Tag Archives: Indiana expungement laws

Understanding the Process of Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

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In the maze of laws and legal processes, understanding the concept of criminal record expungement can be daunting. Primarily in Indiana, the pathway to expunge criminal records, also known as record sealing, requires careful navigation.

This blog post aims to demystify the process, providing a comprehensive guide to help you understand the nuances of criminal record expungement in Indiana. We’ll discuss who is eligible, what the process entails, and why it can be a vital step towards a fresh start. Get ready to gain a clearer view of the legal landscape regarding record expungement.

Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With an Indiana Expungement Lawyer Near You
Call 317-636-7514 to Speak With an Indiana Expungement Lawyer Near You

Who is Eligible for Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana?

Before delving into the details, it’s crucial to understand who can expunge their criminal records in Indiana. Generally, those eligible include individuals with a single misdemeanor or felony conviction record, as well as multiple offenses that were charged and sentenced at the same time. It’s worth noting that some offenses are ineligible for expungement, such as violent or sex crimes, DUIs, and those resulting in death. Additionally, individuals with a previous expungement or pending charges are not eligible for record sealing. It’s always best to consult with an experienced attorney to determine your eligibility.

What Does the Process of Record Expungement Entail?

The process of expunging criminal records in Indiana involves several steps, and it’s essential to follow each one carefully. Firstly, you’ll need to obtain a certified copy of your criminal record from the arresting agency and county clerk’s office. Next, file a petition with the court that handled your case(s). The petition must include specific information, such as the charge(s) you wish to expunge and the reason for expungement.

You’ll also need to pay a filing fee and provide proof of any fees or fines associated with your case(s). The court may schedule a hearing to review your petition and may require additional information before making a decision. If approved, the records will be sealed from public access, but certain agencies may still have access for specific purposes.

Why You Need a Criminal Defense Lawyer to Expunge Criminal Records

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.

Because the process of criminal record expungement can be complicated and intimidating, it’s important to get the help of an experienced criminal defense lawyer. An Indianapolis expungement lawyer will be familiar with the laws in your state, as well as any requirements you may need to meet in order to get your criminal record expunged. With their help, you can be confident that all steps are taken properly and that your criminal record is completely wiped clean.

Why Should You Consider Expunging Your Criminal Records?

Expunging your criminal records can have a profound impact on your life. It allows you to move forward without the stigma and barriers associated with a criminal record, such as difficulty obtaining employment or housing. Additionally, expungement can restore certain rights lost due to a conviction, such as the right to possess firearms. It’s important to note that expungement does not completely erase your criminal record, but it can significantly improve your opportunities and quality of life.

Conclusion

In summary, the process of criminal record expungement in Indiana involves determining eligibility, filing a petition with the court, and potentially attending a hearing. It’s a crucial step towards starting fresh and moving past your past mistakes. If you’re considering expunging your criminal records, it’s always best to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the process and ensure it is done correctly. Hopefully, this blog has provided a better understanding of record sealing and its potential impact on your future.

Are you ready to learn if you qualify for criminal record expungement in Indiana? Contact us at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced expungement lawyer in Indianapolis. Our Indiana criminal expungement services start as low as $850!

Related Posts:

How to Prepare Your Case For a Successful Criminal Record Expungement
What You Need to Know About Indiana’s Second Chance Law
Understanding the Benefits of Clearing Your Criminal Record

Where to Get Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer Services Starting at $850

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Don’t let a criminal record keep you from achieving your dreams. Start a new life with a clean slate by seeing if you qualify for criminal record expungement or sealing. Don’t think it’s in the budget? Think again. You may be eligible for criminal expungement lawyer services as low as $850! Continue reading to learn where you can get such affordable and reputable criminal record expungement legal assistance in Central Indiana, and how to learn your eligibility as soon as today!

Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Law Firm
Indianapolis Criminal Record Expungement Law Firm 317-636-7514

Open Up Doors in Your Life With a Cleaner Criminal Record

Here at the Indianapolis criminal defense law office of David E. Lewis, our Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers understand how difficult and unfair life can seem with a criminal record holding you back. Employment and job opportunities, promotions, rental homes, mortgage loans, and more can all be barely out of reach if you have an arrest or conviction on your criminal history report.

Taking Advantage of Indiana’s Second Chance Law Can Be the Best Decision You Ever Make

Indiana has a new law that is informally being called “Indiana’s Second Chance Law” because it truly gives past offenders a second chance at excelling in life in the same way they would have had they not had a criminal record. There are varying degrees of qualification, and the petition and filing process is extremely challenging, confusing, and strict. One simple spelling error or missed deadline can wipe away your chance at ever sealing or expunging your criminal record since people are only allowed to petition once in a lifetime. Any mistakes made will destroy your chances at succeeding with the process.

Your Leading Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Lawyers

For these reasons and more, it is vital for you to outsource professional legal assistance to ensure your applications are filled out properly and that all deadlines are met. David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law, is the Indianapolis expungement lawyer who can help you achieve this goal. He knows money can be tight, and truly believes that all people should have the opportunity to petition for expungement with legal assistance. That is why his expungement services start as low as $850.

Our Indianapolis Indiana Law Firm Offers:

☑ Free Initial Consultations
☑ Spanish Speaking Attorneys and Staff
☑ Home and Hospital Visits
☑ 24 Hour Phone Service
☑ Free Parking
☑ Out-of-State Attorney References
☑ Services Starting as Low as $850!

Are you ready to clean up your criminal history once and for all? Contact our Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement lawyers to learn how to begin your petition, today. Our lawyer fees start as low as $850, and we never charge for initial consultations.

You Should Also Read:

What is the Second Chance Act?
Can I Apply for Expungement With a Pending Criminal Charge?
What You Can and Cannot Expunge

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

How Does Expungement Prohibit Employers From Discriminating Against Applicants?

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If you have a criminal record from your past that is still lingering around and holding you back from a better life, perhaps it is time to learn what the new expungement laws can do for you. One of the most important and beneficial aspects of the new Indiana Second Chance Law is that it strictly prohibits employers from discriminating against applicants with criminal histories. This means you have a chance at higher employment, promotions, professional licenses, and more.

Continue reading to learn exactly what the Indiana expungement laws say about employer discrimination and applicant rights.

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

The Indiana Second Chance Law Helps You Get Better Jobs

If you want to know what the Indiana Second Chance law states about employers and discrimination against applicants with criminal records, you will need to refer to the Indiana Expungement Statue, IC-35-38-9-10(b), which specifically states:

“(b) It is unlawful discrimination for any person to…

(1) suspend;

(2) expel;

(3) refuse to employ;

(4) refuse to admit;

(5) refuse to grant or renew a license, permit, or certificate necessary to engage in any activity, occupation, or profession;  or

(6) otherwise discriminate against;

…any person because of a conviction or arrest record expunged or sealed under this chapter.”

The statute goes on to say, “The Indiana Expungement Statue states that a person whose record is expunged shall be treated as if the person had never been convicted of the offense.  So after your successful expungement, on any employment application, or other applications, you can legally answer that you have never been convicted of a crime.”

**See Indiana Code 35-38-9, Sealing and Expunging Conviction Records

How to Apply for Record Expungement

The first step to petitioning for criminal record expungement in Indiana is to confirm your eligibility. Unfortunately, not everyone will qualify, as there are several prerequisites and stipulations. For instance, violent and sexual offenses are not eligible for expungement, nor are convictions in which you were found guilty of the crime. Also, a certain amount of time must pass before you can have a criminal record expunged. Read our blog, “Expungement or Record Sealing: Which Do I Qualify For?” to learn more about criminal record expungement and record sealing eligibility.

Professional Expungement Services in Indiana

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Call our Indianapolis criminal record expungement lawyers 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!

