Indiana Expungement Law Basics 

While the expungement law does contain certain exceptions, these general rules apply:

• Expungement of Dismissed cases – can be expunged in 1 year (newer cases are automatically expunged)

• Expungement of Misdemeanor convictions – can be expunged in 5 years

• Expungement of AMS convictions – can be expunged in 5 years

• Expungement of Level 6 felony convictions – can be expunged in 8 years

• Expungement of D Felony convictions – can be expunged in 8 years

• Expungement of Major felony convictions – Some (but not all) major felony convictions can be expunged in 8 years

It is important to remember that normally, you only receive one expungement per lifetime (although this does not apply to cases that have been dismissed). It is generally not a good idea to do your own expungement as it can end badly. (If you are going on to the internet and doing google searches about expungement, then it may not be a good idea to serve as your own attorney). Lastly, in some situations, the waiting period to have your record expunged can be shortened through a process called “early expungement.” If you have questions about a legal matter in Starke County Knox, Hamlet or North Judson, Indiana, please do not hesitate to contact me. 

Starke County Criminal Justice Resources

Below are key contacts for legal and law enforcement institutions in Starke County, Indiana. These resources are provided to assist clients and visitors with navigating the local criminal justice system.

Starke County Prosecutor’s Office

The Starke County Prosecutor’s Office, led by Prosecuting Attorney Leslie C. Baker, handles felony and misdemeanor prosecutions, child support enforcement, and victim assistance services.
Address: 53 E Washington St, Knox, IN 46534
Phone: 574-772-6267
Website: starke.in.gov/prosecutor
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)

Starke County Circuit Court

The Starke County Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Kim E. Hall, has unlimited trial jurisdiction for civil, criminal, juvenile, and probate matters. Attorneys are required to e-file in this court.
[](https://www.in.gov/courts/local/starke-county/)[](https://starkecircuitcourt.com/court-services/)
Address: 53 E Washington St, Knox, IN 46534
Phone: 574-772-9146
Fax: 574-772-9132
Website: starkecircuitcourt.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)

Starke County Clerk of Courts

The Clerk of Courts manages court records, marriage licenses, and payments for fines. Contact for court documents or voter registration services.
[](https://starke.in.gov/homepage/departments/clerk/)
Address: 53 E Washington St, Knox, IN 46534
Phone: 574-772-9145
Website: starke.in.gov/clerk
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)

Starke County Sheriff’s Office and Jail

The Starke County Sheriff’s Office, led by Sheriff Jack Rosa, manages the county jail and provides public safety services. The jail, located at the Starke County Justice Center, includes programs like the F.A.R.M. gardening initiative. Contact for inmate information or sheriff services.
[](https://starkecountysheriff.com/index.php/areas-2/jail/)[](https://wkvi.com/tag/starke-county-jail/)[](https://dlz.com/projects/starke-county-sheriffs-office-justice-center/)
Address: 5435 E State Road 8, Knox, IN 46534
Phone (Sheriff’s Office): 574-772-3771
Phone (Jail): 574-772-3772
Fax: 574-772-7641
Email: sheriff@starke.in.gov
Jail Warden: Nathan Caudill, ncaudill@starke.in.gov
Jail Commander: Austin Fletcher, afletcher@starke.in.gov
Website: starkecountysheriff.com
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST, Administration Office); Sheriff Services 24/7

Starke County Community Corrections

Starke County Community Corrections, directed by R. Shawn Mattraw, offers alternatives to incarceration, including work release and home detention programs.
[](https://starke.in.gov/annex-2/community-corrections/)
Address: 5435 E State Road 8, Knox, IN 46534
Phone: 574-772-9170
Email: smattraw@starke.in.gov
Website: starke.in.gov/community-corrections
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM (CST)