Tag Archives: expunge criminal records

Indiana Time Limits for Certain Expunctions

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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.

Learning the Difference Between Criminal Pardons and Criminal Expungement

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As of right now, there are laws passed in Indiana that allow past convicts and criminals to conceal their public arrest records. Records can be fully sealed or partially sealed, depending on a person’s qualifications. All cases are different, but these records can include certain felonies, arrests, charges, convictions, misdemeanors, and more. There is a strict guideline that decides who is qualified for criminal record expungement, as well as, a rigid application process that often times throws individuals off course. This is why professional legal counsel is necessary for anyone who wishes to have arrest records expunged. There are also application fees and several other types of prerequisites.

Legal Pardons

A legal pardon is entirely different from criminal expungement. Although, their similarities makes it understandable why many confuse the two terms with one another. A legal pardon is the government’s way of forgiving a person for their crime or 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.

Criminal Expungement

In contrast to being pardoned for a crime, criminal record expungement does not “forgive” an individual for the crimes they committed, but they will treat it as though it 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, and more!

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for detailed explanations regarding the new criminal record expungement laws in Indiana. We are well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws and can determine your eligibility today! Expungement prices start at $850 so schedule your initial consultation as soon as possible. Anyone can afford to have their criminal records expunged in Indiana at these prices! Call 317-636-7514 for information about the Indiana criminal record expungement process, and start opening doors that have been closed for much too long.

Can I Have a Felony Expunged from My Criminal Record?

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Having a felony on your record can feel much like having a kettle ball tied to your ankle for the remainder of your life. Fortunately, there are new state and federal laws passing in many states allowing past offenders the opportunity to conceal their arrest records from the general public. This is called criminal record expungement. Not everyone qualifies for criminal record expungement, as there are many stipulations and prerequisites. Eligibility depends on a number of variables, making no two cases alike. Arrests, violations, and misdemeanors can all be expunged, but felonies are trickier. Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement and who to call to see if you qualify in your city or state.

Felony Convictions and Expungement

If a person could conceal a felony conviction that has been haunting them for quite some time, they could change their lives. They could apply for loans, buy a home, rent an apartment, and apply for jobs they would never have qualified for in the past. Fortunately, with the new criminal record expungement laws, this can be a real-life option for some. What this means is, some candidates may be granted record expungement by a judge depending on the type of felony conviction and their criminal history. So yes, sometimes a felony can be expunged if a person qualifies.

Felony expungement works differently in every state because every state has different laws regarding rules and eligibility. In a case that a felony might be expunged, a person would only have one felony and the crime was something non-violent, and perhaps even an accident. For example, if you have a felony charge for receiving multiple DUI’s, and are now a recovering alcoholic, a judge might consider granting them expungement rights. But again, this is all very dependent on a person’s individual situation and their criminal history. If a past habitual offender wants to expunge a felony conviction, they might have a much harder time.

The best way to determine your eligibility for criminal record expungement, and your best chances at successfully doing so, is to consult a licensed attorney that provides these services. Lawyer fees generally start around $900, give or take, depending on the law firm and the complexity of a client’s case.

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for accurate and reliable information regarding criminal record expungement in Indiana. Our seasoned attorneys are well-versed in the new Indiana criminal record expungement laws, and are eager to help get a fresh start to life! Our law firm offers expungement representation services for as low as $850! Get D felonies, arrests, DUI’s, and misdemeanors concealed for good in Indiana! Call 317-636-7514 and schedule a consultation to determine your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, IN today.

Employee Discrimination Has its Consequences for Employers

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A new law, appropriately termed the “Second Chance” law, was passed last year to allow people with past criminal convictions or arrests to conceal their records from public access through a process called criminal record expungement. This act, ACT No. 1482, was signed by Governor Mike Pence in July, and remains an active statute in Indiana, for now.

