Regain Your Future Through An Expungement
For those in Indiana with a criminal record, expungement offers a fresh start and a chance to move forward without the burden of past mistakes. At Rodriguez Law Firm, Inc., our experienced criminal defense case lawyers, Mladenka Rodriguez and Frank Rodriguez, guide clients through every step of this process.
Understanding Indiana Expungement Laws
Under Indiana law, expungement refers to sealing or permanently removing eligible convictions from an individual’s criminal record. This process involves petitioning the courts and presenting a strong case for why expungement should be granted. When successful, it’s as if the offense never occurred in the eyes of the law. An expungement can open new opportunities for employment, housing, education and more by clearing one’s record.
Offenses Eligible For Criminal Record Expungement
Many offenses qualify for expungement in the state of Indiana, though the requirements vary. Generally, more serious felonies must meet strict time restrictions before expungement can be pursued. Factors like the severity of the crime, your age at the time and your subsequent criminal history are all considered. In some cases, expungement may not be permitted at all for certain convictions.
The Expungement Process In Indiana
When you hire Rodriguez Law to pursue expungement, we will thoroughly review your records and determine the offenses eligible for removal or sealing. We then petition the courts by filing the required paperwork and presenting evidence and arguments for why expungement should be granted based on your specific circumstances.
If successful, an expungement results in the court ordering your criminal record to be permanently sealed. This means the expunged offense effectively never occurred in the eyes of the law. It will no longer appear on background checks or be accessible to potential employers, landlords, etc. However, some limited exceptions may apply to certain licensing bodies or government agencies.
Why Should You Trust Us With Your Expungement?
With years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have an impressive track record of results for clients throughout La Porte, Valparaiso and other parts of Northwest Indiana. We truly understand the life-changing impact an expungement can have on your future. You can trust in our firm’s commitment to advocate on your behalf.
Indiana Expungement FAQs
Living with the reality of a criminal record means you are likely looking for reliable answers about expunging your criminal history under Indiana law. Below, we answer frequently asked questions about clearing your record to help you understand its impacts and make enlightened legal decisions.
How long does it take for an expungement and sealing of records to impact your job background checks?
After court approval, expungement orders take effect immediately. The practical impact of background checks typically takes 30-180 days as various databases update their records. Once a record is sealed or expunged, it should no longer appear in standard employment background checks. However, third-party background check agencies may require additional time to update or remove the deleted information, so the full impact may not be immediate.
Can expungement help in restoring eligibility for professional licenses or government positions?
Yes. With an expunged record, you can legally answer “no” to prior conviction questions on most licensing applications, including health care, education and real estate licenses. However, certain high-security government positions may still require disclosure of expunged records. Law enforcement and judicial agencies will maintain restricted access to expunged records as required by Indiana law.
What impact does expungement have on noncriminal records, like social media or news articles?
Indiana expungement laws only apply to official government records and do not extend to private media coverage or social media posts. While your court records become sealed or expunged, news articles, private websites and social media posts about your case may remain publicly accessible. An expungement order provides legal grounds to request removal from private sources, but compliance is voluntary.
Is there a difference in the expungement process for offenses that were pardoned versus those served or fined?
Yes. Pardoned offenses allow immediate expungement petition filing after receiving the governor’s pardon. Regular convictions require waiting periods of five to 10 years, depending on the offense’s severity. However, both offenses must still go through the formal expungement petition process, and the court maintains discretion in granting expungements.
Start Your Fresh Start Today
Start regaining your future today. Contact Rodriguez Law by calling 219-444-4322 or filling out an online contact form to arrange a confidential consultation about expunging your criminal record.
