Jeff Cardella, Expungement Lawyer in Decatur, Adams County, Indiana

I, Jeff Cardella, am an Indiana Expungement Lawyer who serves Adams County, Indiana. If you have questions about expungement, call me at 317-695-7700 or email me for a free consultation. I have handled thousands of Expungements, have a success rate of well over 99%, and provide a 100% unconditional money back guarantee on ALL Expungements.
I handle expungement petitions across the entire State, including Decatur, Berne, and Geneva, Adams County, Indiana.
Indiana Second Chance Law Basics
While the expungement law does contain certain exceptions, these general rules apply to most expungements:
• Expungement of Dismissed cases – can be expunged in 1 year (newer cases are often automatically expunged after 60 days)
• Expungement of Misdemeanor convictions – can be expunged 5 years after the date of your last conviction
• Expungement of AMS convictions – can be expunged 5 years after the date of your last conviction
• Expungement of Level 6 felony convictions – can be expunged 8 years after the date of your last conviction
• Expungement of D Felony convictions – can be expunged 8 years after the date of your last conviction
• Expungement of Major felony convictions – Some (but not all) major felony convictions can be expunged 8 years after the date of your last conviction
Remember that these are general rules. For a more detailed look at the rules, it may be helpful to look at the Indiana Expungement Law Guide. You only receive one expungement per lifetime (although this does not apply to cases that have been dismissed). Lastly, it is important to note that while most cases can be sealed (meaning that they are not visible to the public), there are some cases that can be expunged but not sealed.
The Expungement Process in Adams County, Indiana
The expungement process in Adams County centers on the courts in Decatur, where petitions are filed according to the county of conviction. The historic Adams County Courthouse stands as the focal point for these matters, located right in the heart of downtown Decatur and easily reachable via major routes that connect the entire county.
Filing Petitions at the Historic Adams County Courthouse in Decatur
Petitions move forward through the Clerk of Courts office at 112 South Second Street, where the staff processes documents in the same building that has served the county since the 1870s. Local familiarity with the layout and daily operations helps ensure every detail aligns with current requirements from day one.
Serving Clients Across Adams County from Decatur to Berne and Geneva
U.S. Route 27 runs north to south through the county, linking Decatur with the southern communities of Berne and Geneva, so travel to the courthouse for hearings or document delivery remains straightforward no matter where the original case arose.
Working Directly with the Adams County Clerk of Courts
The Clerk’s office handles the initial review and distribution of petitions, and knowing the exact procedures at 112 South Second Street allows for smooth submission and follow-up without unnecessary delays.
Understanding Local Court Schedules Along Adams County’s Major Routes
With U.S. Routes 27, 33, and 224 providing direct access throughout the county, scheduling hearings and attending any required appearances fits easily into daily routines for residents living anywhere from the northern edge near Decatur to the southern townships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Expungement in Adams County, Indiana
What do I need to know before filing an expungement petition at the Adams County Clerk’s office in Decatur?
Start by confirming the exact waiting period that applies to your specific conviction, then gather certified copies of the original case documents. The Clerk’s office at 112 South Second Street accepts filings during regular business hours, and I help clients organize everything so the submission meets every local standard the first time.
How do the separate locations of the Circuit and Superior Courts in Decatur affect my expungement case?
Circuit Court matters stay at 112 South Second Street while Superior Court cases route through 122 South Third Street, but the Clerk’s office coordinates both. I guide clients on which courthouse handles their original conviction so hearings stay on track and paperwork flows correctly between the two nearby buildings.
Does living in Berne or Geneva change anything about the expungement timeline in Adams County?
The statewide waiting periods apply the same way whether your case came from Decatur or the southern townships along U.S. Route 27. I make sure clients from Berne and Geneva understand exactly how the county docket affects their particular schedule once the petition reaches the Decatur courthouse.
How accessible is the Adams County Courthouse for residents traveling along U.S. Route 27?
The historic courthouse sits right in downtown Decatur at the intersection of major routes, so travel from anywhere in the county stays simple and direct. I advise clients on the quickest routes and parking options so any required appearances fit smoothly into their day.
What should I expect when the Adams County courts schedule a hearing for my expungement petition?
Hearings typically occur after the prosecutor receives notice and any responses come back. The local docket in Decatur moves steadily, and I keep clients informed about the exact date and location so they arrive prepared and confident.
How does the food processing industry in Adams County view cleared criminal records?
Many local employers in the agribusiness sector run routine background checks, so a properly sealed record can open doors that stayed closed before. I work with clients to complete the full process so they can move forward with confidence in the job market here.
Expungement Courts & Clerk in Adams County

The Adams County Superior and Circuit Courts are located in Decatur. The Clerk’s office and Circuit Court sit at 112 S 2nd Street, Decatur, Indiana 46733. The Superior Court is at 122 S 3rd Street, Decatur, Indiana 46733. The offices are open 8AM to 4PM, Monday to Friday, but closed on all government holidays. The contact information is:
Adams County Clerk of Courts: 260-724-5309
Adams County Circuit Court: 260-724-5307
Adams County Superior Court: 260-724-5347
Contact Jeff Cardella

Contact me to get started today. Calls are answered 7 days a week.
I look forward to helping you get the fresh start you deserve.
Phone: 317-695-7700
Email: jeffcardella@cardellalawoffice.com
Address: 350 Massachusetts Ave #357, Indianapolis, IN 46204
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