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

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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.

Criminal Record Expungement Assistance
Criminal Record Expungement Assistance 317-636-7514

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?

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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.

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

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?

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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.

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

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 16th 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.

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

What Does Your Background Check Say About You?

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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.

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

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.

What to Do if You Were Denied a Job After a Criminal Record Scan

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When it comes to interviewing for jobs, there is nothing more awkward and uncomfortable than waiting for that phone call back. So, to get a phone call just to tell you that you you’re not being hired can be incredibly demeaning, especially if they tell you it was due to your criminal history. However, if you were recently not given a job because of the records on your criminal history, there may still be hope for securing good employment due to Indiana’s Second Chance Law.

Continue reading to learn about Indiana’s Second Chance law, a legal principle known as criminal record expungement.

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

Indiana’s Second Chance Law

A new law regarding criminal record expungement, known as Indiana’s Second Chance Law, was recently passed in our state. This means certain people now qualify to have their criminal records eliminated from public records. It is Indiana’s first comprehensive criminal record expungement law. This is a significant opportunity that will open up numerous doors for the previously convicted. Peace of mind, job opportunities, and a clean record are just a few examples of how the new expungement law can help people with criminal records.

It’s a Once in a Lifetime Opportunity

When someone wants to explore their options for criminal record expungement, it is important to first and fully understand that a person can only apply and be granted expungement one time in their entire lives. This means you cannot apply to have additional criminal and arrest records expunged after already having your records concealed in the past.

If you decide to pursue criminal record concealment, be sure that all your paperwork, filing, deadlines, and additional requirements are accurate and in-line. Failing to file even one document, or filing it incorrectly, can instantly eliminate your chances of expunging your criminal history, forever. This is why it is vital to enlist the services of a licensed attorney, familiar with your state’s new expungement laws, to facilitate the entire process to ensure that everything is done properly.

How to Start Criminal Record Expungement

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.

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

How to Fix a Mistakes on Your Criminal Record

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Anyone with an arrest or criminal record can expect a few road blocks along the road of life.  This is especially relevant to applying for a job, promotion, professional license, loan, or a residence to rent.  Landlords, supervisors, and managers commonly inquire about criminal histories to better understand the applicant and their capacity to either perform well on the job, pay back a loan, or responsibly take care of a home. If a person has a criminal record that is incorrect or misleading, it can really damage their personal and public quality of life. Fortunately, a new law has passed that allow changes to be made to criminal records, especially in the case that a record is inaccurate.

Continue reading to learn how criminal record expungement can help fix mistakes that are on your personal criminal record in Indiana.

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

Sealing Criminal Records for Adults

Criminal record expungement refers to the process in which a person hides or seals their past criminal convictions and arrests from public access. This means if a landlord or potential employer asks if you’ve been arrested and convicted of a crime, you can legally say no.  There are several details and stipulations that are involved with the expungement process, which is why a lawyer is highly recommended.

Not everyone is eligible for expungement so it is important to outsource professional legal assistance to facilitate the process exactly the way it should.  If a person qualifies for expungement but makes a single mistake during the filing process, they lose out on dealing their records and cannot ever file again. You only get one chance to seal adult criminal records.

Eligibility Requirements

When it comes to criminal record expungement, there are rules and requirements that a person must have.  For example, depending on the type of charges, a person must wait at least five years from the date of conviction to even think about filing for record expungement.  For more serious crimes, a person must wait at least 8 to 10 years from the date of arrest. 

Also, not all records are eligible for expungement; such as kidnapping, rape, murder, etc.  It is important to hire a qualified and licensed attorney that specializes in criminal record expungement services.  Because this law is new, there are many novice expungement services available; but be sure to choose a reputable law firm that genuinely understands the law and everything it entails.

Where to Get Expungement Help in Indianapolis?

Call The Law Firm of Attorney David E. Lewis at 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.

How Many Types of Background Checks Are There?

