What Happens After Your Expungement Is Granted in Indiana?

Introduction: You Got Your Expungement—Now What?

You’ve gone through the paperwork, waited patiently, and finally received the news: your expungement has been granted in Indiana. Congratulations! But what happens next?

• Does your record just disappear?

• Will employers still see it?

• Do you have to tell anyone?

This blog breaks down exactly what happens after your expungement is granted, what your rights are, and what practical steps you should take next.

1. Your Criminal Record Is Sealed from Public View

Once an Indiana court grants your expungement petition, your record is sealed from public access. This includes:

• Court records on mycase.in.gov

• Online background checks

• Public access to arrest and court documents

• Most employment, housing, and rental screening

✅ You can legally say you have not been convicted or arrested for the expunged offense, with some exceptions.

2. Your Record Still Exists for Certain Agencies

While expungement seals your record from the public, it does not destroy the record. The following may still have access:

• Law enforcement agencies

• Prosecutors and courts (especially for sentencing in future cases)

• Professional licensing boards (like nursing, education, real estate, or healthcare)

• Immigration authorities

📌 Important: If you're applying for a professional license or a government position, you may still be required to disclose expunged convictions.

3. The Court Will Notify Other Agencies—But It Takes Time

Once the judge signs the expungement order, the court clerk sends notices to:

• Indiana State Police

• Local police departments

• Prosecutor’s office

• Department of Correction (if applicable)

• Local jail or detention centers

• Court reporting and background check databases

⏱️ This process may take several weeks, so don’t expect your record to disappear instantly from all systems. Some online databases and background check companies take longer to update.

4. Your Case Disappears from Online Search Tools

One of the biggest benefits? Your case will no longer appear on Indiana’s public court database (mycase.in.gov) once expungement is processed.

🔍 Try searching your name again in a few weeks after your order is finalized. If it still appears, you may need to follow up with the court clerk or attorney to confirm that all agencies were notified.

5. You Can Legally Answer “No” on Job & Housing Applications (In Most Cases)

Once your record is expunged and sealed, Indiana law allows you to legally answer "No" to the question:

“Have you ever been arrested or convicted of a crime?”

🚫 Exceptions: You still must disclose expunged convictions in:

• Law enforcement applications

• Some professional licensing processes

• Immigration or federal security clearances

📌 If you're not sure when to disclose, speak with an attorney. Making a mistake can cause problems with licensing or federal law.

6. You Should Keep a Copy of the Expungement Order

Once your expungement is granted, ask the court clerk or your attorney for a certified copy of the order. You might need it later if:

• A background check still shows the record

• An employer asks questions

• You apply for a license or security clearance

🗂️ Keep this document somewhere safe. It's proof that your record was cleared under Indiana law.

7. You May Need to Follow Up with Background Check Companies

Unfortunately, not every background check provider updates their databases quickly—or at all. You may want to:

• Run a personal background check a few weeks after the expungement

• If errors still appear, send them a copy of your expungement order

• Ask them to remove the outdated information from their files

Companies like Checkr, HireRight, and LexisNexis have procedures for correcting records once you provide documentation.

8. Your Life After Expungement: What You Can Do Now

With your record sealed, you can:

✅ Apply for jobs without the burden of a criminal record
✅ Qualify for better housing opportunities
✅ Start a professional license application or new career
✅ Apply for federal financial aid (in most cases)
✅ Get peace of mind and move on from your past

💡 For more about how expungement helps with employment, check out Expungement and Employment: Opening Doors to New Opportunities in Indiana

Conclusion: A Clean Slate, but Know Your Rights

An expungement in Indiana gives you a second chance—one that can change your life. But it’s important to understand what it does and doesn’t do, how to protect yourself going forward, and how to make the most of your clean slate.

📞 Questions about your expungement or what to do next? Call Vining Legal LLC at (317) 759-3225 or schedule a free consultation.

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