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?

A Comprehensive Guide to How Criminal Records Work

Criminal records are an important part of the criminal justice system. They provide a record of someone’s past legal history and can be used to determine future sentencing decisions. But what exactly is a criminal record? How do they work? And how can they be expunged or sealed?

In this blog post, we will take you through all you need to know about criminal records—from understanding your rights as an individual with such a record, to learning more about expungement and record sealing processes. By the end of this guide, you should have a better understanding of how this important aspect of the law works. Let’s get started!

Criminal Record Expunging Indiana
Criminal Record Expunging Indiana

What You Need to Know About Criminal Records

What are Criminal Records?

Criminal records are simply a list of all the convictions and sentences that an individual has received throughout their lifetime. They are used to determine if someone is permitted to receive certain benefits, like housing or employment. Criminal records also play a major role in determining future sentencing decisions—someone with a criminal record may be seen as a more serious offender than someone without one. So, it’s important for individuals to understand what’s included in their criminal record and how it can affect their future opportunities.

Can a Criminal Record Be Expunged or Sealed?

In some cases, yes! Expungement is the process of removing something from an individual’s criminal record. This can be done for certain types of convictions, like misdemeanors and felonies that have been committed a long time ago and do not carry any risk. Expungement also applies to juvenile charges.

Record sealing is similar, but it does not remove the information from your record—it just prevents it from being seen by the public. Record sealing is usually used in cases where the individual has received a conviction that could be seen as minor or non-threatening. This process blocks employers, landlords, and others from seeing the information on their background check.

It is important to note that expunging or sealing your record does not mean all of your records are cleared—it just means that certain information is not accessible to the public.

How Do I Go About Expunging or Sealing My Record?

The process of expunging or sealing your record can vary from state to state, so it’s important to research the specific laws in your area. In general, you will have to submit an application to the court system and provide evidence that supports why you should be allowed to have your records expunged or sealed. Your application must also be approved by a judge before it can take effect.

Once your application has been approved, all records related to the charges in question will be removed from databases like criminal background checks and arrest reports. This means that employers and other third parties will not be able to see the information on your criminal record.

Conclusion

It is important to remember that expungement and record sealing are not always easy processes. But if you want to clear your name or secure better job opportunities, it is definitely worth considering.

We hope this guide has provided you with useful information about criminal records and how they work. If you have any additional questions about criminal record expungement or record sealing, contact our Indianapolis defense attorneys at 317-636-7514, today. Our Indiana criminal expungement services start as low as $850!

Related Posts:

The 3 Step Approach to Expunging a Criminal Record
Where to Get Juvenile Record Expungement Legal Help in Indiana
Should I Expunge a Criminal Charge That Never Ended With a Conviction?

Do All Jobs Run Background Checks?

If you are interviewing for a job position, whether fast food checkout clerk or dental hygienist, you can expect a background scan to be performed before you are officially hired on. Continue below to learn what you should know about background checks, including how much they are, who can run them, what they reveal, and even how you can seal or destroy undesirable marks on your personal record.

Criminal Record Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
Criminal Record Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Frequently Asked Questions About Background Checks

Are Background Checks Free?

Background checks come in all shapes and sizes. Some are free, while others offer tiers of packages depending on how much information you are looking for. Comprehensive background checks that reveal in-depth information about a person are usually higher in price, while basic scans are generally free or under $10. Government agencies, law enforcement, and employers use the most comprehensive background scanning programs, so there is no hiding anything from them.

Can Anyone Perform a Background Scan on Anybody?

Yes, anyone can perform on a background check on another person, or even themselves. Whether it’s a father preparing to send his daughter off to prom with a new boy, a woman getting ready for a blind date, or a nosy neighbor who just wants some dirt on the person living next door, background scanning sites are available to anyone who is willing to pay or put in the effort. Some background check sites are for authority use only, such as government officials, police, and similar parties.

What Shows Up on a Background Check Report?

As mentioned, background scans reveal information based on the extent of the scan. Basic background checks typically reveal just that, the basics, like name, address, phone number, email, previously known addresses and numbers, family obituaries, and maybe even traffic records. More comprehensive background checks will reveal the same kinds of information, plus juvenile records, criminal records, school history, and hospital records.

How Can I Make My Background Scans Employer-Approved?

Indiana now has a Second Chance Law that allows those who qualify to seal or expunge past criminal charges and arrests from their personal public records. This means that the general public would not be able to access or find your criminal blemish anywhere on your personal record, including employers, but also many others. But when it comes to job applications, licensing, and promotions, you can be in the clear once again.

