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

Posted on December 10, 2019 by admin

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

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.

How to Fix a Mistakes on Your Criminal Record

Posted on November 21, 2019 by admin

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.

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?

Posted on August 13, 2019 by admin

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.

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.

Warning: An Expunged Criminal Record is NOT Destroyed

Posted on July 16, 2019 by admin

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 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

What You Can and Cannot Expunge

Posted on February 28, 2019 by admin

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.

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

Posted on November 19, 2018 by admin

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 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!

FAQs About Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records

Posted on October 26, 2018 by admin

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Now that many past offenders have had great success with Indiana’s Second Chance Law, you too should strongly consider taking advantage of this opportunity before it is gone forever. If you have a criminal record that you wish could be restricted from public access, then now is the time to look into your eligibility and requirements.

Your best course of action is to discuss your criminal record concerns and goals with a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in the new expungement laws. You can schedule a free initial consultation to get all the answers you need.

In the meantime, continue reading to review some of the most frequently asked questions about record sealing and expunging in Indiana.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

☛ What is the Difference Between Expunging Criminal Records and Sealing Criminal Records?

A person can only expunge arrest records that never ended in a conviction. This means arrests that were later dropped, acquitted, or dismissed can be completely expunged from physical and online databases. Although government officials and police can still access these records, just as they can sealed records, the general public cannot ever see them and a person can legally claim to never have been arrested.

If a person was arrested and found guilty, or pleaded guilty, to a charge, then they can only apply to seal their criminal records. This means these records will not be physically destroyed and will still be accessible by police, federal government, the FBI, immigration officers, and other public officials. But when criminal records and arrests are sealed, they are no longer visible on public background check databases or accessible by employers, landlords, and other general public.

☛ Am I Qualified for Criminal Record Expungement?

Not everyone qualified for criminal record expungement. There are several perquisites to be eligible, all of which vary depending on the state, type of charges, amount of time that that has passed, current legal probation stints or pending charges, and much more. Generally, the types of petitioners who can apply includes individuals who were falsely charged, found not guilty, acquitted, had charges dismissed, or not guilty of the charges.

☛ Can Adults Expunge Juvenile Records?

Yes; if you are 18 years or older, but have criminal convictions, arrests, or charges from when you were a minor, you may be able to have these records expunged in Indiana! When you have past arrests, misdemeanors, and low-grade felonies blocked from public access, you can feel more confident about interviewing for that dream job, or applying for a loan, and much more.

☛ How Much Does it Cost to Expunge or Seal Criminal Records?

The cost of criminal expungement in Indiana differs. It all depends on the severity of the conviction, the number of convictions, the location of the convictions, the age of the convictions, and court costs. Fortunately, there are law firms that do not charge a fee for your first consultation. This means you have nothing to lose and only knowledge to gain regarding your eligibility for criminal expungement, if you find the right Indianapolis criminal defense law firm that specializes in expungement services.

How Do I Expunge My Criminal Record in Indiana?

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call our Indianapolis criminal defense law firm at 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or expunge an arrest from your criminal record in Indiana. We are happy to provide free initial consultations to discuss your case without any out-of-pocket obligations. And our rates start as low as $850! Whether you are looking to seal or expunge a criminal record, we are the criminal lawyers to trust for a hassle-free petitioning process. Take advantage of this opportunity in Indiana, and get your criminal record expunged this year!