Do You Have an Inaccurate Criminal Record?

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If someone were to run a background check on you, do you know what would show up? Sometimes, a person can get in trouble with the law, but never actually do time or receive a conviction. In these cases, an arrest that led to no conviction might make a person feel like their criminal record is not accurate, nor a representation of themselves.

For instance, if Ned was arrested and charged with rape, but then later the accuser admits she was lying, he would not be convicted. However, the record of being arrested and charged with rape will linger on his personal record forever even though he was found not guilty.

In another example, a person can commit a crime using a stolen identity, leading to the arrest of the wrong person later on. The falsely-arrested person, although entirely innocent, will have to live with the arrest and charges on their criminal record forever. If this is something that sounds familiar, you might want to think about your options in terms of fixing your criminal record.

Expunging Incorrect Criminal Records

In order to fix incorrect criminal records, a person must qualify, file, and be granted criminal record expungement. But in order for someone to qualify, one of five scenarios must be true:

☑ The arrest never led to criminal charges.
☑ The arrest never led to a conviction.
☑ The criminal charges were dropped as a result of mistaken identity.
☑ The criminal charges were dropped because no crime was committed.
☑ The criminal charges were later dropped a judge found no probable cause.

If you can answer yes to any of the above-listed scenarios, you will likely be granted expungement. That is, if you don’t have any pending criminal charges against you, and your record doesn’t have any other arrests or infractions other than minor traffic offenses. However, applicants can only petition for criminal record expungement one time in their lifetime. And just one simple mistaken, even a procedural mistake or spelling error, can get your petition denied. For this reason, it is important to hire a criminal defense lawyer to help you correct your criminal record.

Expunge Criminal Records in Indiana

Call 317-636-7514 to expunge criminal records in Indiana. We offer criminal record expungement services starting as low as $850! As a seasoned criminal defense law firm, we are well-versed in the new 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 to Do a Background Check

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There are many reasons for performing a background check on a person. Employers will run background checks to ensure they are hiring trusted staff members, while parents might choose to run background checks on potential nannies and babysitters to ensure the safety of their children. And with the current online dating trend, many daters are scanning the backgrounds of their dates before meeting them for the first time. Other people decide to run a background check on themselves to see if there are any irregularities or evidence of identity theft.

There are several resources available to help run a background check on yourself or another person, and it is easy to do and sometimes free of charge. Continue reading for advice on how to do a background check on yourself or someone else.

Background Check Websites

Background checks offer information about a person’s arrest, driving, criminal, marriage, and sometimes even credit history. The easiest and most popular method for doing background checks is using online services. There are many sources for background scanning services, including the city’s government webpage and background check company websites. Many are free of charge, but offer upgraded scans that will offer more background information about a person for a flat rate. Other online sources cost money because they perform detailed background scans and offer extensive information about a person’s history.

Simply type “free background check” into your browser’s search engine of choice, and peruse the results. Use a company or service that offers secure transactions and reliable information. 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, go to http://www.indy.gov/Services/Pages/records.aspx or call the Indianapolis Police Department at 317-327-3153 for limited criminal history records and inquiries.

Additional Free Online Resources to Try:

National Center for State Courts
Local Court Website
Social Media Profiles
National Sex Offender Public Website

Paid Services:

Intelius
Been Verified

If your personal background scan displeases you because of past criminal mistakes, contact a licensed attorney to discuss your criminal expungement eligibility and perhaps seal your public records for good!

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for Indiana criminal record expungement information and professional assistance. We offer legal services for those who wish to seal or expunge their criminal records. Depending on your individual case details, you may or may not be eligible for expungement. Speak to one of our licensed lawyers, well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws, about the requirements for criminal record expungement, right away. Get started to a new future of job opportunities and more with a clean criminal slate. Call 317-636-7514 to expunge criminal records in Indiana, today!

Do You Need a Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer?

