Expungement & Restriction
Indianapolis Expungement Lawyer
Your criminal record can include all arrests and criminal charges, regardless of whether you were acquitted, convicted, plead guilty or the charges were dropped. A criminal record can follow you for life, affecting your ability to get jobs, housing, government benefits, financial aid and gun permits.
You May Be Able to Clear Your Criminal Record
Under certain circumstances, however, you can have your criminal record expunged or restricted. Indiana changed its expungement statute on July 1, 2013, allowing only one expungement to be granted during a person’s lifetime. Speak with a criminal defense lawyer before you decide to take action on an expungement. For a consultation with an Indianapolis expungement attorney, please call The Law Office of John L. Tompkins at 317-631-6866.
Hamilton County Restriction Attorney
Expunging a record makes it unavailable to the general public, but law enforcement and some state agencies will have access. You can, however, legally answer “no” to questions on applications about having a criminal record.
Generally, the waiting period to expunge a crime is five to 10 years, but this varies depending on the type of offense. You may expunge or restrict misdemeanors and major felonies, including felony drug dealing. However, many violent crimes, including sex crimes, are not eligible for expungement or restriction.
If you have questions about whether your arrest, charges or convictions are eligible for expungement, attorney John L. Tompkins can answer them. In addition, he can advise you regarding the risks and benefits of using your one expungement under Indiana’s new law. To schedule a consultation, please call 317-631-6866 or contact us online.