Are you someone with a criminal past, and now worried what your background check says about you? If so, it is strongly encouraged to run a background scan on yourself to know exactly what others can have access to when it comes to your criminal record. Even if you only have minor offenses and misdemeanor arrests on your criminal background, it can still have an effect on several aspects of your life, from employment to dating, and everything in between.

Continue reading to learn what is likely to show up on your background check, as well as, where you can get help restricting access to your criminal record in Indiana.

The Misdemeanor Affect

Although misdemeanors are less serious charges and convictions compared to felonies, they are still grim since they affect several aspects of a person’s life, including finances, driving privileges, renters’ agreements, housing, financial aid benefits, employment, professional reputation, child custody, and more. And the record of this arrest and suspected offense still show up on a person’s personal and public record FOREVER, even if the charges are dismissed and no conviction was ever made.

So who can view these records? Anyone who has access to a computer, library, or police station. They are public records, which means they are available to anyone who takes the time out to seek them. Such parties include employers, landlords, brokers, school admission offices, neighbors, play group parents, and even potential romantic partners.

Will Your Misdemeanor Show Up?

Misdemeanor arrests, charges, and convictions are less serious types of crimes, so they are typically prosecuted by the county. So, in the case that a potential seeker of your criminal history performs a background check on a state program that does not include the particular county of arrest, there is a chance that your misdemeanor will not be on the scan results.

Furthermore, some background check portals are less comprehensive than others; so the higher quality background check source used, the more information it is likely to show. There are even paid background checks that really dig deep into a person’s criminal record, driving record, academic record, and more. Generally, employers and school admissions use these types of scans.

How to Restrict Criminal Records in Indiana

A new law regarding criminal record expungement has recently been passed in Indiana, which means that certain people now qualify to have their criminal records hidden or eliminated from public access. The process requires extensive filing and paperwork, all of which is very complicated. For this reason, most applicants hire a licensed criminal defense attorney who specializes in the service. You only get once chance to apply, and a minor error like a misspelled work or missed deadline can revoke your right to petition, forever.

Where to Get Started on Indiana Expungement

Call David E. Lewis, Attorney at Law at 317-636-7514 to learn more about appeals and expungement in Indiana, and for Indianapolis misdemeanor criminal defense you can trust. 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.