CRIMINAL RECORDS RELIEF
The most common typs of criminal records relief in Indiana is expungement. Pardons are also a form of criminal records relief, though most criminal records can be sealed or "erased" through the expungement process.
In Indiana, expungement is a delicate process. It is important to file for relief for all conviction related maters in all counties within a certain timeframe. Mistakes in the process can result in permanent ineligibility for matters in Indiana. Non-conviction related matters can be expunged anytime.
If you want to expunge convictions in more than one county, you need to file ALL petitions within one year of each other. An experienced attorney can help you through the process to ensure your petition is filed correctly which will maximize your chances of approval.
We strongly recommend Hoosiers to seek legal counsel to ensure that the matters are properly filed for all relief for which you are eligible. Contact us to get the process started.
The Process
The general timeline for completing the expungement process - from petition filing to order from the judge - can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months, depending on the type of case, number or cases, and other factors. There is an additional timeline from the time the judge signs the order to the time when records or actually sealed or expunged.
1. Obtain your criminal record.
You must obtain verification of every arrest, charge, and conviction in every county. We recommend to obtain your (Indiana State Police - ISP) report and check the Indiana Online Court Portal (MyCase) records. We obtain records in every Indiana county.
2. Determine whether each charge qualifies for expungement.
With your criminal record in hand, you must review the Indiana rules to determine which charges qualify for relief.
3. Prepare and File the petitions for each county.
A petitions must be filed for each charge in the court of the county where each case was handled. If you have cases in more than one county, a petition must be filed in each county.
Once the petitions are filed. The prosecutors office in each county reviews the petitions and has an opportunity to respond.
In some cases, a hearing is required.
Once a judge signs the expungement order, the courts, Indiana State Police, Bureau of Motor Vehicle (BMV), and other agencies are directed to seal the records or to mark them expunged.