The Difference Between Criminal Record Expungement and Pardons

Posted on November 11, 2022 by admin

Criminal record expungement and criminal pardons are two very different things. Expungement is the legal process of sealing or destroying your criminal record so that it can’t be accessed by the public. Pardons are granted by the president or a governor and forgive you for your crime, but they don’t erase your criminal record.

Continue below to learn more differences between criminal expungement and criminal pardons, including where to get started with cleaning up your permanent record.

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Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

If you have a criminal record in Indiana, you may be eligible to have your record expunged. Expunging your criminal record can give you a fresh start and allow you to move on with your life. The first step is to determine if you are eligible for expungement.

To be eligible for expungement in Indiana, you must:

► Have been convicted of a misdemeanor or Class D felony

► Have completed your sentence, including any probation or parole

► Wait at least five years after your conviction to apply for expungement

If you are eligible, you will need to file a petition with the court. The court will then review your case and decide whether to grant your request. If your request is granted, your criminal record will be sealed, and you will no longer have to disclose your conviction on job applications or other forms. However, there are some exceptions, such as if you are applying for a job in law enforcement or with the state lottery.

Expunging your criminal record can give you a second chance and allow you to move on with your life. If you think you may be eligible, contact an Indiana expungement lawyer today to learn more.

Criminal Pardons

A criminal pardon is an act of mercy that allows a person to be forgiven for a crime. Pardons are usually granted for minor offenses, and they are sometimes given to people who have already served their sentence. In some cases, a pardon can be given to someone who is about to be sentenced. Pardons are also given to people who have been convicted of a crime but are later found to be innocent. In most cases, a pardon is granted by the president or governor of a country. It may also be granted by a court of law.

Here are some more need-to-know facts about criminal pardons:

► A pardon does not erase the record of the conviction; it only forgives the person for the crime.

► Pardons are not given for serious offenses, such as murder.

► A pardon can be revoked at any time.

Criminal pardons are sometimes seen as controversial, as they can be seen as a way of excusing people who have committed crimes. However, they can also be seen as a way of giving people a second chance. What do you think about criminal pardons? Do you think they are a good or bad thing? Let us know in the comments below.

Ready to enjoy a higher quality of life with a cleaner criminal record? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to begin your petition right now! Our fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

Will an Arrest Without Charges Go On My Permanent Record?

Posted on October 12, 2022 by admin

Many people wonder how their personal, permanent record will be impacted by an arrest that results in no charges or penalties. Continue below to learn if an arrest without charges goes on a person’s permanent record.

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Facts About Permanent Records

When it comes to an arrest, the permanent record you need to be concerned about is your criminal record. Criminal records are a matter of public record in most jurisdictions. This means that anyone can request access to these records, and the information contained therein, from the relevant government authority. There are many reasons why someone might want to access criminal records. For example, employers may wish to check the criminal history of job applicants, and landlords may want to screen potential tenants.

Criminal records typically contain basic information about the individual’s criminal history, such as convictions, arrest records, and outstanding warrants. However, they may also include other information, such as the individual’s date of birth, Social Security number, and home address.

In some jurisdictions, criminal records are sealed or expunged after a certain period of time. This means that the information is no longer available to the public. However, in other jurisdictions, such as the United States, criminal records are available indefinitely. As for arrests without charges or convictions, the same process applies. Whether you are charged after an arrest or not, the arrest will go on your criminal record and remain there indefinitely.

Criminal Record Clean Up

Criminal records are important and should be groomed in order to protect yourself and your family. The world uses criminal records and similar public records to make informed decisions about who to associate with and where to live. Such records help people make decisions about someone’s character or trustworthiness. For these reasons and more, it is wise to clean up your criminal record if you can. But first, you must learn your eligibility.

Would you like to learn if you are eligible for an Indiana law that allows past offenders to seal or expunge their criminal records? 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.

