What Can an Expungement Lawyer Do For Me?

Posted on August 20, 2018 by admin

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

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

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.

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

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.

Can I Buy a Gun After Expunging a Felony Conviction?

Posted on January 8, 2016 by admin

When a person is convicted of a felony crime, there are several consequences that go along with it, many of which disrupt or impact a person’s life forever. One of the many restrictions convicted felons must live with is the right to purchase a firearm. But now that recent laws have approved criminal record expungement, many people are taking advantage of sealing their past criminal convictions from public access, leading them to ask several questions about restoring their rights as well. A common inquiry among past felons filing for expungement involves the right to purchase and bear arms. Continue reading to learn more about expunging felony criminal records and how it influences a person’s right to purchase a gun.

Criminal Record Expungement vs Restricted Access

In Indiana, if a person was charged with a felony or misdemeanor, but never found guilty, then they are eligible for expungement. But if a person has any conviction on their criminal record, whether for a misdemeanor or felony offense, they are not eligible to have it expunged. However, they may qualify to have it placed under restricted access, which is sometimes referred to as record “sealing” rather than record expungement. To petition for a chance at sealing criminal records in Indiana, all of the following statements listed below must be true:

1. Offense was a Misdemeanor or Level 6 Felony
2. They Caused No Bodily Injury
3. No New Convictions Since the Conviction
4. It Has Been at Least 8 Years Since the Conviction
5. Offense was not Sexual nor Violent

Gun Rights

When a person is convicted of a felony offense, they immediately lose their right to purchase or bear firearms. And since Indiana only allows past convicts who qualify to seal and restrict their criminal records, rather than expunge them, they can never regain that privilege again. The only way a person’s right to purchase and bear firearms can be restored is if they were never convicted of a crime or their charges were later dropped or dismissed. All those with convictions on their criminal record cannot expunge their
convictions, therefore, they cannot have their
right to firearms reinstated in Indiana.

Indiana Expungement Lawyer

Call 317-636-7514 for help sealing and expunging criminal records in Indiana. Our rates start as low as $850, making our legal services affordable for everyone! Our comprehensive understanding of Indiana expungement law, coupled with our acute work ethic, makes us the perfect ally when petitioning the government. We will ensure you qualify before taking the time to file and process paperwork, and furthermore, ensure that all your filing and proceedings are accurately managed and carried out on time. Call 317-636-7514 to discuss your eligibility with a licensed Indiana criminal record expungement lawyer today!

Indiana Time Limits for Certain Expunctions

Posted on October 22, 2015 by admin

Before the new expungement laws in Indiana, anyone convicted of a crime or arrested had to live with their brief mistake for the rest of their lives. To their dying day, an arrest or infraction would remain on their permanent criminal record. But those days are over for many. Now anyone who qualifies can seal or expunge criminal records in Indiana. It is strongly suggested to hire a defense attorney well-versed and experienced in criminal record expungement law and procedures. They can navigate your expunction request and properly file all the necessary paperwork on time.

One mistake in the expungement filing process can eliminate your chance to file every again. You only get one opportunity at filing for criminal record expungement, so be sure to trust a professional for accurate filing and delivery. There are several qualifications for record sealing and expungement, but the most important and commonly asked about is time limits. Continue reading to learn the Indiana time limits for criminal record expunction and record sealing.

Time Qualifications for Record Expungement

You must wait for a certain amount of time from the date of arrest before being eligible to petition for criminal record expungement. The amount of time you must wait largely depends on your criminal history and the convictions you have. They are as follows:

Dismissed Cases = 1 Year
Cases w/No Conviction = 1 Year
Misdemeanor Convictions = 5 Years
Level D Felony Convictions = 8 Years
Other Felony Convictions = 8 Years, or 3 Years from Sentencing Completion Date
Serious Felony Convictions = 10 Years, or 5 Years from Sentencing Completion Date

Completed sentencing dates are the dates that a person was released from jail, parole, or probation (whichever is most recent), having completed all their court-ordered sentencing agreements. Keep in mind that sex offenses and murder/homicide are not eligible for expungement ever. Aside from time, other prerequisites include having no other infractions, arrests, or convictions since the last, all court costs and probation fees must be paid off, and more. Consult an expungement lawyer for details about these prerequisites and eligibility guidelines.