This laws applies to all Indiana-based employers and employers who hire individuals in the state of Indiana. Ex-offenders can request to have their past criminal activities sealed and expunged if they qualify. If a person qualifies to have their records expunged, employers will not be able to view past criminal histories on background checks, screens, and scans. This opens doors for past offenders that would not otherwise be available to them, such as buying a home, applying for a job, and much more.

Employee Rights

Anyone who applies for a job, or a promoted position in a company they already work for, cannot be denied employment solely for an arrest or conviction that has been expunged under law. This is unlawful of an employer to do, and they can be subjected to several penalties if reported or caught. Such violations are categorized as Class C infractions and can result in a contempt order by the courts, or even injunctive relief.

An employer can, however, ask an applicant if they have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime that has not been legally expunged. This will let the employer know if the job applicant is a habitual offender or criminal. They cannot, however, inquire about expunged records, nor ask directly if the employee has ever had a conviction or arrest expunged. Again, these are legal infractions that have major consequences.

So how do employers meet the standard of care in hiring suitable and safe employees if they might not be able to see all of a person’s criminal history? The answer is not so simple. If something were to happen, and an employer is confronted for negligent hiring, they can submit the individual’s order of expungement as evidence in support of their innocence. Also, extreme and serious crimes cannot be expunged, so employers never have to feat that they may be hiring an ex-murderer, sex offender, or rapist.

Expungement in Indiana

Call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana at 317-636-7514 for more information about criminal record expungement in Indiana. We are licensed attorneys with decades of trial and litigation experience, and now, we are extensively well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws and processes. We can represent you on your journey to concealing past criminal arrest records, starting today! Call 317-636-7514 and schedule a consultation for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, IN today.

Criminal History Providers Forced to Make Changes for New Indiana Expungement Laws

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With the new Indiana expungement options in place, criminal history providers must make changes to the methods of revealing criminal accounts for anyone who has had their criminal records expunged. Criminal history providers are organizations and companies that allow businesses, employers, and general public to see any person’s criminal record and past convictions. These providers are also called background screening companies (CRA’s) and commercial database companies. They are popularly called background checks, criminal record checks, and criminal history look-ups.

Criminal archives show arrests, jail time, convictions, charges, and more. Now that Indiana has passed criminal record expungement laws, individuals who qualify can have their records sealed from public access. This means criminal history providers and background check services must limit the way they reveal a person’s public records in compliance with the expungement new laws.

Criminal Record Expungement

In order to qualify for criminal record expungement, a person must exhibit all prerequisites mandated by law. Depending on the amount of time that’s passed since the date of the conviction, current criminal mischief, the crime or conviction committed, and more, an individual may or may not qualify, or not qualify just yet. It is important to consult an Indianapolis criminal record expungement attorney to determine a person’s eligibility. You can only file to expunge your criminal records once in a lifetime. If even one tiny filing mistake is made or overlooked, it can cost you your investment into attorney fees and your opportunity to conceal your criminal records for good. A licensed attorney, well-versed in the new expungement laws, can accurately guide you through the process or implement the filing work for you to ensure accuracy.

Once a person’s criminal records are expunged, criminal history providers must prohibit revealing:

• Arrests w/o Convictions
• Infractions w/o Convictions
• Charges w/o Convictions
• Record or Proof of Expungement
• D-Felonies Converted to A-Misdemeanors
• Inaccurate Records

Criminal History Providers Must Also:

1. Complete an Annual Record Inspection to Make Sure All Records are Current and Updated, and All Information is Accurate and True

2. Annually Remove All Inaccurate and Incorrect Information in Records

3. Only Disclose Accurate and Precise Information Pertaining to a Conviction

Criminal Record Expungement Attorneys

Call 317-636-7514 for help with filing for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Get accurate advice and legal counsel for expunging criminal records in Indianapolis, IN. Costs start at only $850, and range depending on criminal history and convictions. Call 317-636-7514 to file for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Do You Want to Expunge Your Criminal Record?

