Can Juveniles Tried as Adults Have their Criminal Record Expunged?

There are new Indiana laws that pertain to sealing or expunging criminal records for those who qualify, but there are several stipulations and complex procedures that influence a person’s right to expungement. For most misdemeanors, it is a required 5 year waiting period, from the date of the arrest, in order to meet the time-elapse qualifications. But there are many more, involving prior convictions, habitual offenders, serious felony crimes, and more. It is vitally important to talk to a licensed criminal attorney that is well-versed in the new Indiana record expungement laws in order to fully understand what it takes to
qualify and move forward with the process.

Many parents, or young adults, have questions about juvenile arrests and expungement. Mainly, people want to know if a juvenile record can be expunged, and if so, how to get started. But another common question has to do with minors that were arrested and tried as adults. Can these juvenile records still be expunged even though they were charged and convicted as an adult? And if so, how can a juvenile, or person with a juvenile record, qualify for criminal record expungement? Continue reading to learn the answers to these questions and more.

Juvenile Criminal Records

When a kid under the age of 18 years old is arrested for a crime, they are generally charged as a minor. But if they are over the age of 14 and the crime they committed was a serious felony, the courts and state may decide to try them as an adult. In these cases, the crimes are pretty serious or extensive. Courts do this to not only set an example, but to also make a point to service the right amount of justice where deserved.

In terms of expungement, a juvenile must wait a certain number of years, without committing any other crimes in between, before they can even qualify at all. Once this time limit is up, generally between 5 and 8 years, they can begin to inquire about further eligibility. What we mean is, some crimes are never eligible for expungement, including murder, sex crimes, arson, human trafficking, and more. But is a juvenile was convicted of a lesser crime, such as a misdemeanor or Level 6 felony, there is possibility for expungement. Depending on their past criminal history, this eligibility may change. Whether a juvenile was tried as an adult or not, there may be a chance for qualification. Each individual case is different, which is why it is important to consult a licensed criminal lawyer for accurate evaluation and information.

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for information about juvenile criminal record expungement in Indiana. We are well-versed in the new Indiana laws pertaining to the processes, procedures, rules, eligibility, and more. We can provide secure assistance to seal or expunge criminal records and arrest records. Our services start as low as $850 and he offers free case evaluations. Call 317-636-7514 to determine your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana, today.

How to Seal Court Records for Minors

Kids are known to make mistakes. Now under a new expungement law in Indiana, minors with criminal records can get a fresh start by sealing their juvenile court histories. They can legally file a petition to the courts, requesting criminal record expungement of their past criminal convictions. If they are granted expungement, they can start right away by hiring an attorney that specializes in this new law.

Juvenile Criminal Expungement

When a person expunges their past criminal and court records, they can legally tell potential employers, landlords, licensing agencies, and more that they have never been arrested or convicted of a crime. However, there are several stipulations and perquisites for a person to qualify for expungement. To determine if someone is eligible for criminal expungement, it is best to consult a licensed attorney who is well-versed in this area of law. They can inform you of all the steps and procedures involved in filing for record expungement, and can facilitate all of the proper requirements and obligations accurately. Having a lawyer on your side is vital in order to be approved for expungement because, under law, a person has only one chance in their lifetime to file for expungement. If one document or paperwork is filed incorrectly, a person loses their opportunity to expunge their court records.

Here are the general eligibility guidelines, subject to vary depending on individual circumstances and convictions, for juvenile record expungement:

1. Age – Must Be 18 Years Old or Older

2. Time Passed – Must Be At Least 5 Years Since Date of Minor’s Conviction

3. Type of Offense – Serious Convictions Cannot Be Expunged (i.e. crimes that would be felony offenses in adult court)

4. Subsequent Crimes – Petitions Will Be Denied if Succeeding Adult Convictions Exist

In order to file for juvenile expungement, a person must meet all of the above criteria, then follow these steps:

1. Hire a Licensed Indianapolis Attorney
2. File a Petition to the Juvenile Court Clerk in the County of Conviction or Arrest
3. Pay a Court Filing Fee

Indiana Expungement Services for Juveniles and Adults

Call 317-636-7514 for juvenile expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are extensively well-versed in the new criminal record expungement laws, and can assist you in accurate and precise filing services. If you were arrested or convicted of a crime in your adolescent years, you may be eligible for expungement. Call us today at 317-636-7514 and schedule a free initial consultation for us to assess your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana.

How to Expunge Juvenile Court and Arrest Records in Indiana

With information spreading about the new Indiana expungement laws, many families are beginning to wonder if this law can apply to juvenile records as well. In Indiana, the answer is yes; however, there are still certain stipulations surrounding expungement eligibility. As long as a person is at least 18 years old and qualifies for expungement, there is a good chance they can succeed in removing arrest and court records from their file. Continue reading to learn how to expunge adolescent arrest records and court histories in Indiana; and who to call for accurate advice and counsel regarding juvenile criminal record expungement.

A Clear Slate for Juvenile Offenders

When a criminal record is expunged, past offenders can legally tell employers, licensing agents, landlords, and more that they have never been convicted of a crime in Indiana. There are several other advantages to sealing juvenile arrest and court records too; so long as the defendant fits within all the prerequisites for criminal record expungement. This means they have no other pending charges since the arrest, five years has passed since the closing of all court proceedings, they are at least 18 years old, and the arrest charges in question were not serious felonies that do not qualify for expungement, such as crude sexual offenses or murder.

To get adolescent records expunged, defendants are required to file a petition to the pertaining courthouse, as well as, pay a predetermined court filing fee. By law, a person is only allowed to file one time for criminal record expungement in a lifetime; however, they can expunge multiple records at one time. This means that all paperwork and filing procedures must be facilitated flawlessly in order to have a shot at expunging court records at all. This is why it is imperative to hire a reputable and knowledgeable attorney for assistance with accurate and precise filing.

What Happens Once a Juvenile Record is Expunged?

If a person’s petition for adolescent criminal expungement is accepted, then that person’s record is no longer acknowledged by the court. Legally, if this person is asked if they have a criminal history, they can say no. Individuals and organizations that might request background checks include employers, government agencies, landlords, educational institutions, banks, and more. If a juvenile record has been expunged, it will not show up on background checks. Only in some cases will juvenile arrest records show up on background checks. For example, if a person is applying within a law enforcement agency, these records will most likely be available. Also, if a juvenile record concerns a vehicle violation, then most insurance companies can obtain this information.

Expunge Your Criminal Record in Indiana

For more information about expunging juvenile arrest records in Indianapolis, call Expunge Criminal Record Indiana at 317-636-7514 today. You can reach a friendly legal representative during regular business hours. We offer free first consultations for all who qualify; as well as, accurate updates on the current Indiana expungement laws and filing requirements. If you require assistant with expunging juvenile court records in Indianapolis, IN, call our office today for professional legal assistance you can trust.