Tag Archives: restricted access criminal records

Will My Misdemeanor Show Up on a Background Check?

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If you are preparing for a job interview, or perhaps even a blind date, you might want to know what your background check would reveal if one is performed on you!

Seal Criminal Records 317-636-7514

Seal Your Criminal Records 317-636-7514


It is mostly common knowledge that any standard background check will reveal a felony conviction or criminal charge. However, people question whether or not less serious convictions, such as misdemeanors, are reported on background scans. A misdemeanor conviction is less serious than a felony, however, it is still a criminal conviction nonetheless. This means you are considered a past offender, or criminal, as a result of the misdemeanor conviction. For this reason, you can almost guarantee that your misdemeanor will appear on your background check. Continue reading to learn more.

Misdemeanor Convictions

There are several types of misdemeanor crimes, with the most common being petty theft, drug possession, intoxicated driving, public intoxication, disorderly or lewd conduct, and vandalism. These convictions usually come with minor to moderate legal penalties that are mandatory, including jail time, probation, routine drug testing, fines, suspended drivers’ license, community service, drug and alcohol education, rehabilitation, house arrest, and more.

The consequences of a misdemeanor conviction are much less severe than those of a felony conviction, however, misdemeanors and felonies do have one thing in common: they stay on your criminal record for life. So if a person runs a background check on you, they are likely to receive information about any criminal convictions you have on your record, misdemeanors or felonies. However, some background check systems are not as thorough, so it may not show up at all depending on the level of scan they perform.

For instance, because most misdemeanors are prosecuted at county levels, a person running a state background will only find misdemeanors committed in the same state or county. If you have a misdemeanor on your criminal record in another state, it might not show up on a background report. On the other hand, if they were to run a federal level background check, or a more comprehensive check, they may be able to find your misdemeanor conviction or charge.

Seal Misdemeanors and Other Public Criminal Records

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

It is important to always assume that your criminal records will appear on all background checks. Fortunately, in Indiana, there is a new law that allows past offenders to seal their public criminal records if they qualify. And misdemeanors are easier to seal so long as a person meets all other qualifications! In order to expunge a misdemeanor, you must file your petition properly. One mistake, even a tiny spelling error, can erase your opportunity for the rest of your life. For this reason, you need a professional Indianapolis expungement lawyer to help you file your application and meet all your state requirements and deadlines.

Call 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or expunge an arrest from your criminal record in Indianapolis. 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!

Can I Expunge a Conviction if I Was a Minor Tried as an Adult?

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Criminal Record Expungement Attorneys 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement 317-636-7514

There are several options for those who wish to seal or expunge criminal records, so long as they meet the prerequisites for eligibility. As for those who were arrested as minors but tried as adults, the options are not much different. To get the answer to this question in regards to your specific case, you must start with the eligibility requirements for both criminal record expungement and criminal record sealing in Indiana. From there, you can move forward with a better understanding of your personal qualifications, how the process works, and where to get started. Continue reading to learn more about expunging or sealing criminal records as a person who was arrested as a minor but tried as an adult.

Criminal Record Expungement

Indiana Code § 35-38-5-1

The eligibility requirements for criminal record expungement in Indiana are very strict. Not many people qualify to have their criminal records expunged. That is because in order to be eligible, you must have never actually been charged with a crime, or the charges were later dropped. More specifically, one of the following statements must be true about your arrest:

❶ You were never officially charged with a crime;

OR

❷ Your charges were later dropped because:

Ⅰ. Your identity was mistaken;
Ⅱ. You did not in fact commit the crime;
Ⅲ. There was no probable cause to believe you committed the crime.

Criminal Record Sealing

Indiana Code § 35-38-5-5.5

If you do not qualify for expungement, you may qualify to seal your criminal records, which is also known as “restricted access.” If you were arrested but never charged with a crime, charged but you were later acquitted of all charges, or you were convicted and your conviction as later vacated, you could qualify for restricted access in Indiana.

If you were charged and convicted of a misdemeanors or Level 6 Felony, and you have completed all court orders, you may be able to petition for restricted access if all the following are true about your crime:

Ⅰ. Your crime did not cause bodily harm;
Ⅱ. Your crime was not a sex offense;
Ⅲ. Your crime was committed over 8 years ago;
Ⅳ. You do not have any new criminal convictions.

Trust in Criminal Defense

It is important to discuss your criminal record concerns with a licensed criminal defense attorney who can provide accurate information and guidance specific to your unique case. In the meantime, learn as much as you can about criminal record expungement and criminal record sealing for better understanding of the legal process.

Indianapolis Expungement Lawyer

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Call Indiana Expungement at 317-636-7514 if you would like to petition for restricted access or expunge an arrest from your criminal record in Indianapolis. 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! We are eager to help you reform your criminal records so that you can have the life you deserve. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule an appointment with a licensed Indianapolis expungement attorney, today.

Can I Buy a Gun After Expunging a Felony Conviction?

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When a person is convicted of a felony crime, there are several consequences that go along with it, many of which disrupt or impact a person’s life forever. One of the many restrictions convicted felons must live with is the right to purchase a firearm. But now that recent laws have approved criminal record expungement, many people are taking advantage of sealing their past criminal convictions from public access, leading them to ask several questions about restoring their rights as well. A common inquiry among past felons filing for expungement involves the right to purchase and bear arms. Continue reading to learn more about expunging felony criminal records and how it influences a person’s right to purchase a gun.

Criminal Record Expungement vs Restricted Access

In Indiana, if a person was charged with a felony or misdemeanor, but never found guilty, then they are eligible for expungement. But if a person has any conviction on their criminal record, whether for a misdemeanor or felony offense, they are not eligible to have it expunged. However, they may qualify to have it placed under restricted access, which is sometimes referred to as record “sealing” rather than record expungement. To petition for a chance at sealing criminal records in Indiana, all of the following statements listed below must be true:

1. Offense was a Misdemeanor or Level 6 Felony
2. They Caused No Bodily Injury
3. No New Convictions Since the Conviction
4. It Has Been at Least 8 Years Since the Conviction
5. Offense was not Sexual nor Violent

Gun Rights

When a person is convicted of a felony offense, they immediately lose their right to purchase or bear firearms. And since Indiana only allows past convicts who qualify to seal and restrict their criminal records, rather than expunge them, they can never regain that privilege again. The only way a person’s right to purchase and bear firearms can be restored is if they were never convicted of a crime or their charges were later dropped or dismissed. All those with convictions on their criminal record cannot expunge their
convictions, therefore, they cannot have their
right to firearms reinstated in Indiana.

Indiana Expungement Lawyer

Call 317-636-7514 for help sealing and expunging criminal records in Indiana. Our rates start as low as $850, making our legal services affordable for everyone! Our comprehensive understanding of Indiana expungement law, coupled with our acute work ethic, makes us the perfect ally when petitioning the government. We will ensure you qualify before taking the time to file and process paperwork, and furthermore, ensure that all your filing and proceedings are accurately managed and carried out on time. Call 317-636-7514 to discuss your eligibility with a licensed Indiana criminal record expungement lawyer today!