David E. Lewis – Indianapolis Expungement Lawyer

Call 317-636-7514 for criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850 in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are extensively well-versed in Indiana’s criminal expunction laws and has already helped numerous clients seal or expunge their criminal records. Call 317-636-7514 for a free case evaluation to assess your eligibility for criminal expungement in Indiana.

How to Do a Background Check

Posted on September 10, 2015 by admin

There are many reasons for performing a background check on a person. Employers will run background checks to ensure they are hiring trusted staff members, while parents might choose to run background checks on potential nannies and babysitters to ensure the safety of their children. And with the current online dating trend, many daters are scanning the backgrounds of their dates before meeting them for the first time. Other people decide to run a background check on themselves to see if there are any irregularities or evidence of identity theft.

There are several resources available to help run a background check on yourself or another person, and it is easy to do and sometimes free of charge. Continue reading for advice on how to do a background check on yourself or someone else.

Background Check Websites

Background checks offer information about a person’s arrest, driving, criminal, marriage, and sometimes even credit history. The easiest and most popular method for doing background checks is using online services. There are many sources for background scanning services, including the city’s government webpage and background check company websites. Many are free of charge, but offer upgraded scans that will offer more background information about a person for a flat rate. Other online sources cost money because they perform detailed background scans and offer extensive information about a person’s history.

Simply type “free background check” into your browser’s search engine of choice, and peruse the results. Use a company or service that offers secure transactions and reliable information. To best gauge the integrity of background check websites, read customer reviews or look for professional associations and certifications. You may also use your city’s government webpage for background scanning and more.

For Indianapolis, go to http://www.indy.gov/Services/Pages/records.aspx or call the Indianapolis Police Department at 317-327-3153 for limited criminal history records and inquiries.

Additional Free Online Resources to Try:

National Center for State Courts
Local Court Website
Social Media Profiles
National Sex Offender Public Website

Paid Services:

Intelius
Been Verified

If your personal background scan displeases you because of past criminal mistakes, contact a licensed attorney to discuss your criminal expungement eligibility and perhaps seal your public records for good!

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for Indiana criminal record expungement information and professional assistance. We offer legal services for those who wish to seal or expunge their criminal records. Depending on your individual case details, you may or may not be eligible for expungement. Speak to one of our licensed lawyers, well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws, about the requirements for criminal record expungement, right away. Get started to a new future of job opportunities and more with a clean criminal slate. Call 317-636-7514 to expunge criminal records in Indiana, today!

Can Drug Offenses Be Expunged from a Criminal Record?

Posted on March 19, 2015 by admin

Criminal record expungement laws and requirements differ from state to state, all across the country. It is important to talk to a licensed attorney that specializes in your state’s new expungement laws so that you may determine your eligibility first before moving forward with the application process. Many individuals with drug offenses and convictions ask about the possibility and the process of expunging such records, but have no success in finding the right answers. Here in this blog, we will skim the surface of expunging drug offenses and charges, and then provide you the resources to discuss this topic in detail with a licensed criminal record expungement attorney.

Expunging Drug Convictions

There are several types of controlled substance and drug convictions a person could have on their record. For example, someone could be charged with being under the influence of drugs, possession of drugs, possession with intent to distribute, transporting a controlled substance, marijuana cultivation, possession of paraphernalia, and more. Depending on the severity of the crime (felony or misdemeanor), the individual’s past criminal history, and the particular state in which the crime occurred, the degree of difficulty and amount of time to expunge such records will vary. All of these variables, and more, will play a role in the expungement process.

For first-time offenders, there might also be the option of enrolling in a drug diversion program. Many jurisdictions offer drug diversion programs that will automatically expunge a drug-related arrest and charge once the individual successfully completes the program on time without any other convictions or arrests. Individuals must plead guilty to the charges and then they can be granted entry into a substance abuse program. These programs are generally only available for individuals without a previous arrest record or criminal history and who were arrested and charged with a misdemeanor drug crime like possession or possession of paraphernalia. The diversionary period can last anywhere from 12 to 18 months, depending on the county and the program. Once the program is completed, an individual can legally claim that they have never been arrested for a drug charge.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement

Call 317-636-7514 for information about Indianapolis criminal record expungement and eligibility requirements. Prices for our criminal record expungement services start as low as $850, and fluctuate depending on the complexity of an individual’s case. We are a professional Indiana corporation that offers friendly and knowledgeable counsel for those who wish to expunge criminal records in Indiana. Call 317-636-7514 and speak with a qualified lawyer about expunging arrest records in Indianapolis, IN.

Expunge Criminal Record Indiana

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