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If you are currently interviewing for jobs or participating in a similar venture that might require someone to run a background check on you, you might be concerned about what people might find on your permanent record. For this reason, it is common for people to run a background check on themselves first. But how comprehensive are these background checks? How many do you have to do to find all the personal records that are available to the public?

Continue reading to learn about the different types of background check options open to public use for a better idea of where your records might show up. Want to clean up your personal record? We’ll discuss that too.

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

Background Checks

There are various types of background checks you can perform on an individual that lives in the United States. Some are free, while others require a fee that ranges in price depending on how deep you want to dig. You can choose to run a background check online, in person, or via postal mail.

The option you choose depends on how much information you want, and how much you are willing to pay. As for potential employers, they tend to use the more invasive background checks. Jobs that require professional licensing or involve children will perform even more aggressive scans.

Common Types of Background Checks:

Free Online Background Checks – There are endless websites that provide free background check scans, from government portals to private investigation offices, and everything in between. However, these scans are usually not very detailed, and may not provide a lot of information on criminal history.

Paid Background Checks – There are several paid background check providers to choose from, both online and in person. Costs depend on the service fee of the vendor, as well as, the level of information desired. The more detailed the scan, the more money it will cost.

Public Background Checks – Public background checks are generally very vague. You are not likely to find criminal history through a public check, but rather, domestic information like address, phone number, marital status, dependents, driving record, and similar civil facts.

Comprehensive Background Checks – Comprehensive background checks will give very detailed reports on criminal history, traffic offenses, civil information, and more. These are typically more expensive, as they provide a very thorough scan and report.

Specific Background Checks – There are various types of specific background checks that can be performed, in addition to the ones listed above. The most common include criminal history check, past employment verification, school verification, reference check, drug tests, sexual offender registry checks, credit background checks, social media/internet checks, driving record, professional license and certificate verification, and social security number tracing.

How to Clean Up Your Criminal Records in Indiana

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.

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

Warning: An Expunged Criminal Record is NOT Destroyed

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If you are considering moving forward with an expungement petition in Indiana, you are likely on your way to a promising future full of better opportunities. However, it is important that you fully understand what criminal record expungement is, what it does, and its various limitations, before you begin. Fundamentally, you need to recognize that an expunged record is not destroyed or eliminated from your permanent criminal history; instead, it is simply unattainable by the general public.

Continue reading to learn who can still access expungement criminal records and who cannot, as well as, how to get started on the right tract with your petition.

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

Criminal Record Expungement Process

Basically, criminal record expungement involves attending court with the intention of asking the judge to remove certain records that resulted from a past criminal court case so they are not visible to the general public. The process requires extensive filing and paperwork, all of which is very complicated. For this reason, most applicants hire a licensed criminal defense attorney who specializes in the service. You only get once chance to apply, and a minor error like a misspelled work or missed deadline can revoke your right to petition, forever.

Who is the “General Public?”

When a person has a criminal record, such records are available to the general public, either through paid background checks or free public scans, depending on how detailed of a report the user wants. So who makes up the general public? Well, the general public would include anyone who has access to a computer. Common parties that use background checks and scans include employers, schools, banks, rental companies, landlords, airlines, friends, family, and even potential dates or parents of your potential date.

Who Can Still Access Expunged Records?

Although a criminal record is expunged, it still exists. It is not a pardon, nor a repealed conviction. Instead, an expunged record is withdrawn from public databases, but not private ones. Private authorities who will still have access include law enforcement and certain governmental parties, including the police, courts, FBI, immigration officers, and other public officials. On the other hand, these authorities only access such records in very specific situations.

Read our blog, “FAQs About Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records” to learn all the basics to the process of criminal record expungement. This will get you ready to start working on your petition!

How to Get Started on Your Petition

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.

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

What You Can and Cannot Expunge

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The New Indiana Second Chance Law allows those with past criminal records to seal such records from the public. This means better opportunities for employment, housing, education, and overall quality of life. However, there are several rules and restrictions to this new law, making it a risky endeavor to attempt alone. You need a professional Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who is well versed in the expungement laws to help you with the process, from start to finish.

