In order to begin your Indiana Criminal Record Expungement application, call 317-695-7700. Expungement of your criminal record under the Indiana Second Chance Expungement Law has become much easier in recent years. If you are interested in speaking with an Indianapolis Expungement lawyer about having your criminal record expunged under the Indiana Expungement Law, for a criminal felony, criminal misdemeanor, or DCS case, please contact me at 317-695-7700 for a free consultation with an Indiana expungement attorney or email me at [email protected]. If you are emailing me, make sure to include your date of birth and spelling of your name as it appears on mycase.in.gov.

Indiana Expungement: Your Guide to Clearing Your Record

What Is Indiana Expungement?

Indiana expungement is a legal process that expunges or removes certain criminal records from public view. Under Indiana law (IC 35-38-9), expungement doesn’t erase your record entirely—it remains visible to law enforcement and certain agencies—but it prevents employers, landlords, and the general public from accessing it. This can open doors to jobs, housing, and opportunities that a criminal history might otherwise block.

Expungement in Indiana applies to arrests, charges, and convictions, but eligibility depends on the nature of the offense and time elapsed since the event. It’s a powerful tool for a fresh start, and understanding the specifics of Indiana expungement laws is the first step toward making it happen.

Who Qualifies for Indiana Expungement?

Not every record qualifies for expungement in Indiana, but the state offers options for many situations. Here’s a breakdown of eligibility:

• Arrests Without Conviction: If you were arrested but not convicted, you can petition to seal the record one year after the arrest, provided no charges are pending.

• Misdemeanors: Most misdemeanor convictions can be expunged five years after the conviction date, as long as you’ve completed your sentence and have no new charges.

• Minor Felonies: Certain felonies (e.g., non-violent Class D or Level 6 felonies) are eligible eight years after conviction, assuming you’ve met all sentencing requirements.

• DCS Cases: Some Department of Child Services can be expunged. 

• Eviction Records: Eviction filings can sometimes be expunged.

• Ineligible Offenses: Serious felonies like murder, sex crimes, or public corruption convictions cannot be expunged under Indiana law.

To file for Indiana expungement, you must also show you’ve stayed out of trouble—no pending charges or recent convictions. Unsure if your case qualifies? My office offers free consultations to review your record and confirm your eligibility.

The Indiana Expungement Process: Step by Step

The process for Indiana expungement isn’t a quick fix—it requires precision and patience. Here’s how it works:

1. Gather Your Records: Obtain your criminal history from the Indiana State Police or county clerk. You’ll need details like case numbers, dates, and outcomes.

2. File a Petition: Submit a petition for expungement to the court where your case was handled. Indiana law does not require specific forms but templates are available on cardellalawoffice.com
   

3. Notify Stakeholders: The court may notify the prosecutor, who has 30 days to object. For minor offenses, objections are rare; for felonies, they’re more common.

4. Attend a Hearing (If Needed): Some cases require a court appearance, especially for felonies. You’ll need to explain why expungement benefits you and society.

5. Court Decision: If approved, the court orders your records expunged. This can take 60–90 days, though complex cases may stretch longer.

6. Distribution of the Order: Make sure the order is distributed to the proper parties, including the Indiana State Police.

7. Run a fingerprint background check: Run a fingerprint background check through the Indiana State Police and FBI to make sure that your records have updated correctly.

Miss a deadline or file incorrectly, and your petition could be denied. That’s where an Indiana expungement lawyer steps in—my office handles the paperwork, court filings, and hearings so you don’t have to.

Benefits of Indiana Expungement

Why pursue Indiana expungement? The advantages are life-changing:

• Employment: Background checks by the public won’t reveal sealed records, boosting your odds with employers.

• Housing: Landlords can’t use expunged records to deny your application.

• Peace of Mind: Move forward without the stigma of a past mistake.

For example, a client we helped in Indianapolis expunged a misdemeanor theft charge from 2015. Within months, he landed a job he’d been rejected from twice before. Indiana expungement doesn’t just clear records—it clears paths.

Common Questions About Indiana Expungement

• How long does it take? Typically 3–6 months, depending on court backlog and case complexity.

• Can I expunge multiple offenses? Yes, but each requires its own petition unless they’re from the same case.

• What if my petition is denied? You may refile after one year, though some denials (e.g., ineligible offenses) are final.

Still have questions? Contact my office—we’re here to clarify Indiana expungement for you.

DIY vs. Hiring an Indiana Expungement Lawyer

You might wonder: Can I handle Indiana expungement on my own? Technically, yes—forms are available online, and courts accept pro se filings. But here’s why DIY often falls short:

• Errors Cost Time: A misspelled name or missing document can delay or derail your case.

• Prosecutor Pushback: Felony petitions often face objections; an attorney knows how to counter them.

• Court Nuances: Each Indiana county (Marion, Hamilton, etc.) has unique rules—experienced lawyers navigate these effortlessly.

• You generally have one opportunity to file expungement per lifetime.

My office has filed thousands of Indiana expungement petitions. Our success rate speaks for itself, and we take the burden off your shoulders. Why risk a denial when you can get it right the first time?

Why Choose our Office for Indiana Expungement?

Based in Indianapolis, my office specializes in Indiana expungement cases. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Expertise: We know IC 35-38-9 inside and out, ensuring your petition meets every legal standard.

• Personalized Service: We review your record, tailor your petition, and represent you in court if needed.

• Results: From misdemeanors to felonies, we’ve helped clients across Indiana expunge their past.

Serving clients from our Indianapolis office at [insert address], we’re proud to be a trusted name in Indiana expungement law. Ready to start? Call us at [insert phone] or fill out our contact form today.

Indiana Expungement Laws: Recent Updates

Indiana’s expungement statutes evolve, and staying current matters. As of March 2025, no major changes have hit IC 35-38-9, but 2023 amendments expanded eligibility for some juvenile records. We track these updates so you don’t have to—another reason to lean on my office.

Take the First Step Toward a Clean Slate

Indiana expungement isn’t just a legal process—it’s a chance to rewrite your story. Whether you’re in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, or anywhere in the state, my office is here to guide you. Don’t let a past mistake define your future. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s get your Indiana expungement started.