Clearing Your Name: Understanding Indiana’s Expungement Laws

In the quest for a fresh start, Indiana’s expungement laws provide a beacon of hope for those seeking to clear their criminal records. Known formally as the Second Chance Law, it’s designed to offer individuals the opportunity to seal past convictions and arrests from public view, potentially opening doors to employment, housing, and education that were previously closed.

This introduction to Indiana’s criminal record expungement laws will guide you through the eligibility requirements, the process, and the profound impact expungement can have on a person’s life, emphasizing that everyone deserves a second chance to redefine their future.

Call 317-636-7514 for Indiana Expungement Legal Help
Call 317-636-7514 for Indiana Expungement Legal Help

Eligibility for Expungement in Indiana

In order to be eligible for expungement in Indiana, individuals must meet certain criteria. These include:

  • Completion of sentence and payment of all fines and fees associated with the conviction or arrest.
  • No pending criminal charges or open cases.
  • A waiting period of 5 years after completing the sentence for misdemeanor convictions, 8 years for most felony convictions, and 10 years for certain serious felonies.
  • No more than 2 felony convictions on record, with only one being a Class B felony.
  • Not having any previous expungements granted within the last 5 years.

It’s important to note that certain offenses are not eligible for expungement, such as sex crimes involving children, violent crimes, and certain drug offenses.

The Expungement Process in Indiana

The expungement process in Indiana involves several steps, including filing a petition with the court and attending a hearing. It’s highly recommended to seek the guidance of an experienced attorney who can help navigate through the legal complexities and ensure that all necessary documentation is submitted correctly.

Filing a Petition

The first step in the expungement process is filing a petition with the court where the conviction or arrest occurred. The petition must include all relevant information, including the individual’s personal and criminal history, as well as any supporting documentation.

Attending a Hearing

After the petition is filed, a hearing will be scheduled where the judge will review the case and make a decision on whether or not to grant the expungement. It’s important for individuals to attend this hearing and present their case in a compelling manner.

The Impact of Expungement

Expungement can have a profound impact on an individual’s life, offering them a second chance to build a better future. With a clean criminal record, individuals may be eligible for better job opportunities, access to housing and education, and the ability to obtain professional licenses. It also allows individuals to move forward without the stigma of a criminal record, giving them a chance to redefine themselves.

Conclusion

Indiana’s expungement laws offer a glimmer of hope for those seeking to clear their criminal records and start anew. By understanding the eligibility requirements, the expungement process, and the positive impact it can have on one’s life, individuals can take important steps towards a brighter future. Remember, everyone deserves a second chance to make a positive change in their lives. 

So, if you or someone you know is eligible for expungement in Indiana, don’t hesitate to explore this option and pave the way for a better tomorrow.  Don’t give up hope and take the first step towards clearing your name and moving forward towards a brighter future. Your second chance may be just around the corner.

For more information on Indiana’s expungement laws and resources to help you through the process, get in touch today. Contact our Indianapolis criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition here in Indiana. Our expungement fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

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Wiping the Slate Clean: Navigating Indiana’s Expungement Process for a New Beginning
Unlocking Opportunities: The Benefits of Expunging Your Criminal Record in Indiana
Expungement in Indiana: Are You Eligible to Erase Your Criminal Record?

Wiping the Slate Clean: Navigating Indiana’s Expungement Process for a New Beginning

Life is a series of chapters, each one leading to the next, and sometimes, those chapters include mistakes. But what if you could turn the page, and the world would see only the person you’ve become, not the errors of your past? In Indiana, the expungement process offers just that: a rare second chance.

Navigating the labyrinthine process of criminal record expungement can be daunting, especially in states with specific regulations like Indiana. This guide sheds light on the path to a clean criminal slate, demystifying the steps that can lead to a brighter future.

Call 317-636-7514 for Certified Criminal Record Expungement Help in Indianapolis
Call 317-636-7514 for Certified Criminal Record Expungement Help in Indianapolis

Understanding the Expungement Process in Indiana

Indiana’s expungement laws allow for the sealing or removal of criminal records under certain conditions. The first step for anyone considering expungement is knowing the criteria, gathering the necessary paperwork, and understanding the legal framework.

Criteria: Who Qualifies for Expungement?