Continue reading to learn what you need to know about sealing criminal records, including what can and cannot be expunged.

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

Arrest Records

In Indiana, arrest records can be expunged so long as no conviction resulted, you do not have a suspended driver’s license, and it has been at least one year since the date of the arrest. How could this be beneficial to someone? A college student looking to apply to graduate school has a public nuisance arrest on their record from freshman year, but they were never convicted. They could have this record expunged so that the dean and application counsels do not see it and use it against them.

Misdemeanor Convictions

If you were convicted of a Class A through Class C misdemeanor, you may or may not be eligible for expungement. It depends on a long list of factors, including the nature of the offense and the amount of time that has passed since the conviction. In Indiana, you must wait 5 years since the date of the conviction before petitioning the court for expunction.

Felony Convictions

If you were convicted of a Class D felony that was reduced to a misdemeanor, you would need to adhere to the same prerequisites as a misdemeanor conviction, as mentioned above. Most non-violent felonies, you must wait at least 8 years since the date of the conviction, plus meet all the other requirements, such as no pending charges, valid drivers’ license, and more.

What CANNOT Be Expunged

Expungement is not available to everyone. Those who are not eligible include sex offenders, violent offenders, and anyone convicted of official misconduct.

Where to Start Your Expungement Petition

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call 317-636-7514 if you want to expunge a criminal record in Indiana. 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.

Types of Criminal and Arrest Records That Qualify for Expungement

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If you have a criminal record, whether a conviction, a charge, or just an arrest or detainment, it is in your best interest to have such records removed or sealed from public access. Just be sure to ACT NOW before the Indiana Second Chance laws are no longer available. They are not popular among many, posing the risk of abolishment at any moment.

There are many types of records that can be expunged or sealed, depending on what you qualify for. Scroll down to review information about the most common types of criminal records expunged everyday.

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

✔ Arrest Records (If No Conviction Resulted)

A father of two, who was arrested once in their college days for public intoxication in Indiana but never convicted, is now able to have that arrest cleared from their criminal record. This is a perfect example of how the new expungement law can help. A person arrested more than a year ago, but never convicted of a crime, can have that arrest removed from their criminal record with the help of our experienced criminal attorneys in Indianapolis.

✔ Misdemeanor Convictions (Including Class D Felonies Reduced to Misdemeanors)

Everyone made mistakes; especially when we were young. It is common for people to have insignificant misdemeanor convictions on their criminal records; such as operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI or DUI), shoplifting, check fraud, small narcotic possession charges, battery without injury, and more. Often times, these misdemeanor convictions can be removed from a person’s record with the help of a skilled attorney. Our knowledgeable attorneys can give you the details on how to get your record cleared of misdemeanors for good in Indiana.

✔ Class D Felony Convictions

If a class D felony was not reduced to a misdemeanor charge, a person may still have a chance to get it expunged from their criminal record in Indiana. Class D felonies such as theft, OWI/DUI with priors, intimidation, fraud, and drug possession, can all be cleared from a person’s criminal records so long as they meet all the eligibility requirements. For details about the Indiana expungement eligibility requirements, call our law office at 317-636-7514 today.

✔ Other Felonies

Other felonies, more serious than a class D felony, can be expunged from a criminal record. This does not include sex offenses, homicide, human trafficking, sex crimes, and more. Although there are more stringent requirements for this type of expungement case, a court may still rule in a person’s favor. This all depends on whether or not they meet the eligibility standards, their most recent criminal activity, and more. Call our law office for details about felony expungement in Indiana.

Hire a Lawyer Before You Apply

It is strongly recommended to discuss all of your questions and concerns surrounding criminal record expungement and sealing with a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who is well-versed and experienced in these laws. They can provide a personalized investigation and assessment of your case and determine whether or not you qualify. From there, they can assist with your petition process to ensure everything is filed properly. Just one simple error or missed deadline can deny you the second chance at petitioning, which is why having a professional do the work for you is so critical to your case.

Call 317-636-7514 to expunge criminal records in Indiana. We offer criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850!