Are you afraid that you cannot afford to clean up your criminal record? Think again! We offer criminal expungement services starting at a reasonable $850! Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition, today. Our lawyers also offer free initial consultations.

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Can a Public Defender Expunge My Criminal Records?
How to Request a Copy of Your Criminal Records in Indiana

People Most Likely to Have Background Check Ran On Them

Our world is much different today than it was generations before. Humans have always been nosy, but with the increasing applications of technology available to us now, we are even nosier than ever because such technology makes it easy to be. There are various portals and resources out there for performing historic scans on people. One such resource is a background check, and some are more prone to having one done on them than others.

Continue reading to learn which people are very likely to be entered into a background scanning program and why, plus what you can do if you are not happy with your criminal past in Indiana.

Criminal History Expungement Indiana 317-636-7514
Criminal History Expungement Indiana 317-636-7514

Common Background Scan Targets

First Dates

With the new online dating trend in full motion, many men and women are going on first dates with strangers they’ve only communicated with through technology. Because this is becoming a more common approach to dating, first dates are happening more often with complete strangers, rather than a set-up by mutual friends. For one’s own protection and peace-of-mind, it is wise to perform a background check on a person you intend to go on a date with. You can check for driving records, arrest warrants, criminal convictions, owed child support, and more. Wouldn’t this give you a better understanding of who you are about to have dinner and drinks with?

Babysitters and Nannies

If you intend to leave your beloved children in the care of a stranger, perhaps a new babysitter or nanny, a background check can certainly come in handy. This is especially suggested for anyone interviewing and hiring new nannies, babysitters, and more. You will want to know if your new babysitter has a history with drugs and alcohol, or a poor driving record before letting your kids get into a car with them. A background check will better ensure the safety of your children.

House-Sitters and Housekeepers

If you are planning to go out of town for an extended period of time and need to appoint a person to care for your home while you are gone (i.e. mail, watering plants, letting the dogs out, etc.), it is best to perform a background check first. This also applies to housekeepers and maids. Before allowing a stranger or acquaintance to have access to your home, you will want to know if they have a criminal history of theft, drugs, and more.

Job Applicants

Job applicants are the most likely of them all to have a background check performed on them. Applying for any sort of formal job, whether a cashier at the local grocery store or a flight attendant for a major airline, will subject you to background scanning. After all, companies want to know who they are hiring, and a series of interviews cannot always reveal the deeper information about a person an employer would need to know in order to make a responsible hiring decision.  

Employment background scans will look for education records, previous employers, job resignations, job losses, job responsibilities, professional credentials, military records, and more. It will also look for workers’ compensation suits and settlements, state licensing records, professional references, personal references, and more. Employer background scans might reveal credit scores, social security numbers, bank accounts, property ownership, assets, past credit loans, defaulted loans, repossessions, outstanding debt, bankruptcies, medical records, insurance records, biological children, dependents, and more.

Are you unhappy with your permanent record in Indiana? Is your criminal history holding you back from opportunities in life? Contact our esteemed lawyers for affordable criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Are fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

Related Posts:

How to Request a Copy of Your Criminal Records in Indiana
How Many Offenses Can I Expunge on My Criminal Record?
What Can I Do With My Life After Criminal Record Expungement?

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

Is Criminal Record Expungement Allowed in Other States?

With so many laws being passed and repealed every day, it’s hard to keep up. And although most people are unaware of new laws being passed in their state, there is one new law that many cannot afford to ignore. Criminal record expungement is now legal in several states within the country. This new law allows past criminals to seal or restrict their past arrests and convictions from public view. There are endless benefits to this law, but not all states have approved it yet.

Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement and which states have approved the law.

Indianapolis Indiana Criminal Expungement Law Firm 317-636-7514
Indianapolis Indiana Criminal Expungement Law Firm 317-636-7514

The Basics of Criminal Record Expungement Law

The new criminal record expungement laws have the ability to change people’s lives in a dramatic way. With certain criminal records weighing over a person’s head and lingering on their public record, there are certain consequences. Aside from criminal stigma and judgement, a criminal record can hold a person back from any benefits that require a background check. This includes applying for a loan, renting an apartment, getting a job, and more.

Now, in cooperating states, people have the opportunity to have these past criminal records sealed or restricted from the public, with the exception of police and government officials. This allows people to take advantage of certain benefits, like better jobs and home loans, and live a better life.