How to Not Mess Up Your Criminal Record Expungement Petition

Posted on September 19, 2022 by admin

Are you preparing to petition for criminal record expungement or record sealing in Indiana? Did you know that just one tiny error in the filing process can cause your application to get denied, forever? Whether a misspelled name or a missed deadline, a rejected expungement petition is the end of the line. Applicants only get once chance to file for criminal record expungement, so don’t mess things up by making some common petitioner mistakes!

Continue reading to learn the most common mistakes made when people file for criminal record expungement, and hopefully avoid making these same mistakes yourself!

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The Importance of Criminal Record Expungement

Criminal records are very disconcerting to live with, especially if they happened a long time ago. Most people make mistakes when they are young, but mistakes that are crimes go on a person’s permanent record. Whether your past criminal history is from a time of adolescence, or a mistake made later in your life, expungement services are a wise choice if you wish to alleviate the stress that goes along with having a public criminal record. Open yourself up to better employment opportunities, residential opportunities, property ownership, and more.

In order to file for criminal record expungement, you must follow a stringent set of steps and guidelines that can take over a year to complete. It involves a heap of complex paperwork that must be filled out in its entirety, as well as, court hearings and appearances, depending on the extent of one’s criminal record. This is why it is strongly encouraged to hire a licensed attorney for professional assistance throughout the process.

The Most Common and Damaging Expungement Mistakes

The first mistake anyone can make when it comes to filing for criminal record expungement is to NOT hire an attorney. Attempting to apply for expungement on your own is a huge set up for disaster. The process is a highly complicated legal back-and-forth that can be highly demanding and defeating. And just ONE little mistake, like a skipped line or misspelled word, can sacrifice a person’s only chance of sealing their criminal records. You can only file once.

Another common mistake people make in the process of filing for criminal record expungement is failing to get a “Certificate of Eligibility” or allowing their certificate to expire. These are documents that claim a person is eligible to apply for expungement. A person MUST have one in order to continue the process of expunging their criminal history. This certificate is only good for one calendar year, and you can only have one issued in your lifetime. If it expires, so does your chance of expungement.

Are you ready to get in touch with a skilled criminal defense attorney who can help you clean up your criminal history 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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Should I Expunge a Criminal Charge That Never Ended With a Conviction?

Posted on May 31, 2022 by admin

In life, we weigh the pros and cons of almost everything. Should I do this, or should I do that? Well, when it comes to criminal record expungement and record sealing, you can rest assure that the cons are few and far between. If you think that criminal record expungement isn’t something you can benefit from because your criminal charge never ended with conviction, you would be quite wrong.

Continue reading to learn why criminal record expungement can be one of the most beneficial petitions you ever make for your happiness and overall quality of life, and most importantly, how to get started as soon as tomorrow.

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The Advantages of Criminal Record Expungement

In all sizes and scopes, criminal records hold people back in life. Whether your criminal arrest ended in conviction or not, it will come up as a red flag on virtually all background checks and scans. This means that your past criminal arrest, albeit dropped, dismissed, unfounded, is holding you back from getting better employment, raises, promotions, professional licensing, housing, financial opportunities, schooling admission, and more. A misleading background check can also affect your romantic and dating life.

How a Criminal History Can Hold You Back

A criminal charge on a person’s record, regardless of innocence or context, sends an immediate message to the reader. Even though your criminal charges did not result in a conviction, the background scanner will take note that you have been arrested before. And if you are up against another person with the same credentials, you might lose, whatever the stakes may be (new job, promotion, first date, etc.).

If you are interviewing for a new job or promotion, a criminal charge or arrest can affect the employer’s final hiring decision.

If you are applying for a loan, you may run into some difficulties getting approved with a criminal charge or arrest on your permanent record.

If you are applying to a competitive college or grad school, a criminal record can stir calm waters in the admissions office.

If you are trying to get approved for a rental apartment or housing, any past criminal records will be taken into account by the landlord.

