Misdemeanor Expungement in Indiana

A past mistake shouldn’t hold you back forever. If a misdemeanor conviction is keeping you from a better job, a new home, or simply peace of mind, it’s time to take control of your future. Indiana’s “Second Chance Law” offers a powerful solution, and we’re here to help you get it right the first time.

Expungement is Not a DIY Project

While Indiana law requires courts to grant expungement petitions if you meet the criteria, the process itself is complex. Filing in the wrong county, missing a single case number, or failing to pay a forgotten fee can lead to your petition being **denied**. Since Indiana only allows one single chance to expunge convictions in your lifetime, getting it wrong can be a devastating mistake. Don’t risk your future on a paperwork error.

What is Misdemeanor Expungement?

In Indiana, misdemeanor expungement is the legal process of sealing a criminal record from public view. For misdemeanors, this means your conviction is removed from most public background checks. It’s important to understand that the record isn’t “erased.” Instead, it is designated as “expunged” and is no longer accessible to the public, including most employers and landlords. Once your record is sealed, you can legally state on job applications that you have not been convicted of that crime.

Do I Qualify? A Detailed Eligibility Checklist ✅

The path to expungement is straightforward, but it requires meeting specific legal criteria. We’ll verify your eligibility for free during our consultation, but here are the key requirements under Indiana Code § 35-38-9:

• The Waiting Period: A minimum of five (5) years must have passed since the date of your conviction. This is a common point of confusion—the clock starts on the date the court officially entered the conviction, not the date of your arrest or sentencing.
• A Clean Record: You must not have been convicted of any other crimes—anywhere in the U.S.—within the five years prior to filing your petition.
• No Pending Cases: You cannot have any open or pending criminal charges at the time you file.
• All Financial Obligations Paid: Every court-ordered fine, fee, restitution, and cost associated with your misdemeanor must be paid in full. Unpaid court costs, even if minor, are a common reason for automatic denial.

A Powerful Exception: The Early Expungement Advantage Under Indiana law, the five-year waiting period can be waived with the written consent of the prosecuting attorney. This is a rare and powerful option. With over a decade of experience, Stephanie Renner has built strong professional relationships with prosecutors in Marion County and throughout the state, allowing her to negotiate for this waiver and potentially secure your expungement much sooner.

The Expungement Process: Your Single Shot

Indiana law is strict: you have one single chance in your lifetime to file an expungement petition for your convictions. Making a mistake on the paperwork can permanently bar you from clearing your record.

Here’s how we ensure your expungement is successful:

1. Meticulous Research. We begin by thoroughly researching your criminal history, not just in one county, but across the state. This prevents a common mistake: forgetting to include every eligible offense, even dismissed ones. We ensure every case number, charge, and disposition date is correctly documented in your petition.
2. Expert Petition Drafting. Using the precise language required by Indiana Code § 35-38-9, we draft a comprehensive petition. If you have convictions in multiple counties, we will file a separate petition in each one—all within a single, one-year window to comply with the “one shot” rule.
3. Navigating Court & Prosecution. Once we file the petition, the prosecutor’s office has 30 days to review it. While some cases are straightforward, we are prepared to represent you in court if a hearing is required. We anticipate and address common reasons for denial, such as unpaid fines or inaccuracies.
4. The Final Order. If the court determines you meet all the requirements, it must issue an expungement order. This official order is then sent to state agencies, including the Indiana State Police, to seal your records.

Why Trust Stephanie Renner? Your Trusted Partner

When your future is on the line, you need an attorney who is not only an expert but also a true advocate.

⭐ “Stephanie is an excellent expungement attorney. Not only were her rates very reasonable, she really goes go above and beyond. She had the petition filed in less than 24 hours of paying her, and actually had the records sealed in less than a week. She made everything so simple for us, and her communication is spot on. She gave us updates as soon as she got them. We are very impressed and really happy we chose her. Thank you again, Stephanie!” – Jessica

• Experience That Gets Results: Stephanie Renner has a proven track record of helping clients successfully clear their records. Her deep knowledge of Indiana’s Second Chance Law and her reputation among prosecutors set her apart.
• Money-Back Guarantee: Stephanie provides a **MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ON ALL EXPUNGEMENTS**. This is a commitment to her clients and a testament to her confidence in her ability to get the job done right.
• Affordable and Accessible: We believe everyone deserves a second chance. That’s why we offer free consultations, affordable flat fees, flexible payment plans, and a direct line of communication. You won’t have to wait days for a response.
• A Personal Touch: Unlike a large firm, you’ll work directly with Stephanie. She’s known for her compassionate approach, and she even brings her “para-beagles” to the office to create a welcoming and stress-free environment.

Your Second Chance is Waiting.

Don’t let a past mistake define your future. Schedule your free consultation with Stephanie Renner today to see if you qualify for expungement and take the first step toward a new life.

Phone: 317-771-8535

Email: Stephanie@TheRennerLawOffice.com