U.S. States That Have Expungement Laws

Most states have adopted this new criminal record expungement law, but some are still lingering on the back burner. Since most states have not approved and passed this new law, it is more efficient to list the ones that have so far. Here is a list of states that allow criminal record expungement:

■ Indiana
■ Arizona
■ California
■ Colorado
■ Connecticut
■ Florida
■ Illinois
■ Missouri
■ New Hampshire
■ New Jersey
■ New York
■ Oregon
■ Ohio
■ Utah
■ Texas
■ Tennessee
■ Washington

Limitations to Criminal Record Expungement

Although these states have approved the criminal expungement law, it is not a permanent law. They have only approved it for a trial period. And since there are several opposed to this law, there is no telling when or if it will get repealed. This means it is important to take advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.

The only catch is that not everyone will qualify for criminal record expungement. There are guidelines that one must meet to be eligible to conceal or expunge their criminal records. This is why it is necessary to hire a licensed Indiana expungement attorney for accurate and professional help. A person can only file one time in their life, and just one mistake can take that chance away. A lawyer can determine your eligibility and ensure everything is carried out precisely.

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!

Related Posts:

What is the Current Status of the Indiana Expungement Law?
Can the Indiana Expungement Law Help Juveniles?
When Should I Apply for Criminal Record Expungement?

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

Where to Get Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer Services Starting at $850

Don’t let a criminal record keep you from achieving your dreams. Start a new life with a clean slate by seeing if you qualify for criminal record expungement or sealing. Don’t think it’s in the budget? Think again. You may be eligible for criminal expungement lawyer services as low as $850! Continue reading to learn where you can get such affordable and reputable criminal record expungement legal assistance in Central Indiana, and how to learn your eligibility as soon as today!

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Law Firm
Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Law Firm 317-636-7514

Open Up Doors in Your Life With a Cleaner Criminal Record

Here at the Indianapolis criminal defense law office of David E. Lewis, our Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers understand how difficult and unfair life can seem with a criminal record holding you back. Employment and job opportunities, promotions, rental homes, mortgage loans, and more can all be barely out of reach if you have an arrest or conviction on your criminal history report.

Taking Advantage of Indiana’s Second Chance Law Can Be the Best Decision You Ever Make

Indiana has a new law that is informally being called “Indiana’s Second Chance Law” because it truly gives past offenders a second chance at excelling in life in the same way they would have had they not had a criminal record. There are varying degrees of qualification, and the petition and filing process is extremely challenging, confusing, and strict. One simple spelling error or missed deadline can wipe away your chance at ever sealing or expunging your criminal record since people are only allowed to petition once in a lifetime. Any mistakes made will destroy your chances at succeeding with the process.

Your Leading Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Lawyers

For these reasons and more, it is vital for you to outsource professional legal assistance to ensure your applications are filled out properly and that all deadlines are met. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, is the Indianapolis expungement lawyer who can help you achieve this goal. He knows money can be tight, and truly believes that all people should have the opportunity to petition for expungement with legal assistance. That is why his expungement services start as low as $850.

Our Indianapolis Indiana Law Firm Offers:

☑ Free Initial Consultations
☑ Spanish Speaking Attorneys and Staff
☑ Home and Hospital Visits
☑ 24 Hour Phone Service
☑ Free Parking
☑ Out-of-State Attorney References
☑ Services Starting as Low as $850!

Are you ready to clean up your criminal history once and for all? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition, today. Our lawyer fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

You Should Also Read:

What is the Second Chance Act?
Can I Apply for Expungement With a Pending Criminal Charge?
What You Can and Cannot Expunge

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

Difference Between Criminal Pardons and Expungements

Laws are passed every day in states all across the country. But, if you are a past offender, or someone who has an arrest on their permanent record, Indiana’s Second Chance law is something you should pay closer attention to. One of the most common misunderstandings about criminal record expungement is what it actually does for a person. Many make the mistake of assuming that expunging a criminal record is the same as being granted a pardon. Unfortunately, they are not the same thing.

Continue reading to learn what a criminal pardon is, and how it differs from the criminal record expungement process.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Legal Services
Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Legal Services 317-636-7514

What is a Criminal Pardon?

A criminal pardon is totally different from criminal record expungement. However, it is no surprise that many people confuse the two, as they have many similarities. Regardless of their parallels, they are different types of laws and legal principles. A legal pardon is the government’s way of forgiving a person for their crime or crimes. Depending on the state, if an individual has an offense pardoned by the government, it will most likely still show up on public databases, like standard background checks, but it will also reveal that the individual was pardoned for the incident.

