How to Get a DUI Expunged in Indiana
If you’ve been arrested for driving under the influence (DUI), you may be suffering from the stigma of having a drunk driving conviction on your record long after your day in court. And there’s a major question you may be asking: “How can I get a DUI expunged in Indiana?”
While Indiana law gives you an opportunity to start over, you need to make sure you’ve taken all the right steps and that you’re eligible for expungement. If you’re not sure, call a lawyer at Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm. We can make sure you get the help you need to get your petition for expungement approved.
Eligibility for DUI Expunction in Indiana
First, you’ll need to determine whether enough time has passed. But how long do you have to wait to have a conviction for operating a vehicle while intoxicated (OWI) expunged in Indiana?
This will depend on the charge you received. At the lowest, you might have been charged with a Class C misdemeanor. For this, you’ll likely be waiting about five years to be able to file your petition.
As the conviction grows more serious, however, the amount of time you’ll be waiting lengthens. In extreme cases, an OWI can turn into a Level 4 felony with high fines and prison time. In these cases, you could be waiting eight to ten years to file your petition. If you’re not sure how long you’ll need to wait, a lawyer can review your case and advise you on your next steps.
Preparing Your Petition
Once you’ve completed the first step—ensuring that you’ve let enough time pass—you’ll then begin preparing your petition. A lawyer can be especially useful here. You’ll be preparing plenty of files and documents, and overlooking any of this information could mean that your petition will be denied.
Some of the documents you’ll need are listed below:
- Court files
- Files relating to your criminal history
- Driver record
Once you’ve prepared these and other documents, you’ll file your petition in the county where you were convicted. Court officials will review your case and make sure you’re eligible. This includes ensuring that the right amount of time has passed, you’ve paid all fines, and there are no pending charges.
If you’re approved, this will seal off these records to the public. A court order or official business will be the only ways to access these files.
Get in Touch With a Terre Haute DUI Lawyer
However, you’ll need to be sure everything is prepared properly. A mistake could lead to a denial, and when getting a job or securing proper housing is on the line, that could be devastating.
If you’re trying to get a DUI expunged in Indiana, contact Rowdy G. Williams Law Firm to speak with a lawyer about your case. We can make sure your petition is on the right track so you can have the second chance you deserve. For more information, call us at 1-812-232-7400 or fill out the form below.