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Living with a criminal record can be extremely frustrating and shameful. Many people make mistakes when their younger, or when they’re put in undesirable situations. Sometimes these situations or mistakes result in arrests, trial, and convictions. When this happens, a person has no choice but to live with the consequences that come with breaking the law. Employers, landlords, and more can access public record directories and find a person’s criminal history. They can identify whether or not a person has been arrested or convicted of a crime. Misdemeanors, companies, and simple arrests are all posted to their personal background records. Crimes and convictions follow people their entire lives and prohibits them from enjoying normal amenities that any of the person with better criminal record can enjoy. And amenities such as renting a home or apartment, or earning a promotion they are qualified for by rejected due to their criminal histories, and more.

Criminal Record Expungement Process

If you are someone with a criminal record, you might want to know how to restrict these records from the public eye. This process is called expungement. Fortunately, Indiana has passed a new law allowing criminal record expungement for people with arrest records and criminal histories. Although there are several stipulations surrounding eligibility and requirements, many people are now able to feel their criminal records from all public access; including landlords, employers, public databases, and more.

If you are somebody that wishes to expunge their criminal record, take action right away. This new law is extremely controversial and retains a huge following of naysayers and sex. It is important to act immediately and begin the process of record expungement in case the law is banished in the near future. Here is the quick guide to starting the criminal record expungement process in Indiana:

1. Recall all Previous Arrests and/or Convictions and their Dates
2. Gather All Related Legal Paperwork for Each Arrest and/or Conviction
3. Call a Criminal Record Expungement Attorney
4. Schedule a Free Initial Consultation to Assess Your Eligibility for Expungement
5. Retain the Services of a Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer
6. Follow All Instructions and Counsel Recommended by Your Expungement Attorney

Call 317-636-7514 for criminal record expungement information in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our attorneys are well-versed in the new Indiana expungement law and can answer your questions about expunging criminal records. We help our clients by offering free initial consultations to assess whether or not a client is eligible to expunge his or her criminal records in Indiana. We offer professional attorney services for adult criminal record expungement and juvenile record expungement. Contact Us at 317-636-7514 to schedule your free consultation and get started on the right track towards expunging criminal records in Indianapolis, Indiana today.

What Can Criminal Record Expungement Services Do for You?

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When a person has a criminal record, it can create a downhill spiral of consequences for life. Whether a person was arrest, convicted, or both, a record will hold them back from certain benefits and advantages in normal society. Taking out a bank loan, applying for a job opening, renting an apartment, and more can create obstacles for someone who has been arrested or convicted of a crime. The good news to counter all of these negative consequences is that a person can now have their arrest and conviction records expunged in certain states. Continue reading to learn how the expungement process operates, and how expunging criminal arrest records can better a person’s life.

Expunge Criminal Records

Expunging a criminal record does not mean that you are now not-guilty of a prior conviction or arrest; it simple seals or hides your criminal record from the public eye. Although you are still found guilty of the crime or offense, the proof that the arrest or conviction exists is only visible by law enforcement and government. Landlords, employers, job applications, banks, and more cannot ask about or find proof of expunged criminal records. This service is a delicate one that requires expert focus and exact operation. One mistake can cost a person a lifetime of regret because it is the law that a person can only file for expungement once in their life. One mistake means your chance is over and gone forever. It is highly advised to hire a lawyer that has extensively studied the expungement law, and knows how to file appropriately.

Certificate of Actual Innocence

One of the highest and most powerful forms of criminal expungement is receiving a Certificate of Actual Innocence. Not only does this type of expungement seal prior records, it proves that the arrest and charges should never have existed at all. If a person is arrested and charged with a crime that are later dropped, they can get the arrest completely removed from their record and show that it never should have happened to begin with; as well as, an actual certificate that states they were never guilty of anything.

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Services

For Indianapolis criminal record expungement services, call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana at 317-636-7514. We are highly proficient in the new Indiana expungement laws and processes; and can help you or a loved one remove criminal records and arrests. Get better jobs, rent apartments, and more with an expunged criminal record. Visit our webpage at https://www.expungecriminalrecordindiana.com/expungement.php for details about our services and attorneys. For criminal record expungement services you can trust and afford in Indianapolis, IN, call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana 317-636-7514 today.

