If you have a permanent record with arrests, criminal charges, or worse, actual convictions, you might just be in luck. Indiana has passed laws that allow those with past criminal records to either erase those records or seal them from the public access forever. But not just anyone qualifies. You must pass the state criteria to be eligible. Have questions? So do many others.
Continue reading to review the most frequently asked questions about Indiana criminal record expungement for 2021, and learn how to get started on your petition now.
Expungement FAQS for 2021
What is Indiana Criminal Record Expungement?
No one wants to carry around the stigma of what it means to have a criminal record. In comes Indiana criminal record expungement, which is a court-ordered process that allows those who qualify to conceal or destroy their arrests, charges, and convictions. This process is also referred to as “setting aside a criminal conviction.”
What is the Indiana Second Chance Law?
In July of 2011, the Indiana General Assembly passed legislation that permits those who qualify to erase or seal certain parts of their criminal records. You can actually review the revised and condensed decree in Indiana Code 35-38-9, which went into effect July 1, 2013. Us Hoosiers know this legislation as Indiana’s Second Chance Law, as it provides a second chance at life, prosperity, and contentment.
What are the Benefits of Criminal Record Expungement?
With a clean criminal history, you are opening yourself up to a whole new world of opportunities, especially if you have a felony on your record. With sealed or erased arrests and convictions, you place yourself in a position to get a better career, apply for a professional license, get a school loan, a bank loan for a new house for your family, and even enter the dating world without public background checks holding you back! There are many reasons to expunge your criminal records! Even simple peace of mind is enough to persuade you.
Do I Qualify for Criminal Record Expungement?
To qualify for criminal record expungement or sealing, one must meet very specific requirements. The two most influential factors to determining eligibility include the type of conviction and the amount of time that has passed since the date of the conviction. Some convictions cannot be expunged nor sealed, such as murder and sex crimes. However, most arrests and charges that did not end up in conviction can be expunged or sealed.
How Much Does it Cost to Expunge Criminal Records in Indiana?
The cost of criminal expungement in Indiana differs. It all depends on the severity of the conviction, the number of convictions, the location of the convictions, the age of the convictions, and court costs. Fortunately, there are law firms that do not charge a fee for your first consultation.
Who to Trust for Indiana Criminal Record Expungement Help
Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to learn more about appeals and expungement in Indiana. He is eager to help you get the fresh start in life that you deserve! Best of all, his services start as low as $850, so you can afford to clean up your record just as much as the next guy. Call 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation, today.
