A Comprehensive Guide to  Record Sealing in Indiana

In the shadow of past mistakes, individuals can find a beacon of hope in Indiana’s Second Chance Law. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the process of criminal record sealing and expungement in Indiana, offering a lifeline to those seeking to leave behind the stigma associated with a criminal history. We will delve into the nuances of this law, providing practical information and guidance to help you navigate the process. It’s time to understand your rights and take the first step towards a fresh start and a cleaner slate.

Call 317-636-7514 for Record Sealing Assistance in Indianapolis Indiana
Call 317-636-7514 for Record Sealing Assistance in Indianapolis Indiana

What is Criminal Record Sealing?

Criminal record sealing is the process of legally hiding or “sealing” a person’s criminal record from public view. It essentially means that the records are no longer accessible to the general public, including potential employers or landlords. This provides individuals with a second chance at life, free from the barriers and discrimination that can come with having a criminal record.

Eligibility for Record Sealing in Indiana

To be eligible for criminal record sealing and expungement in Indiana, certain criteria must be met. These include completing all terms of your sentence, including probation and/or parole, and waiting a specified period of time after the completion of your sentence. The waiting period varies depending on the severity of the crime committed. For misdemeanors, the waiting period is 5 years, while for most felonies, it is 8 years. However, certain violent or sexual offenses may have longer waiting periods or may not be eligible for record sealing at all.

The Process of Record Sealing in Indiana

The process of record sealing begins with filing a petition with the court in the county where your case was heard. The petition must include a detailed description of your criminal history, the charges you are seeking to seal, and why you believe record sealing would benefit you. It is highly recommended to seek the guidance of an Indianapolis criminal record expungement attorney during this process to ensure all necessary steps are followed.

Benefits of Criminal Record Sealing

The primary benefit of criminal record sealing is the ability to legally state that you have no criminal record. This can be a significant advantage when seeking employment, housing, or educational opportunities. It also provides a sense of closure and the chance for individuals to truly move forward from their past mistakes. It can also improve dating and personal relationships.

Record Sealing vs Expungement

It is essential to note that record sealing and expungement are two different processes in Indiana. While record sealing hides a person’s criminal record from public view, expungement eliminates the record entirely. Expungement is only available for certain types of offenses, and the waiting period is longer compared to record sealing. Furthermore, expunged records may still be accessible in limited circumstances, such as when applying for certain professional licenses.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Indiana’s Second Chance Law provides individuals with a chance to start fresh, without the burden of a criminal record. Record sealing can open doors that were previously closed and provide individuals with the opportunity to build a brighter future. If you or someone you know is eligible for record sealing in Indiana, it is crucial to take advantage of this law and seek guidance from legal professionals to ensure a smooth and successful process. Remember, everyone deserves a second chance, and Indiana’s Second Chance Law is here to make that possible. Let this guide be your first step towards a better tomorrow. 

If you or someone you know needs help with criminal record sealing in Indiana, don’t hesitate to take action and seek out the resources to make it happen. Start right here! Contact our esteemed criminal defense lawyers for affordable criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

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How to Remove a False Arrest From Your Indiana Criminal Record

Being falsely arrested for a crime has to be one of the most frustrating events a person can face in their entire life. The injustice alone is enough to rattle even the most even-mannered person. But it just gets worse. When someone is innocent, they get to later prove that in court. But once they are finally exonerated and proven to be innocent, whether from mistaken identity or a breach of constitutional rights, they still have to live with the arrest and criminal charges on their permanent record for the rest of their lives. This information is readily accessible by the general public, including friends, employers, banks, financial institutions, schools, and much more.  

Fortunately, Hoosiers no longer have to live with a false arrest and criminal charges on their criminal record. Continue below to learn how to take advantage of Indiana’s new Second Chance Law so that you can finally vindicate yourself!

False Arrest Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514
False Arrest Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Second Chance Law in Indiana

The Indiana Second Chance Act comes with a lot of restrictions, but for anyone who was falsely arrested and later proven to be innocent, these restrictions do not matter. If you were falsely arrested for a crime in Indiana, whether the charges were dropped or you were handed down a not guilty verdict, you are entitled to Indiana criminal record expungement and record sealing. This means that you can have your false arrest lawfully and officially removed from your permanent record, making it hidden from the rest of the public forever.

Criminal Record Expungement Key Points

There are a few key points you need to know before moving forward with the criminal record expungement process. These 3 key points will best prepare you for the most successful criminal record expungement and record sealing experience:

You are a Petitioner

It is important to understand that criminal record expungement approval is not guaranteed. You have to petition to have your criminal record removed, whether false or not. If you are expunging a false arrest on your record, you don’t need to worry about being eligible, but you do need to worry about being approved. That is why you need a lawyer.

You Need a Lawyer

The criminal record expungement petition process is very complex and complicated. To make matters more pressing, just one small mistake can have your application rejected. And if your application is rejected, you lose all rights to ever petition for criminal record expungement again. Applicants only get one chance and one chance only in their entire life to apply for criminal record expungement and record sealing.

For these reasons, you need to hire an Indiana criminal defense lawyer who specializes in record expungement services. They can perform all of the paperwork and meet all of the required deadlines on your behalf. They will ensure that your petition is moved through the system properly and you are granted the justice you deserve.

It is Affordable

Because criminal record expungement petitioning requires you to hire a lawyer, you might think you can’t afford it, but this is not true. Criminal record expungement services are intentionally made affordable so that anybody can obtain the privacy they deserve. Just be sure to choose a reputable and experienced Indianapolis criminal defense law firm that specializes in record expungement services. They should be able to offer economical rates for criminal record expungement petitioning and assistance.

Are you looking for cheap criminal record expungement legal assistance in Indiana? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition, today. Our expungement fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

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