Criminal Expungement Can Open New Doors for the Previously Convicted

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The new Indiana law regarding criminal record expungement gives past convicts new opportunities. Now, anyone that has been arrested or convicted at least five years ago or more can remove their criminal history from public records, so long as they qualify. There are restrictions that come along with any new statute, and this one is no different. Although there are stipulations, several people qualify for expungement. Removing these records can improve a person’s life and allow new prospects that would otherwise not be available to them. Continue reading to learn how criminal record expungement can open new doors for the previously convicted; as well as, who to call for superior expungement services in Indiana.

Expunging Criminal Records is Beneficial

There are several reasons why the new criminal expungement law has opened doors for the previously convicted. If a person was arrested in their young adult years, and convicted in a court of law, this conviction stays with them their entire lives; affecting their career opportunities, health insurance, international traveling agendas, and more. If this same person wishes to have this conviction removed from public records so that it cannot affect these areas of their life, they can now do so. It would be extensive listing all the benefits and outcomes to criminal record expungement; but here is a short list of the most rewarding advantages when you expunge criminal records:

Certificate of Actual Innocence

If someone was found not guilty, or the charges were eventually dropped, not only can they have the arrest removed from their criminal history, they can also receive a “Certificate of Actual Innocence” basically saying they should never have been arrested and charged to being with.

Renting a Home or Office

Potential landlords cannot view or get access to arrest or criminal records of a person who has expunged them. These records are sealed and not disclosed to property owners and landlords. This allows people to rent better living arrangements and commercial office space. This is especially beneficial to families with children who require more space, safer neighborhoods, and better school districts.

Job Applications and Interviews

Employers cannot access or view criminal history and records of any applicant or employee if that person has had their records expunged. This gives several men and women an opportunity to get better paying jobs. This is a great advantage for men supporting their families, and single mothers raising their children. Not only can these better jobs pay more, they can offer benefits for the whole family; such as family health plans, insurance, 401K, and more.

If you have been convicted of a crime more than five years ago, and have completed all your probation requirements and court fees, you may be eligible for criminal expungement. It is advised to contact a lawyer who specializes in criminal record expungement for optimal service. The process is simple, but even a tiny mistake can ruin a person’s chances of expunging their records. This is because a person gets only one chance to file for expungement. If they or their lawyer files anything incorrectly or in the wrong order, their claim will be dismissed and they cannot apply ever again. This is why it is important to consult a professional and reputable law office.

Criminal Record Expungement Services in Indianapolis, IN

Call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana at 317-636-7514 for the most reputable and effective criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We have been professional litigators for more than 25 years, and have studied and followed the expungement laws since they were first introduced in Indiana. Trust us to file for expungement in Indiana. We offer free first consultations too! Call and speak to a licensed attorney at 317-636-7514 to get accurate and reliable information about criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, IN and its surrounding counties.

Employer’s Ability to Perform Background Checks is Currently Limited Under a New Indiana Law

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A new Indiana law, most recently in affect, further restricts business owners and employer’s rights to file for a background check on any potential hire. Not only can criminal records be restricted from companies, full identity pictures may also be blocked as well. This new law is in fact an addendum to the ruling passed nearly two years ago; allowing people to expunge crimes from personal records so long as they qualify. In order to qualify, an applicant must meet all of the eligibility requirements lined out by Indiana legislatures. Continue reading to learn more about this criminal record expungement topic and its related issues in Indiana.

Restricted Access to Convictions Law

The Restricted Access to Convictions Law was ratified in July 1, 2011. Under certain conditions, it gave ex-convicts an opportunity to restrict criminal convictions from their personal record; and still does. This law allowed any person with a misdemeanor or Class D felony to legally petition to the courts to have their past crimes erased from their criminal records. The missed factor was that this ordinance only applied to public agencies and databases, not private or commercial ones.

