Jeff Cardella, Expungement Lawyer in South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana
I, Jeff Cardella, am an Indiana Expungement Lawyer who serves St. Joseph 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 in across the entire State, including South Bend, Mishawaka, and Granger, St. Joseph 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 St. Joseph County, Indiana
The expungement process in St. Joseph County starts at the courthouse complex right in downtown South Bend, where the Clerk of Courts handles all filings for the entire county. Residents from Mishawaka, Granger, and the surrounding townships come to these same buildings, and the convenient central location along the St. Joseph River makes it straightforward to get everything submitted in person or through the local procedures.
Filing Petitions at the Multiple Downtown South Bend Courthouse Locations
Petitions are filed at the main clerk’s office in the historic downtown buildings at 101 South Main Street, with other divisions spread across nearby addresses on Lafayette Boulevard and additional Main Street locations. The layout keeps everything accessible for anyone driving in from the north or south sides of the county.
Handling Cases from the Mishawaka Division and Nearby Townships
Cases originating in the Mishawaka courthouse facility on Lincolnway West follow the same expungement timeline and forms as those filed in South Bend, so the process flows smoothly whether your matter was heard closer to the University of Notre Dame campus or farther east along the county line.
Reviewing Records Near the St. Joseph River and Downtown Landmarks
The courthouse sits near the bend of the St. Joseph River, and the downtown area offers easy parking and quick access for anyone stopping by after work or between appointments in the surrounding business district.
Coordinating with the Local Clerk’s Office for Complete Submissions
The clerk’s staff in South Bend is helpful with checking that every required document is included before your petition moves forward through the Superior or Circuit Court dockets.
Frequently Asked Questions About Expungement in St. Joseph County, Indiana
What should I expect when filing near the downtown South Bend courthouse complex along the St. Joseph River?
The main clerk’s office at 101 South Main Street handles everything in one central spot, so most clients simply drop off their completed packet during business hours and receive confirmation the same day.
Does the Mishawaka courthouse location change anything about the expungement timeline for local residents?
No, the timeline stays exactly the same whether your original case was heard in the Mishawaka facility on Lincolnway West or in one of the South Bend buildings; the county treats all filings under the uniform Indiana rules.
How does living near the University of Notre Dame campus affect background checks after an expungement in St. Joseph County?
Once sealed, the record is removed from public view, which helps greatly for students, faculty, or staff who rely on clean reports for campus employment or housing opportunities in the Notre Dame and South Bend area.
Can I schedule an appointment at the clerk’s office if I work in Granger or the eastern townships?
The clerk’s office accepts walk-ins and mail filings, but many clients from Granger prefer to coordinate by phone first so their packet is ready the day they drive into downtown South Bend.
What if my case involved traffic matters near the St. Joseph River bridges or local highways?
Those cases follow the standard misdemeanor or felony expungement waiting periods and are handled through the same Superior Court divisions in South Bend regardless of where the ticket was issued within the county.
Are there any special considerations for records from the historic courthouse buildings in downtown South Bend?
The older buildings still use the same modern filing system, so the process is identical to any newer case; the only difference is the convenient central location right off Main Street for quick in-person visits.
Expungement Courts & Clerk in St. Joseph
The St. Joseph County Superior and Circuit Courts are located in the downtown South Bend area with multiple buildings at 101 S Main Street, 112 S Lafayette Blvd, and 129 S Main Street, South Bend, Indiana 46601. The Courthouse is open 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday to Friday, but is closed on all government holidays. The contact information is:
St. Joseph County Circuit Court: 574-235-9551
St. Joseph County Clerk of Courts: 574-235-9635
St. Joseph County Superior Court (Civil Division): 574-235-9635
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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