In Indiana, criminal record expungement is now legal, but under very specific circumstances. And petitioners only get one chance at filing for expungement in a lifetime. To make things even sterner, only certain offenses can be expunged, and courts will only grant record expungement based on several key requirements. Not all will qualify, but for those who do, criminal record expungement can open up new doors and new possibilities in various facets of life, including employment, housing, bank loans, financial aid, and more. Continue reading to learn some fundamental information about sealing and expunging
arrest records in Indiana.

What is Expungement?

Expungement refers to the erasure or elimination of criminal convictions and/or arrests from one’s permanent record. Only under certain circumstances does a person qualify to expunge criminal records. Records that are not eligible for expungement, however, may be eligible for criminal record sealing. Records that may be expunged include but are not limited to:

▣ Arrest Records
▣ Misdemeanor Convictions
▣ Level 6 Felony Convictions
▣ Level 6 Felonies Reduced to Misdemeanors

What is Record Sealing?

Sealing criminal records means to restrict them from certain access. The only authorities that can access sealed records are criminal justice agencies, and at times, childcare agencies. Records that may be sealed with restricted access include but are not limited to:

▣ Arrest Records
▣ Misdemeanor Convictions
▣ Level 6 Felony Convictions
▣ Level 6 Felonies Reduced to Misdemeanors
▣ Other Felonies

Which Crimes CANNOT Be Expunged?

Convictions that cannot be expungement or sealed include murder, sex crimes, feticide, manslaughter, reckless homicide, human trafficking, assisting or causing suicide, transfer of contaminated bodily fluids, registered sex offender status, and inappropriate communication with a child or minor.

Where Can I Find Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Petition Forms?
Right Here: Indiana Division of State Court Administration

The process that is required of the petitioner for record sealing or expunging is highly complicated, and revolves around a stringent schedule that’s difficult to follow. One little filing mistake or missed deadline, and a person loses their chance at sealing their public criminal history forever. For these reasons, it is imperative to retain the professional legal counsel of a licensed attorney that’s familiar with the Indiana expungement laws and provides services for filing and petitions.

For Expungement Assistance, Call Attorney David E. Lewis!

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to seal or expunge arrest records in Indiana. He works around the clock to ensure your petition is carefully managed and filed in every aspect. And his services start as low as $850, so virtually anyone can afford to clear their criminal records or petty crimes and arrests. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation, today.