Getting your criminal record expunged in Indiana isn’t just about wiping the slate clean—it’s about reclaiming your future. Whether you’re applying for a job, trying to rent an apartment, or volunteering at your kid’s school, your record can come back to haunt you. Fortunately, the law offers a second chance. You just need the right Indiana expungement lawyer to help you grab it.
Step One: Let’s See If You’re Eligible
The expungement process starts with a phone call. When you call our office, we’ll ask for your name and date of birth so we can pull your criminal background. This helps us figure out whether you’re eligible for an expungement under Indiana law. If you are, we’ll send over an intake form, get the rest of the information we need, and get the ball rolling.
The Clock Starts Ticking When We Get Your Intake
Once we have your completed intake, we don’t sit on it. We draft your petition, get it into the right court, and send it your way for review. You check the details, confirm they’re accurate, and send it back to us. Then we file.
From there, the State has 30 days to respond. If they need more time, they can ask for an extra 30 days. So you’re looking at 30–60 days for the court to make a decision. Most of the time, because we do our homework on the front end, there’s no objection and the expungement is approved without a hitch.
It’s Not Instant—But It’s Worth It
A full expungement process can take a couple of months from start to finish. We’ve had clients reach out with a job interview the next week, desperate to get something off their record. We move fast—but we can’t bend time. The State still gets its 30 days, and the court isn’t on anyone’s personal deadline. That’s why we always encourage people to be proactive.
Don’t wait until you need an expungement. Get it done now so you’re ready when that opportunity arises. That way, you can confidently answer “No” when asked, “Have you ever been convicted of a crime that has not been expunged?”
Understanding the Timeline: Are You Eligible?
So how do you know if you qualify for expungement in Indiana? Here’s a quick guide:
- Any felony on your record? You’re looking at eight years from your most recent conviction. Even if your last conviction was a misdemeanor, the felony locks in the eight-year waiting period.
- Only misdemeanors? You may be eligible after five years. This includes things like public intoxication, theft, or minor drug charges, so long as they didn’t involve violence or serious harm.
- Felony reduced to a misdemeanor? It follows the five-year rule. If the reduction was part of your sentencing or a later modification, we treat it like it was a misdemeanor from the start.
For example:
- Felony in 2013 + misdemeanor in 2017 = eligible in 2025, since we count from the most recent conviction and the presence of a felony locks in the longer wait.
- Misdemeanors in 2013 and 2017 = eligible in 2022, because you pass the five-year mark without any felony in the mix.
And if you were never convicted—if the case was dismissed, diverted, or thrown out—we may be able to help you right now. Even if it’s a close call, it’s worth having us take a look. Sometimes the paperwork tells a story that isn’t obvious at a glance.
Out-of-State Cases? We Stick to Indiana
If you’ve got cases from both Indiana and another state, we can only help with the Hoosier half. We’re licensed Indiana attorneys. We can’t touch an Ohio case or anything filed out-of-state. You’ll need to speak with a local attorney there for that part of your record.
That said, we can absolutely help with every eligible Indiana conviction on your background. Our team focuses exclusively on the laws and procedures of Indiana courts, and that laser-focus helps us keep the expungement process moving quickly and efficiently.
Will There Be a Hearing?
Maybe. Some expungements are non-discretionary—if you qualify, the court has to grant it. These usually don’t require a hearing. This is especially common with misdemeanors and low-level felonies where all the conditions are met on paper.
But for higher-level felonies, the court has more leeway. These are considered discretionary expungements, and the judge might want to hear from you before making a final decision. You might need to explain why you deserve a second chance—things like your work history, rehabilitation, or impact on your family can all be relevant.
Either way, we’ll be by your side, and we’ll walk you through what to expect. If there’s a hearing, we’ll prepare you. If there isn’t, we’ll let you know.
Who Benefits from Expungement?
Anyone with a record who wants to move forward. Whether it’s for:
- A job application – Employers often run background checks, and an expungement means you won’t have to explain a conviction.
- Housing approval – Landlords screen tenants, and having a clean slate helps you get approved faster with fewer questions.
- Professional licensing – If your career depends on a license—whether in healthcare, education, or finance—an expungement can keep that path open.
- Gun rights – In some cases, an expungement can restore your ability to legally own a firearm, depending on the underlying conviction.
- Or even just chaperoning a school field trip – Background checks for volunteers can block well-meaning parents from helping out. An expungement can clear that hurdle.
An expungement helps you present your best self. It restores rights. It opens doors. It gives you peace of mind. The law is here to give you a second chance. The only question is—will you take it?
Make the Right Call
If you think you might qualify for an Indiana expungement—or you just want to know more—give us a call at 317-632-3642. You can also take our online expungement quiz to see where you stand.
And remember—always plead the 5th.