What is Criminal Record Expungement?

In dissimilarity to being pardoned for a crime, criminal record expungement does not “excuse” or “forgive” an individual for the crimes they’ve committed. Instead, the crimes are treated as though they 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, professional licenses, and more.

After expunging criminal records, a person can legally deny any past arrests or charges to employers, landlords, and more. But there are certain limitations too, and for those who wish to conceal their arrest records, it is in their best interest to learn these restrictions ahead of time by talking to a licensed criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement.

How to Expunge Criminal Records

Filing for expungement on your own is never advised because the process is very complicated and confusing for someone unfamiliar with state laws and procedures. On top of all the documents and papers that require proper filing, people filing can expect many more pitfalls and deadlines. In fact, one of the rules to expunging a criminal record is that a person can only file ONCE IN A LIFETIME.

If a spelling error or similar minor mistake is made during the filing process, it could revoke your chance to expunge your criminal record, forever. For this reason, you need a licensed criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed and experienced with the new expungement laws to help you with every aspect of filing, paperwork, deadlines, and more, and ensure your petition is managed correctly.

Are you ready to take advantage of Indiana’s Second Chance Law this year? Contact our esteemed lawyers for affordable criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Fees start as low as $850 and consultations are free.

You Might Also Read:

Who Can Grant Criminal Pardons in the United States?
Can Guilty Pleas Be Appealed?
When Should I Apply for Criminal Record Expungement?

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

How Many Offenses Can I Expunge on My Criminal Record?

Since you can only file for criminal record expungement once in your lifetime, it is vital to make the most of it, and to do it correctly. Even the smallest misspelled word or clerical error can get your application for expungement denied, forever. Fortunately, a criminal lawyer can prevent that from happening to you. Are you worried about choosing among the various arrests and convictions on your record? You probably don’t have to.

Most states allow petitioners to expunge more than one record. How many?  Continue reading to find out, and to learn how to get started on your criminal record expungement petition today.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Lawyers
Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Services 317-636-7514

Expungement Laws Vary Among States

Every state has their own separate set of laws surrounding the requirements and limitations of criminal record expungement. Your eligibility, even your potential, for sealing or expunging criminal records depends on the state your criminal records originate. It is important to understand the basics surrounding the laws of record expungement in your particular state and county first, and then discuss your eligibility and petition options with a licensed criminal defense attorney.

Indiana Criminal Record Expungement

Indiana has two laws that govern the process of concealing or erasing criminal records. One may petition for either expungement or restricted access, depending on their eligibility. And the prerequisites for eligibility differ between the two options.

If a person was never actually arrested or charged with a crime, or they were never arrested but charged with a crime, but the charges were later dropped due to mistaken identity, actual innocence, or lack of probable cause to believe they committed a crime, they may be eligible to have their record entirely erased from their criminal history, which falls under expungement.

On the other hand, if a person were arrested, but the charges were later dropped, or they were later acquitted of all charges, they could qualify to have their records sealed from the public, which is different from expungement since the record still remains. Its access is simply restricted from the general public, including employers, landlords, banks, and more.

What You Should Know About Expunging More Than One Record

If you do live in a state that allows record sealing, and you qualify for criminal record expungement, you may be able to expunge more than one record, so long as the petition is filed in every county, for every record, within a 12 month time span. Although separate petitions, this would qualify as one single petition. This rule varies among counties and states. So, be sure to hire a licensed criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in your state’s expungement laws. They can help you navigate and file your petition accurately.

Are you an Indiana resident who is ready to clear up your criminal record? Contact our esteemed lawyers for affordable criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Are fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

You Might Also Like:

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Do Teenagers Have the Right to Expunge Arrest Records in Indiana?
Do My Background Check Results Really Matter?

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

Where to Get Legal Assistance With Expungement in Indiana

Criminal records simply hold you back in life. But have you heard? Indiana has passed new laws allowing people with criminal or arrest records to conceal these records from the general public. Make the right choice and choose our seasoned criminal defense law firm for criminal record expungement filing assistance in Indiana. Why? Well for starters, our rates start as low as $850!

Continue below to learn more reasons to choose us for criminal record expungement legal service in Indiana.

Your Answer to Affordable and Qualified Criminal Record Expungement Legal Help in Indiana.