If you are looking to date, potential partners will likely look up your history in every which way, before a first date ever happens.

How to Get Started With Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

Although it is not required, the first step to expunging a criminal record is to hire a licensed criminal lawyer who specializes in criminal record expungement a nd record sealing services. You see, it is possible to manage the petition process yourself, but it would be incredibly risky. The law only allows you to petition once in your entire life, and just one simple error can get your petition rejected. Furthermore, because you can only file once, it is important to cover all past criminal charges and arrests that qualify. A lawyer can help you do this every step of the way and ensure ultimate approval.

Not sure where to find a trusted criminal attorney who can help you with an Indiana expungement application? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to begin your petition right now! Our fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

How Many Times Can I Request Expungement?

Posted on October 20, 2021 by admin

Indiana criminal record expungement is a unique and useful law that allows qualified petitioners to seal criminal charges and arrest records from public access. This opportunity can provide a better quality of life for someone who has been arrested or charged with a crime because employers and licensing organizations cannot access their past criminal records upon investigation, even if they opt to pay for a more comprehensive criminal background check.

Although this new law sounds like a dream come true, there are some important restrictions you must be aware of before launching your own petition, including how many times you can request expungement and how long you have to get your petition submitted.

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You Can Only Request Expungement Once

As mentioned, the New Indiana expungement law is a unique one, and one such uniqueness is its exclusivity. A person can only request criminal record expungement one time. This means that if your motion is denied, you can never petition for expungement ever again. More stressing, a single error can cause a petition to be rejected, such as a misspelled word or missed deadline.

For these reasons, it is critical to ensure your criminal record expungement petition is navigated flawlessly and executed in accordance with all local regulations and time restrictions. In order to ensure this level of efficiency and accuracy, you must hire an Indianapolis IN expungement lawyer to assist with your case. This is especially important if you have arrest records in more than one county. You can expunge them all at the same time and your lawyer can manage it all.

Time Restrictions for Criminal Record Expungement

Once an expungement petition is set into motion by the residing criminal attorney, there are various deadlines that will need to be met. But the time restrictions that are important to you as the petitioner come far before your expungement petition gets underway. In order to be eligible for criminal record expungement, your past arrest or criminal charge must not have resulted in a conviction.

Furthermore, it must be at least 8 years from the date of a felony charge and at least 5 years from the date of a misdemeanor charge. There are additional time restrictions that are specific to the type of criminal charge. Your expungement lawyer can help you identify all the time restrictions relevant to your case.

Are you are wondering about your eligibility for expungement? Contact us at 317-636-7514 to speak with an experienced expungement lawyer in Indianapolis who is well-versed in the new criminal record expungement law. Our Indiana criminal expungement services start as low as $850!

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Hiring an Indiana Expungement Lawyer is More Affordable Than You Think

Posted on July 22, 2021 by admin

If you have misdemeanor or felony arrests on your criminal record, you should see if you qualify for criminal record expungement or record sealing. You will need to hire a lawyer to help file your petition; but don’t worry! You CAN afford it! Continue below to learn more about Indiana’s Second Chance Law, and how you can get criminal record expungement legal assistance from a licensed attorney for under $1,000!

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Indiana’s Second Chance Law is a Once in a Lifetime Chance

A new law regarding criminal record expungement has recently been passed in Indiana that allows those qualify to have their criminal records eliminated or sealed from public records. It is Indiana’s first comprehensive criminal record expungement law, so it is a momentous opportunity that will open up numerous doors for the previously convicted.

This law is a once in a lifetime chance to clear your criminal history and improve the overall quality of your future, and your children too. Peace of mind, job opportunities, rental housing, school admissions, and even the dating scene are just a few examples of how the new expungement law can help people with criminal records. But be sure to act fast, before this law goes away. It is a very unpopular law and can be repealed any day now.

