After committing a crime and dealing with the consequences, you may wonder if it will ever come off your record. Under Indiana law, you may apply for an expungement to help you move forward without the lingering impact of a criminal record.
What does it take to qualify for an expungement and what exactly does it remove? Delve deeper into the meaning of the law and how Indiana handles it.
What is an expungement?
All elements of a crime have documentation that goes along with it, from an arrest record to a conviction. All of these make up your criminal record, and expunging them means they are no longer available for people to find and read. In Indiana, it is important to note that an expungement does not destroy your criminal record. Instead, it seals it and cuts it off from other people seeing that it even exists.
Who can ask for an expungement?
The court cannot seal all records. Some crimes, such as murder, do not qualify for expungement. However, other felonies, such as theft may. You may begin to apply for an expungement under the following conditions:
- Eight years have passed since your last conviction
- No conviction pertained to a violent act toward another person
- You paid all of your fines and completed all terms of your sentence
There are other criteria you will need to explore before seeking an expungement.
Even an arrest record may hinder your ability to get some jobs or financial aid for college. Asking the court to expunge an eligible criminal record may open doors for you and lead to a more fulfilling and fruitful life.
