceal arrest records with the help of a professional lawyer or law firm that specializes in expunging arrest records. If you were arrested or charged with a crime you are not guilty of, call a licensed Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Attorney right away. They can determine if you are eligible to expunge your criminal and arrest records or if you qualify for a Certificate of Actual Innocence in Indiana.

Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

If you were arrested for a crime you are not guilty of, or were arrested and later found innocent, you may be eligible for a Certificate of Actual Innocence in Indiana. Call 317-636-7514 to learn more about criminal record expungement and certificates of innocence today. Our highly experienced and knowledgeable attorneys are extensively well-versed in expungement law in Indiana and can answer any questions you may have. Contact Us at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultations to examine your case and discuss your eligibility for a Certificate of Actual Innocence in Indiana.