The idea behind introducing the law was to give people with past minor offenses a second chance at securing better jobs, incomes, and benefits. Because of the minor loophole, this new addendum has been introduced to further restrict employers’ access to criminal records in all databases.

Employer Restrictions Addendum and Related Violation Infractions

If a person has their criminal records expunged, the new law permits them to deny any past criminal offenses on job applications and interviews. These same employers will not be able to locate any criminal history on an applicant’s personal record either, under the new law. In fact, it is a Class B infraction for any employer to ask an applicant if their criminal history has been sealed or expunged from their record. Violations of this rule can result in fines reaching or exceeding 1,000 dollars.

It is a Class C infraction for any employer or company to deny or discriminate against people that have had their past criminal convictions expunged from their personal record. Any employer or person in violation of this rule can be held in contempt of court; and may also be sentenced to provide some kind of non-monetary restitution, or injunction.

Under the new law, in effect as of July 2013, criminal history providers are required to change, update, and correct their databases accordingly, to reflect recent expungements. They cannot release non-conviction information as well. Penalties for such infractions include: liquidated and statutory damages, attorneys’ fees, court costs, and more.

Criminal Expungement Information in Indiana

Call 317-636-7514 for accurate updates and information surrounding the new criminal expungement addendum’s in Indiana. We are highly knowledgeable and practiced criminal attorneys with a strong focus on Indiana Criminal Expungement. We are the lawyers to trust for dependable and professional advice regarding you or your loved one’s criminal record. For expungement services and inquires in Indiana, call 317-636-7514 and schedule your first free consultation with a licensed and reputable attorney today.

Eligibility Requirements for Criminal Expungement in Indiana

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With so many variables at play, determining your eligibility for criminal expungement in Indiana can be a complex process. It is important, on the other hand, to find out if you qualify to have your past arrest records, misdemeanors, or felonies restricted from your personal record.

Unfortunately, not everyone will qualify for record expungement. Continue reading to learn the admissibility prerequisites for criminal record expungement and where to get started expunging criminal records in Indiana.

Arrest Records

If a person would like to remove a inconsequential arrest from their adolescent or young adulthood days, they could do so, as long as they qualify and meet all the requirements. For example, it must be at least one year since the initial arrest date and no conviction ever resulted. As long as the person has no other current or pending charges, they qualify to have this arrest expunged from their permanent record.

Misdemeanors

For misdemeanor cases and arrests, the perquisites differ greatly. For instance, a person must wait five years to have a crime or arrest expunged, as well as, not been convicted or charged with another crime since the initial arrest. Also, they must have a current and valid drivers’ license with no other pending or current charges on their record. The last stipulation is that a person must complete all court ordered sentence requirements, probation conditions, and satisfied all fines following their conviction.

Class D Felonies

Class D Felonies that have been reduced to a misdemeanor can also be expunged the same as a regular misdemeanor. They have the same stipulations and requirements for criminal record expungement in Indiana.

Other felony arrests or charges are more complicated to expunge. The requirements are drastically different, yet similar, to expunging a misdemeanor or petty arrest. Instead of one year or five years, a felon must wait at least 8 years to qualify for expungement. There are also several restrictions and limitation on the types of felonies than can be expunged. A few felonies that cannot be expunged from a personal record include but are not limited to:

• Sexual Misconduct
• Elected Official Misconduct
• Crimes Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury
• Human Trafficking
• Homicide
• Murder
• And More

Expunge Criminal Record Indiana

For more information about eligibility requirements for criminal record expungement in Indiana, call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana at 317-636-7514 today. We are licensed personal injury attorneys that have taken a special interest in criminal expungement cases. We have extensive knowledge and information surrounding the circumstance behind expunging criminal records in Indiana. Browse our website for details regarding record expungement admissibility, as well as, company credentials. Call our knowledgeable and experienced attorneys today for accurate criminal record expungement information for Indiana, today!