Tag Archives: seal criminal records

When Can I Expunge My Level 6 Felony?

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Since Indiana passed the criminal record expungement laws, many people have marveled at the opportunity to clean up their criminal histories and start a new life, career, family, and more. But, as it the old saying goes, “all good things come to those who wait,” those who want to expunge their criminal records must wait until they are eligible, if eligible at all. You see, there are requirements you must pass in order to qualify for criminal record expungement. One of the common qualifications that vary depending on the crime is time. As for felonies, the time is even longer.

Continue reading to learn how much longer you must wait to be eligible to expunge your Level 6 felony, or Class D Felony in Indiana.

How Long Must You Wait to Clear Up Your Felony Record?

The Second Chance Law in Indiana

Indiana passed some laws a few years back, known as Indiana’s Second Chance Law, that allows those who qualify to remove or seal their criminal records from public access, including schools, employers, and standard people. Although there are several prerequisites for qualifying for criminal record expungement, the most basic and congruent across the board is time. As for Level 6 Felonies, which to some are actually Class D Felonies from before the moniker was changed, Indiana makes you wait at least 8 years from the date of the conviction, not the date of the arrest.

The Indiana Criminal Code changes to the felony criminal punishment scale took effect on July 1, 2014. What used to be categorized as a Class D Felony is now called a Level 6 felony.

Class A Misdemeanor Expungement

There are many defendants whose Level 6 felonies are reduced to Class A Misdemeanors. It is common for Level 6 felonies to be called “wobblers” in the criminal industry because they are crimes that tend to border on the line of two levels of punishment. In this case, the defendant convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor after it was reduced from a Level 6 or Class D felony, can qualify for Indiana’s Second Chance Act after 5 years from the date of the conviction.

Where to Get Criminal Record Expungement Services in Indianapolis

Call 317-636-7514 for criminal record expungement services in Indianapolis, Indiana. We are well-versed in Indiana’s Second Chance Law, and can help you seal or expunge criminal records in all Indiana counties. Our services are economically-priced, and start as low as $850! Contact us to schedule a no-risk consultation for criminal record expungement in Indianapolis, IN today.

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

FAQs About Sealing Criminal Records

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Many people are still not aware that some states have adopted a new law that allows past criminal records to be sealed from public access. Depending on several factors, a person may be qualified to have certain criminal records, such as arrests or charges, hidden from the public. This means that employers, banks, landlords, and regular people cannot see these sealed records no matter how much they pay or how hard they look. The only groups that will still have access to sealed records are the courts, jails, and other governmental organizations. If you would like to know more about sealing criminal records, continue reading to review some answers to the questions most frequently asked.

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Attorney 317-636-7514

What is the Difference Between Sealing and Expunging Criminal Records?

Expungement is more complex, and very difficult to qualify for. Most often, those who were arrested and never charged, found innocent of the charges, or had charges dismissed, acquitted, and so forth, can have their records expunged. This means that the record no longer exists publically and they can legally say they have never been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. Sealing criminal records results in removing them from public records, but the same benefits generally apply.

How Do I Seal My Criminal Records?

You must petition for criminal record sealing by completing a complex series of paperwork, filing, deadlines, and more. Unfortunately, one simple error in any of these areas will result in a petition being denied. This is not good because a person can only petition once in their life for criminal record sealing. To get started, you will need to research your state’s laws and procedures for sealing criminal records. It is strongly encouraged to hire a criminal defense lawyer for assistance.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Seal Criminal Records?

You don’t have to have a lawyer by law, but it is strongly encouraged to hire one for assistance because the process and requirements are very stringent and complicated. One simple error, like a misspelled name, can get a petition denied instantly. An experienced criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in the state’s new law can ensure your application and filing process go smoothly. They will make sure all paperwork is filed properly and on time.

When Can I Apply to Seal My Criminal Records?

Depending on your state’s particular laws, the time you must wait from the day of your conviction to the day you can apply will vary. In all cases, it must be at least 3 to 5 years since the date of the original charges. For more serious offenses, this time is increased. Talk to your trusted attorney to determine how long you have until you can qualify to apply for record sealing.

Who Can I Trust For Indiana Criminal Record Sealing Assistance?

Call 317-636-7514 if you have 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 about Indianapolis criminal record expungement, 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!