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A criminal record expungement lawyer will save you a substantial amount of time, money, and frustration in the expunging process. But do you NEED one to file for expungement? The answer is no; however, it is the wisest choice for anyone who wishes to properly expunge their criminal records in the one opportunity the law gives them. One simple mistake or misspelled word can revoke a person’s right to expunge their criminal records forever. A licensed attorney can make sure that doesn’t happen, and all for a reasonable one-time fee. Continue reading to learn more about criminal record expungement attorney services and how they can help you.

Expunging or Sealing Criminal Records

A person has one opportunity to file for criminal record expungement. One filing misstep can cost them that chance. A licensed attorney that is well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws can process all the necessary documents and paperwork needed to file for expungement. They can be sure you are informed, set, and ready for all mandatory court hearings, if any, and all other obligations involved in the process. With a lawyer, you can rest assure that the filing and application process is carried out perfectly so that you have the highest chance of having your records sealed from the public.

Generally, the cost of hiring an attorney to assist in expunging or sealing your criminal records is around $1,000, give or take. These prices go up depending on the extent of a person’s criminal history and the complexity of their case. Some lawyers may offer payment arrangements or financing plans, depending on the client’s credit history and other variables. No matter what the price, criminal record expungement is worth it tenfold.

Keep in mind that a public defender cannot offer service to assist in expungement applications and filing. You must either choose to file and apply yourself, or hire a licensed attorney for professional and organized assistance.

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

Call 317-636-7514 for criminal record expungement services in Indiana. We are licensed attorneys well-versed in the current Indiana expungement laws and guidelines. We can ensure that your application process is carried out faultlessly. Rates start as low as $850 so call today!

Are Voting Rights Restored After Expunging a Felony?

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Two years ago, the Indiana expungement laws have granted past felons the opportunity to seal their criminal records. Before July of 2013, only charges that were dismissed, acquitted, dropped, or voided could be sealed, but then the expungement laws were revised and now convicted persons can have their criminal records expunged. Continue reading to learn more about felony expungement in Indiana, and who to call for reliable and professional filing services.

Felony Expungement

Although filing is a delicate process that cannot even start until a certain amount of time has passed (up to 10 years for felony charges), expungement services are well worth the patience and effort in the end. After a person has a felony record expunged, all of their civil rights are restored, including the right to vote, to be a juror, and the right to firearms. But there are stipulations to having these rights restored, and they are as follows:

• Must Not Be Incarcerated Since the Conviction
• Must Not Commit Any More Crimes Since the Conviction
• Must Not Be On Probation Since the Conviction
• Must Pay All Legal Restitution On Time for the Conviction
• Defendant Maintains a Clean Record Following Expungement

In order to expunge a felony record, a person must have all of their crime-committing days behind them. This is because a person can only have records expunged one time in Indiana. A person can expunge multiple charges and convictions so long as it is done all at the same time, but they only get once chance to file. If one filing mistake is made, the request is dismissed and a person loses their opportunity to file for expungement in Indiana forever.

For this reason, it is important to retain the services of a licensed attorney that is well-versed in the Indiana expungement laws and procedures. For a reasonable fee, an experienced lawyer can file all documents to the court and manage all other filing procedures for a defendant. This will ensure it gets done right the first time, which is the only time you have.

Indiana Expungement Lawyer

Call 317-636-7514 to learn about expunging criminal records in Indiana. We are well-versed in the new Indiana expungement laws and can answer your questions about eligibility and filing. Our rates start as low as $850 making our expungement services affordable for anyone. The fee increases as complexity and seriousness of charges increases. Call 317-636-7514 and speak with an Indiana expungement lawyer you can trust.

Can I Have a Felony Expunged from My Criminal Record?

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

Felony Convictions and Expungement

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

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

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

The Law Office of David E. Lewis

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

Employee Discrimination Has its Consequences for Employers

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

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

Employee Rights

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

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

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

Expungement in Indiana

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