The Difference Between Criminal Record Expungement and Pardons

Criminal record expungement and criminal pardons are two very different things. Expungement is the legal process of sealing or destroying your criminal record so that it can’t be accessed by the public. Pardons are granted by the president or a governor and forgive you for your crime, but they don’t erase your criminal record.

Continue below to learn more differences between criminal expungement and criminal pardons, including where to get started with cleaning up your permanent record.

For Criminal Expungement Legal Assistance in Indiana, Call 317-636-7514 Now!
For Criminal Expungement Legal Assistance in Indiana, Call 317-636-7514 Now!

Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

If you have a criminal record in Indiana, you may be eligible to have your record expunged. Expunging your criminal record can give you a fresh start and allow you to move on with your life. The first step is to determine if you are eligible for expungement.

To be eligible for expungement in Indiana, you must:

► Have been convicted of a misdemeanor or Class D felony

► Have completed your sentence, including any probation or parole

► Wait at least five years after your conviction to apply for expungement

If you are eligible, you will need to file a petition with the court. The court will then review your case and decide whether to grant your request. If your request is granted, your criminal record will be sealed, and you will no longer have to disclose your conviction on job applications or other forms. However, there are some exceptions, such as if you are applying for a job in law enforcement or with the state lottery.

Expunging your criminal record can give you a second chance and allow you to move on with your life. If you think you may be eligible, contact an Indiana expungement lawyer today to learn more.

Criminal Pardons

A criminal pardon is an act of mercy that allows a person to be forgiven for a crime. Pardons are usually granted for minor offenses, and they are sometimes given to people who have already served their sentence. In some cases, a pardon can be given to someone who is about to be sentenced. Pardons are also given to people who have been convicted of a crime but are later found to be innocent. In most cases, a pardon is granted by the president or governor of a country. It may also be granted by a court of law.

Here are some more need-to-know facts about criminal pardons:

► A pardon does not erase the record of the conviction; it only forgives the person for the crime.

► Pardons are not given for serious offenses, such as murder.

► A pardon can be revoked at any time.

Criminal pardons are sometimes seen as controversial, as they can be seen as a way of excusing people who have committed crimes. However, they can also be seen as a way of giving people a second chance. What do you think about criminal pardons? Do you think they are a good or bad thing? Let us know in the comments below.

Ready to enjoy a higher quality of life with a cleaner criminal record? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to begin your petition right now! Our fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

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Who Can Grant Criminal Pardons in the United States?

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

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514
Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

What is a Pardon?

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

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

Granting a Pardon

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

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

Records of Pardoned Crimes

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

How to Expunge Criminal Records in Indiana

Call 317-636-7514 to get started on the Indiana criminal record expungement application process. We offer professional criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850! As a seasoned criminal defense law firm, we are well-versed in the Indiana expungement laws, and know exactly how to file and obtain a legal expungement, successfully. Call our office at 317-636-7514 and schedule a free initial consultation to determine your eligibility, today.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514
Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514