Jeff Cardella, Expungement Lawyer in Brazil, Clay County, Indiana

I, Jeff Cardella, am an Indiana Expungement Lawyer who serves Clay 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 Brazil, Clay City, and Knightsville in Clay County, Indiana.
How Expungement Works in Indiana
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 Clay County, Indiana
The expungement process in Clay County begins with preparing and filing your petition at the county courthouse in Brazil. This central location handles all matters for the entire county and provides a straightforward path forward once your waiting period has passed.
Filing Petitions at the Historic Clay County Courthouse in Brazil
Your paperwork is submitted directly to the courts housed in the 1914 neoclassical courthouse at 609 East National Avenue. The building sits along the historic National Road and offers easy access for residents traveling from any direction within the county.
Serving Communities Along US 40 and Beyond
Residents of Clay City, Knightsville, and the surrounding areas all use this single courthouse location. The placement right on US 40 makes courthouse visits practical whether you are coming from the east side of the county or the western townships.
Local Employers and the Benefits of a Clean Record
Many people in Clay County work at Ascension St. Vincent Clay Hospital or one of the manufacturing companies based here. An expungement can open doors with these employers and strengthen your position in the local job market.
Coordinating With the Clerk’s Office in Downtown Brazil
The clerk’s office inside the courthouse handles the certification of records and the initial review of petitions. Their central downtown location lets you complete multiple steps in one trip when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Expungement in Clay County, Indiana
What makes the Clay County Courthouse in Brazil unique for expungement filings?
The historic 1914 courthouse on the National Road serves as the single point for all Clay County expungements. Its downtown Brazil setting means you can file and follow up without needing to travel to multiple locations.
How do clients from Clay City or Knightsville handle their courthouse visits?
Everyone in the county comes to the same Brazil courthouse. The direct route along US 40 keeps the drive reasonable, and I coordinate filing dates so clients can combine steps efficiently on the same day.
Does working at Ascension St. Vincent Clay Hospital affect an expungement petition?
Local hospital employment often involves background checks. An expungement here helps clear those records so you can move forward confidently with job applications or promotions in the medical field.
What should I know about the clerk’s office procedures at the National Avenue courthouse?
The clerk’s staff at 609 East National Avenue processes the paperwork quickly once your petition meets the timing requirements. They also provide the certified copies needed for your case file right there in the building.
Is parking and access easy when attending hearings in downtown Brazil?
The courthouse sits in the heart of downtown with nearby public parking options along the National Road corridor. This setup works well for clients coming in from Harmony, Staunton, or other parts of the county.
How does Clay County’s location in the Terre Haute metro area impact expungement outcomes?
Being part of the broader Terre Haute metropolitan statistical area means many background checks span county lines. Sealing your record here helps protect opportunities across the entire region.
Expungement Courts & Clerk in Clay County

The Clay County Superior and Circuit Courts are located at 609 East National Avenue, Brazil, Indiana 47834. The Courthouse is open Monday to Friday but is closed on all government holidays. The contact information is:
Clay County Circuit Court: 812-448-9036
Clay County Superior Court: 812-448-9031
Clay County Clerk’s Office: 812-448-9024
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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