Trust Our Indianapolis Expungement Law Office for Assistance You Can Afford

Filing for expungement on your own is never advised because the process is very complicated and confusing for someone unfamiliar with Indiana laws and procedures. On top of all the documents and papers that require proper filing, people filing for expungement can expect many more pitfalls and deadlines. We can handle this entire process for you to avoid any mistakes or denied cases. One of the rules to expunging a criminal record is that a person can only file once in a lifetime. If a mistake is made, it could be the end of your pursuit to expunge your criminal record in Indiana.

Fortunately, the seasoned criminal defense attorneys at our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement law office have fervently followed, studied, and reviewed the new Indiana expungement laws, and are well-versed in all eligibility and submission requirements. Even better news, we are available to help anyone interested in clearing their criminal history right now!

Although not all applicants will qualify due to the strict prerequisites and conditions; however, our Indianapolis IN criminal expungement lawyers free initial consultations to assist in determining your eligibility! Schedule your case evaluation over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our Downtown Indy office.

Are you ready to get started with your expungement petition with the help of our esteemed criminal defense attorneys? Contact us at 317-636-7514 and schedule a free initial consultation, today. Our Indiana criminal expungement services start as low as $850!

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What Can I Do With My Life After Criminal Record Expungement?

Posted on November 16, 2020 by admin

Now that Indiana allows those with past arrest and criminal records to expunge or seal them from public access, you might be ready to clean up your criminal history and start a new life. Not sure what to expect after you have been granted criminal record expungement or sealing? Continue reading to learn what type of life you can expect to lead once your criminal history is no longer holding you back from opportunity.

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The Top Benefits of Record Expungement

The chief benefit to expunging criminal records is preventing this type of access to personal information. You see, if a person is granted criminal record expungement, their past arrests and criminal histories are expunged permanently from their legal profile. Criminal expungement can offer countless benefits for the previously charged and accused, even persons with felonies on their record!

It Comes With Certain Limitations

There are many stipulations and limitations when it comes to applying or assessing eligibility for expungement. For example, a person could only file or applied one time in their life; and if any paperwork or application process is done incorrectly, this person loses their opportunity to expunge the criminal records forever. To prevent this from happening, people are highly encouraged to hire a licensed attorney to facilitate application process for you. Continue reading to learn what you can expect what’s your criminal records are expunged.

Important Information You Need to Know

Here are several scenarios, advantages, benefits, and circumstances that a person can expect to experience if they are granted criminal record expungement and have their arrest records and more restricted from public access permanently:

► Misdemeanors, Arrests, and Most Felonies are Concealed on Personal Records

► Employers, Landlords, and the General Public Cannot View Criminal or Personal Records on Background Checks

► More Opportunities for Employment are Available

► Criminal and Arrest Records are Removed from Court Files, Drivers’ License Branches, Department of Corrections’ Files, Substance Abuse Counselor Records, Police Records, and More

► Various Personal Rights are Restored

► Driving Records Can Be Repaired

► Embarrassment and Personal Shame Greatly Diminish

► Peace of Mind Having a Clear Record

Unfortunately, not everybody will qualify for expungement. As mentioned before, there are various restrictions and prerequisites that a person must meet in order to be eligible and receive a grant to have their records expunged. For example, for arrest and misdemeanors to be expunged it must be at least five years since the initial arrest. These types of restrictions are the kind of prerequisites you can expect when applying for expungement.

Where to Get Help With Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

Call 317-636-7514 to get started on the Indiana criminal record expungement application process. We offer professional criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850! As a seasoned criminal defense law firm, we are well-versed in the 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.

Do All States Allow Criminal Record Expungement?

Posted on June 19, 2020 by admin

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.

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Expunging Criminal Records

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. 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

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 criminal 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.

How to Start Criminal Record Expungement in Indianapolis, Indiana

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

Can the Indiana Expungement Law Help Juveniles?