Act Now. You Might Be Running Out of Time!

Currently in Indiana, for those who qualify, public court and arrest records can be sealed and inaccessible from the general public. This Indiana Second Change Law opens up several doors for people with criminal histories, arrests, and legal violations. This law will not last long, as there are many lobbyist parties against it, so act fast and get your petition started right away!

Get Qualified Expungement Assistance in Indiana

Our esteemed criminal defense law firm can help you take advantage of this new law, as we provide criminal record expungement services for all residents in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are well-versed and experienced in the current Indiana expungement laws, and provides professional representation for anyone who qualifies. You must learn if you qualify by speaking with one of our licensed defense attorneys who has comprehensive knowledge of all criminal record expungement and record sealing eligibility requirements. Here at our Indiana criminal defense law firm, we are the expungement law experts to count on for progress and results!

Sealed Records are the Key to a Better Future

A sealed record cannot be accessed by potential employers, landlords, banks, insurance companies, nosy neighbors, and the rest of the general public. This allows opportunities for new jobs, residences, traveling privileges, peace of mind, and much more. Rates start as low as $850, and increase with the degree of criminal history. Felonies, misdemeanors, arrests, violations, detentions, traffic tickets, and more are all sealed from public access.

Trust our experienced criminal defense attorneys for professional criminal record expungement representation in Indiana. Rates start as low as $850!

Our seasoned expungement attorneys are especially well-versed in the new Indiana criminal record expungement laws and procedures. This means past arrests, charges, and convictions will not show up on public databases, employee background checks, loan application authorizations, and more!

But Wait! You Need a Lawyer to File!

The New Indiana Second Chance Laws come with several stipulations, prerequisites, and strict procedure guidelines, which is why you should always hire a proficient lawyer to assist you in the process. Just one little filing or application mistake can cost you your one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expunge your criminal records for good. These laws are not permanent just yet, and may go away at any time, so act fast and see if you qualify!

Learn More About Qualifying for Indiana Record Expungement

Call our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm at 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or expunge an arrest from your criminal record in Indiana. 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! Whether you are looking to seal or expunge a criminal record, we are the criminal lawyers to trust for a hassle-free petitioning process. Take advantage of this opportunity and get your criminal record expunged this year!

Can Guilty Pleas Be Appealed?

From tattoos and vacation destinations, to job relocations, divorce settlements, and more, sometimes we have instant regret after making a huge life altering decision. And like the rest of us, many defendants in criminal court are no stranger to this feeling. That is why defendants often wonder if they can take back their plea and plea differently. Unfortunately, the law doesn’t accommodate such requests. Continue reading to learn why.

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer
Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

Approved Appeals

After a person is found guilty of a crime they were charged with, they do not have to agree with the judge or jury’s findings. Defendants are given the right to appeal a verdict and ask for a new trial in appellate court. This procedural right is denoted in the United States Constitution, Article 7, Section 6. For this purpose, they often hire a criminal defense attorney who is a certified, court-recognized criminal appellate lawyer. These are lawyers who are certified through their state bar organizations and specialize in appealing convictions.

Rejected Appeals

As a defendant in criminal court, you have the right to file for an appeal to overturn the conviction, or certain perimeters of the conviction. However, if you have already agreed to and entered a guilty plea, whether you went to trial or not, there is no chance at appealing your verdict. This also applies to no contest or nolo contendere pleas. However, in place of an appeal, you could enter a “motion to withdraw” your plea, which simply means you have changed your mind and wish to plea differently.

Filing an appeal and withdrawing a plea are two different processes. The laws and regulations for withdrawing plea deals vary greatly from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. It also differs between state and federal levels, as federal court has its own unique appeals process compared to state-level ones. In some states, limited indirect appeals are permitted, and can be pursued without withdrawing a plea; a processed referred to as “filing a writ of habeas corpus.” And this process is very similar to the appeals process. Because of these variations, it is important to check with your criminal defense attorney to learn your state’s particular laws about such procedures.

How to Clean Up Your Criminal Records in Indiana

A new law regarding criminal record expungement has recently been passed in Indiana, which means qualified individuals can have their criminal records concealed from public access. The new law is also known as the Indiana Second Chance Law, and it involves a complicated petitioning process. For this reason, it is necessary to hire a criminal lawyer who it well-versed in the new laws to help you with your petition.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer

Call our Indianapolis criminal record expungement lawyers at 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or expunge an arrest from your criminal record in Indiana. 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!