Tag Archives: criminal record expungement Indiana

Should I Hire a Lawyer to Expunge My Criminal Records?

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Because the criminal record expungement process is so complex and requires a concentrated approach, it is necessary to hire a criminal defense lawyer to navigate your petition if you want successful results. Continue below to learn some important facts about Indiana criminal record expungement and sealing that will help you better understand the importance of retaining professional legal assistance and teach you how to get started.

Criminal Expungement Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana
Criminal Expungement Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana 317-636-7514

Criminal Record Expungement Law

Indiana’s Second Chance law (IC §35-38-9) was enacted on July 11, 2013. It permits the permanent sealing of a criminal record from public access or view. Although the general public cannot access or view an expunged criminal record, some parties can, such as the government and law enforcement officials. Those who cannot include current employers, potential employers, landlords, banks, college admissions offices, credit card companies, dating partners, coworkers, family, friends, and similar types of private, non-governmental parties.

Expungement Process

There are various stages of the criminal record expungement process, all of which your skilled defense lawyer will navigate for you. But here is a basic breakdown:

☑ Gather all necessary documents and evidence needed for the petition.

☑ Complete the expungement petition and submit it by the required deadline.

☑ Continue to file all remaining documents and copies with the proper county clerks’ office.

☑ Satisfy all filing fees. You may choose to fill out and submit a fee waiver that would excuse you from paying any filing fees.

☑ Receive a case number and court date.

☑ Attend the hearing and complete the argument for expungement.

Criminal Record Expungement Costs

How much does it cost to expunge or seal criminal records in Indiana? Well, it all depends on the lawyer you choose, their personal fees, and the complexity of your case. Lawyer fees generally start at $1,000 or so, and then you might also have to pay filing fees and related costs. There is no fee to submit the actual expungement petition, however.

Why You Need a Lawyer to Help With Your Expungement Paperwork

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.

Are you looking for a qualified criminal defense lawyer who can help you with your petition? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation and get your Indianapolis Indiana criminal record expungement appeal started.

You Should Also Read:

Criminal Record Expungement FAQS for 2021
Can I Expunge My Arrest if I Am on Probation?
Who Can Access Expunged Criminal Records?

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Read This if You Were Arrested But Not Convicted in Indiana

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Quickly answer these questions:

⇛ Have you ever been arrested in Indiana?
⇛ Were you not convicted after your arrest?

If you answered yes to both of these questions, you will be thrilled to hear that you are likely eligible to have that arrest record expunged from your criminal history. Continue reading to learn more about Indiana criminal record expungement, and how to get started on your petition today.

An Arrest Doesn’t Have to Be a Part of Your Past Anymore.

Get to Know Indiana Criminal Record Expungement

Criminal Record Expungement in Indiana

Also known as the Second Chance Law, Indiana criminal record expungement legislation now allows past offenders, even many of those who do have convictions, to destroy or seal their arrest records from the general public. What does this mean for you? Well, those who clean up their criminal record have better quality lives because they are more eligible and qualified for job opportunities, promotions, professional licensing, international traveling, education opportunities, rental and housing opportunities, and so much more. In fact, you’d be surprised to learn just how much a criminal record can hold person back from having a better quality of life.

So how you get started on criminal record expungement in Indiana?

You first have to hire a criminal defense lawyer who is well-versed in the Indiana second chance Law and all subsequent legislation changes and modifications. Not only is the law complex, but the application process for criminal record expungement or record sealing is very complex. Furthermore, even one small error, such as a misspelled word or a missed deadline, will eliminate you from being eligible for expungement because you applicants can only petition once. A second petition won’t even be glanced at.

Arrested But Never Convicted?

If you are arrested under suspicion of committing a crime, but the arrest never led to a conviction, you are in a good position to apply for criminal record expungement in Indiana. Usually, these types of cases are granted much faster than those with convictions. Even if your conviction was vacated, or you had an order of protection placed against you, you are still eligible for Indiana’s Second Chance Law. The only catch: you have to wait one year from the date of your arrest. For many, the arrests they wish to eliminate from their criminal record happened years ago; if this is like you, you are already eligible to get started on your petition.

Are you interested in learning more about your criminal record expungement eligibility? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free consultation, today. We specialize in criminal record expungement legal assistance, and our services start as low as $850!

You Might Also Like:

Criminal Record Expungement FAQS for 2021
Can I Expunge My Arrest if I Am on Probation?
Indiana Will Now Let You Expunge Protection Orders

Indianapolis Criminal Defense 317-636-7514
Schedule a Free Consultation Today!

Who Can Access Expunged Criminal Records?

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The new Indiana Second Chance law does exactly what it says it does: it gives residents of the state an opportunity to have another chance at obtaining a better quality of life. However, expunging your criminal records does not actually destroy them forever; they are still accessible by certain groups and branches of the law.

Continue reading to learn the most important concepts of criminal record expungement, including who can still access records even after they have been expunged.

Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514
Criminal Record Expungement Lawyer 317-636-7514

Indiana Second Chance Law (IC §35-38-9)

The Indiana Second Chance Law (IC §35-38-9) permanently seals a person’s criminal record, prohibiting public access through background check portals. If an employer, landlord, Dean of admissions, bank, or other party runs a background check after your records have been expunged, they will not see any such records on the results. This privacy gives you more opportunities in life, such as job promotions, school enrollments, professional licensing, loan approvals, and more affordable housing.

Who Can See Your Records

It is important to understand that expunged criminal records are not gone and deleted forever. There is a significant difference between a criminal pardon and expungement. After your past criminal records have been expunged, law enforcement agencies are still authorized to access them for the purpose of criminal investigations and proceedings. Although law enforcement and governmental agencies can see expunged criminal records, the general public cannot. This includes friends, family, employers, schools, banks, and more.

How to Expunge Your Criminal Records

There are various qualifiers that determine when and what you can expunge from your criminal records. Some of the most influential factors include the amount of time since the date of the arrest or conviction, the severity of the crime, sentence completion, pending criminal charges, drivers’ license status, and more.

In order to confirm your eligibility and move forward with a criminal record expungement petition, you must consult with a licensed Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer who specializes in expungement services. Not only can they tell you whether or not you qualify, they can assist you with the entire petition process, which can be very convoluted and complex.  

Indiana Criminal Expungement Services

Criminal Defense Lawyer Indianapolis Indiana
Criminal Defense Lawyer 317-636-7514

Call Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to determine your eligibility for criminal record expungement in Indiana. We offer free initial consultations and prices start as low as $850, so anyone can afford to clean up their criminal history! 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, today.