Indiana law specifies clear criteria for those who can seek expungement. Generally, individuals with arrests or certain misdemeanor convictions, who haven’t had any criminal charges within a set waiting period, can apply. Felonies that aren’t eligible for expungement include sexual offenses, homicide, and public corruption.

Required Documents: What You’ll Need

A successful expungement application in Indiana hinges on meticulous document preparation. You’ll need your complete criminal history, court records for each case, and evidence of compliance with all court orders, including fines and restitution.

Filing Procedures: Navigating the Bureaucracy

The process begins with the filling out of a Petition for Expungement, a form unique to Indiana, tailored to your circumstances. Filing includes service on the prosecuting attorney, and hearings may be necessary to argue your case.

Applying for Expungement in Indiana

The application process is the heart of expungement, and it’s not for the faint of heart. The complexity, not to mention the stakes, demands careful attention to detail.

Legal Guidance: The Value of an Attorney

Given the complexity of the procedure and the potential for setbacks, the guiding hand of an experienced criminal record expungement attorney often proves invaluable. Legal representation can expedite the process and improve your odds of success substantially.

The Waiting Game: Patience is a Virtue

After filing, the waiting game begins. For those with multiple criminal cases or complex histories, it can take months or even years for the legal gears to turn before a decision is made.

The Impact of Expungement: A Fresh Start

Once the expungement order is granted, the impact can be life-changing. For individuals, expungement means doors that were once closed, such as employment opportunities and housing, begin to open.

Unleashing Potential: Benefits for Individuals

With an expunged record, you are no longer required to disclose your past on job applications or in interviews, clearing the way for honest work. The psychological weight is lifted, too, freeing you to pursue personal and professional growth without the stigma of your past.

Community Reintegration: A Win for Everyone

While the focus is often on individuals, expungement also serves broader goals. It facilitates the social reintegration of those who have paid their debt to society, fostering a more inclusive and equitable community.

Final Thoughts

The expungement process isn’t easy, but it’s a beacon of hope for many in Indiana. To all those considering this path, seek legal assistance, comply with all requirements, and above all, trust in the power of a new beginning.

For those who may be torn about taking the first step, remember, the cost of pursuing expungement is far outweighed by the benefits it can bring to your life and the lives of those around you. This is your opportunity to start a new chapter—make it a good one.

Are you ready to learn if you qualify for criminal record expungement in Indiana? Contact us at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced expungement lawyer in Indianapolis. Our Indiana criminal expungement services start as low as $850!

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How to Find Affordable Criminal Expungement Services in Indiana

If you have heard rumors about the possibility of cleaning up your permanent record, you have heard right. A new law in Indiana that is in currently in affect, often referred to as “Indiana’s Second Chance Law”, allows certain convictions, charges, and arrests to be expunged or restricted from a person’s criminal record. Arrest records, misdemeanors, citations, and even some D Felonies, may all be expunged so long as the petitioner qualifies. Not only must you qualify, you must take action while this new law is still active! Many powerful leaders in Indiana are not supporters of this law, so it may not last much longer.

Learn how to get started on your try at criminal record expungement and record sealing.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

How to Find Dependable Expungement Assistance

Before taking your first step in the criminal expungement application process, it is helpful to obtain a copy of your criminal records. The best way to do this 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.

Hire a Reputable Criminal Lawyer

Your first step in filing a petition for criminal record expungement is finding a reputable Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in the Indiana Second Chance laws. The expungement petitioning process is highly complex, complicated, and strict; just one simple spelling error can eliminate your opportunity at expunging your criminal records, forever. You can only apply once in your entire life. Furthermore, you may not qualify for expungement, but still qualify for record sealing and more. They can tell you this information and more, which is why you must discuss your eligibility first, before spending any time or money filing a petition.

How to Qualify for Expungement

There are several stipulations and prerequisites that prohibit certain people from expunging their criminal records. In order to understand your qualification, contact one of their licensed and certified lawyers for expungement eligibility information in your county. Their attorneys are highly skilled and practiced litigators that offer all first consultations for free; so long as the client is qualified for expungement.

The Cost of an Expungement Petition

The total cost of expunging or sealing your arrest records will depend on a variety of factors, primarily your lawyer’s rate, plus the type of record you wish to expunge. For instance, if you do not have a conviction on your criminal record, and you were only arrested but never criminally-charged, you won’t have to pay anything to file. The filing fee for someone expunging an arrest is free. Now on the other hand, if you are seeking to expunge a conviction, then your filing fee is NOT free.

