Plan for Expungement Before You’re Convicted

When you are charged with a crime, you are likely concerned about your future. Our Lafayette, IN expungement lawyer can help you plan for an expungement while working through your current criminal charges. Certain felonies cannot be expunged in Indiana. If you are considering a plea agreement, you can strive for a conviction that will allow expungement or criminal record sealing in the future.

We will work hard to help you do the following:

  • Get your potential felony reduced to a misdemeanor.
  • Agree to charges that can be easily expunged in the future.
  • Accept a sentence that can be completed quickly so you can apply for expungement earlier.

Sealing a Criminal Record

Our Lafayette, IN expungement lawyer may be able to help you get your criminal record sealed. There are three situations in which you can seal a criminal record:

Were you arrested, but not convicted?

If you were arrested for a crime, but never convicted, our Lafayette, IN expungement lawyer can help you clear your record. As long as at least one year has passed since you were arrested or charged with a crime, we can petition the court to seal your criminal record. This will prevent an arrest that did not result in a conviction from appearing in background checks.

Do you want to expunge a misdemeanor?

If you were convicted of a misdemeanor, but meet certain criteria, then you may be eligible for a record expungement. Our Lafayette, IN expungement lawyer can help you determine if you meet the requirements. First, you can only get one expungement in your lifetime. Second, at least five years must have passed since your conviction. Third, you must have no criminal charges pending. Fourth, you must have successfully completed all of the terms of your criminal sentences.

Do you want to expunge a felony?

Our Lafayette, IN expungement lawyer can also help you achieve a felony expungement. If you meet the requirements, you may be able to get your record cleared. Some of the strict requirements include that at least eight years must have passed since your conviction, and you must have no pending charges. We can evaluate your record and then help you determine if your felony can be expunged.

Expunging Misdemeanor Convictions in Lafayette, IN

Many people ask us, “What is required to obtain an expungement of a misdemeanor criminal record?”

Here are some of the expungement questions we may ask you. What you think is a bad answer does not necessarily mean you are ineligible for an expungement:

  1. Were you convicted of two or more felony offenses which:
    1. Involved the unlawful use of a deadly weapon
    2. Were not committed as part of the same episode of criminal conduct
  2. Did you pay all fines, fees, and court costs, and satisfy any restitution obligation placed on you as part of the sentence?
  3. Have you been convicted of a crime within the past five years?
  4. Do you have any criminal charges pending against you?

There are many legal steps we must take to be successful in obtaining an expungement. When years have passed since you had a criminal conviction it can be hard to recall all the details surrounding it. Do not delay in calling about obtaining an expungement simply because you don’t remember everything. We can obtain records or help you to obtain them to answer important questions. Contact us to put this part of your life behind you.

Reducing a Felony to a Misdemeanor in Lafayette, IN

Do you have a Class D or Level 6 felony you want to be reduced to a misdemeanor? It may even be possible to obtain an expungement of the conviction if enough time has passed during which you have not had other criminal convictions.

Depending on:

  1. Current law
  2. The terms of your plea agreement
  3. If you meet the following legal requirements you should be eligible for reducing your felony conviction to a misdemeanor:
    1. As defined in IC* 11-8-8-5, you are not a sex or violent offender.
    2. You were not convicted of a Class D felony (committed before July 1, 2014) or a Level 6 felony (committed after June 30, 2014) which resulted in bodily injury to another person.
    3. You have not been convicted of perjury under IC 35-44.1-2-1 (or IC 35-44-2-1 before its repeal) or official misconduct under IC 35-44.1-1-1 (or IC 35-44-1-2 before its repeal).
    4. At least three (3) years have passed since you:
      1. Completed your sentence; and
      2. You satisfied any other obligation imposed on you as part of the sentence; for the Class D or Level 6 felony.
    5. You have not been convicted of a felony since you:
      1. Completed your sentence; and
        satisfied any other obligation imposed on you as part of the sentence; for the Class D or Level 6 felony.
      2. No criminal charges are pending against you.

*IC stands for Indiana Code.

Contact a Lafayette, IN Expungement Lawyer for Help

Hall-Justice Law Firm LLC has extensive experience helping people interested in criminal record sealing and expungement. We understand the requirements necessary to clear your record so that you can move on with your life. Our Lafayette, IN expungement lawyer will listen to your story and investigate your case, as well as help you seek a post-conviction resolution. Call us today at (765) 742-2987.

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