How Can I Get My Criminal Record Expunged in Indiana?
A criminal record can make your life difficult years after you’ve been released or paid your debt to society, but Indiana law might give you a new opportunity.
Because the rules vary with the severity of your conviction, it’s fair to ask, “How can I get my criminal record expunged in Indiana?” Your eligibility will depend on how long ago your case happened and what kind of crime you were convicted of. It will also depend on ensuring that you have the right forms and documents.
If you need help getting your criminal record expunged, contact the lawyers at the Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm. We’ll review your case and help you get a clean record.
Who Is Eligible for Expunction in Indiana?
The severity of your conviction will affect how soon you’ll be able to file and whether you’ll be able to seek expunction at all. For some, the waiting period may not be long at all. If you want your arrest off your record but were never convicted, the waiting period is only a year.
But what if you were convicted of a felony? In these cases, you may have a much longer wait, as well as other restrictions.
To see if you’re eligible, check the table below for your conviction type and the waiting period before you can petition for an expunction in Indiana:
| Type of conviction | Waiting period before petition |
| Arrest without conviction | One year |
| Misdemeanor | Five years |
| Level 6 felony | Eight years |
| Some serious felonies | Ten years from conviction or five years from release (with prosecutor’s consent) |
The Expungement Process
When the waiting period has passed, you’ll need to prepare several forms and some information about your case, such as when it occurred and where. During this process, it’s also best to prepare documents relating to your criminal record for your attorney. Your lawyer can help you prepare your petition using these documents.
If the court finds that you’ve completed the correct steps, paid your fines, and have no pending charges, your petition may be approved. This will seal your records, meaning they cannot be searched and used against you after expungement. Unless the searcher provides a court order or is an officer on official business, your record shouldn’t affect you any longer.
Unfortunately, denials can happen. Not including the proper documents or ensuring that you’ve waited long enough could mean further frustration, but a lawyer can make sure you’ve covered the correct bases.
Our Firm Can Help
Your criminal record has likely haunted you long after your arrest or conviction. You’ve suffered for it already, so you deserve an expungement. Unfortunately, you may have trouble collecting the information you need and preparing your petition.
The team at Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm can help. We can guide you through the process and help you get your Indiana criminal record expunged. To discuss your case with one of our attorneys, give us a call at 1-812-232-7400 or fill out the form below.