Current Indiana Expungement Filing Fee for Conviction: $161.00
Current Indiana Expungement Filing Fee for Non-Conviction: $0

You could face additional court fees as well, depending on the severity of your criminal charges and the complexity of your criminal history. Such fees could include administration fees, document storage fees, philanthropic donation fees, insurance fees, automated record keeping fees, and more.

Where to Get Started With Your Expungement

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call 317-636-7514 if you have a criminal record in Indiana. Our law firm is well-versed in the Indiana criminal record expungement laws, and charges as low as $850 for our services. Whether you are looking to seal or expunge a criminal record, we are the criminal lawyers to trust for a hassle-free petitioning process. Call 317-636-7514 to learn more, today.

What Can an Expungement Lawyer Do For Me?

In order to petition for criminal record expungement, you will need the assistance of a skilled criminal defense lawyer. Continue reading to learn how an attorney can better guarantee your chances at being granted an expunged criminal record.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Indiana’s Second Chance Law

The new Indiana criminal record expungement law officially took effect on July 1st of 2013. Often referred to as “Indiana’s Second Chance law”, it allows people to petition for misdemeanors and Class D Felonies to be expunged or restricted from their personal records; thus giving past offenders a “second chance” at having a quality life. After expungement, the general public, including employers, would not be able to see criminal histories of potential employees by running standard background checks.

A Fair Warning

This new law has the potential to change lives for people who have had trouble gaining or retaining employment due to their criminal backgrounds. But you better be sure your paperwork is correct, filed on time, and contains all the essential requirements and documents needed to move your case along. One missed deadline or misspelled word can have a person’s petition denied, which is scary considering you can only file for Indiana’s Second Chance law once in your lifetime. This is why you need a criminal defense lawyer to help you through the process.

What a Lawyer Will Do:

⚖ Determine Eligibility

Learning your eligibility for expungement can be quite complex to anyone untrained in law jargon. Furthermore, there are numerous factors that regulate who is qualified to have their criminal record expunged in Indiana. One such prerequisite for expungement eligibility is the type of conviction or charge a person was sentenced with, while another is time. Depending on the criminal charge, there are parameters on how many years a person must wait to expunge their record. A skilled criminal defense lawyer will be able to accurately determine your eligibility for expungement.

⚖ File All Paperwork

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.

⚖ Ensure Timeline Efficiency

Not only will a licensed criminal defense lawyer ensure that your paperwork filings are correct and on time, they will ensure the timeline for which your case is adjudicated runs smoothly and within a convenient time frame. As mentioned, no one knows if or when this law might be repealed. So if you try to petition on your own, it could take months to acquire the necessary paperwork from various sources, which can put you at risk of running out of time before the law goes away.

A Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer You Can Trust

David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law 317-636-7514

David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law 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.

Top Questions and Answers for Expunging Criminal Records in Indiana

A new law regarding criminal record expungement has recently been passed in Indiana. This means certain people now qualify to have their criminal records eliminated from public records. It is Indiana’s first comprehensive criminal record expungement law, and a significant opportunity that will open up numerous doors for the previously convicted. Peace of mind, job opportunities, and a clean record are just a few examples of how the new expungement law can help people with criminal records.

Continue reading to review the answers to the top questions asked about expunging criminal records in Indiana.

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Am I Eligible for Criminal Record Expungement?

There are numerous factors that regulate who is qualified to have their criminal record expunged in Indiana. The first prerequisite for expungement eligibility is the type of conviction or charge a person was sentenced with, meaning either a misdemeanor, felony dropped to a misdemeanor, or just a felony. The second factor is time. Depending on the criminal charge, there are parameters on how many years a person must wait to expunge their record.

What Can I Expunge From My Criminal Record?

Misdemeanors, class D felonies, arrest records, and more can all potentially be eliminated from a person’s criminal history. However, every case is different. This is why it is important to consult an Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who specialized in criminal record expungement legal services. They can accurately determine whether or not you qualify for expungement. At large, however, basic charges and arrests can be expunged. This includes all misdemeanors, any past arrests that didn’t result in a conviction, class D felony cases, and some other felonies as well, depending on an individual’s past convictions and current circumstance.

Why Should I Expunge My Criminal Record?

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.

How Much Does Criminal Record Expungement Cost?

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.