Posted on February 12, 2020 by admin

Do you worry about your child’s future because of their past arrest or criminal record? Everything from their college admissions and dating, to professional licensing, mortgage loans, and more, can be negatively affected by a criminal record. Fortunately, the Indiana Criminal Record Expungement law might be able to provide your loved one with some legal relief, and put your mind at ease.

However, before you get your hopes up, you must know that there are several stipulations and limitations to expunging criminal records, primarily qualifying. Furthermore, the law is complex, so be prepared to hire a criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement so that your child’s petition is secured.

Continue reading to learn how juveniles might benefit from Indiana criminal record expungement, and who to trust for accurate legal advice and petition services in Indianapolis.

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Don’t Make the Biggest Mistake

When it comes to petitioning for criminal history expungement, the worst mistake you can make is to NOT hire a qualified lawyer. Attempting to petition for expungement on your own is a huge set up for disaster. Not only is the legal process and actual petition both highly complex, petitioners only get one chance in their entire lifetime to apply for expungement. The petition is so strict and complicated that just a single, insignificant mistake, like a skipped line or misspelled name, will revoke a person’s petition. After a petition is revoked, you do not get another try.

A criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement and sealing services will ensure that a petition is filled out precisely, submitted on time and to the proper departments. All of these elements of the petition process are vital. But filing a criminal record expungement petition correctly is not the only thing you must ensure. There is also the matter of qualifying.

Qualification for Expungement

In order to be eligible for criminal record expungement, there are certain facts that must exist. The most important requirement is that a person must be 18 years of age to petition for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Additional qualification factors are time and charge. A specific amount of time must pass from the date of the arrest in order for a petitioner to be eligible.

For instance, a person expunging a basic misdemeanor DUI charge must wait at least 5 years from the date of their arrest. This will affect your child’s petition since they will likely not be eligible until they are already a legal adult. For example, if your child was arrested on their 16^th birthday for drug possession, they won’t be eligible for expungement until they are 21 years old.

Get a Personal Assessment for Your Expungement Eligibility

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to see if your love one is eligible for Indiana criminal record expungement assessed. Our services start as low as $850, so anyone can afford to clean up their record. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a consultation, today.

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What Does Your Background Check Say About You?

Posted on January 28, 2020 by admin

If you were to run a background check on yourself, do you know what it would say? Do you know what kind of information would be listed and how it would affect both your personal and professional life? Continue reading to learn what basic background scans reveal about a person, how it can influence work and social affairs, and most importantly, what you can do if your criminal history needs some improvement.

The Consequences of a Criminal Record

If your criminal history report is not something you are proud of, it is likely holding you back from a more promising future with better opportunities. Everything from dating and community inclusion, to housing rentals, loans, school admissions, employment, professional licensing, and more, can be negatively affected if you have a criminal record. Let’s say you are preparing to enter the dating world, but you have a felony on your criminal record for domestic violence.

If a potential date decides to run a background scan on you, it could push quality dating partners away. In another example, a poor criminal record can prompt an employer to demote or fire you, or pass you up on a well-deserved promotion. When it comes to renting an apartment, getting a loan, moving into a new neighborhood, or joining a new community, a poor criminal record can have negative ripples just as easily as it can in the other, above-mentioned examples.

Basic Background Scans

There are several ways a person can look up your criminal record. Most basic scans are free and open to the public, while more in-depth scans are not free. Employers and professional authorities are the common parties that use detailed background scans. As for the general public, anyone can run a basic scan for free, or choose more detailed options for a small fee.

Basic background checks generally reveal the following information:

➤ Full Legal Name
➤ Age/Date of Birth
➤ Residence
➤ Marital Status
➤ Arrest Records
➤ Driving Records
➤ Employment History
➤ Credit Report

Want to know what your personal record says? See our blog, “How to Do a Background Check” to learn how. 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, call the Indianapolis Police Department at 317-327-3153 for limited criminal history records and inquiries.

How to Clean Up Your Criminal Records in Indiana

Call our legal office 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.

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