Can a Felony Be Expunged in Indiana? Your 2025 Guide to Felony Expungement Laws
Facing life with a felony on your record in Indiana can feel like you’re carrying a weight you can’t put down. It affects your job opportunities, housing, professional licenses, and even your ability to carry a firearm. But here’s the good news: Indiana law offers a second chance through felony expungement—if you meet the right conditions.
In this updated 2025 guide, we’ll break down the rules, timelines, and options for felony expungement in Indiana so you can take the first step toward a clean slate.
What Is Felony Expungement in Indiana?
Felony expungement in Indiana is the legal process of sealing your criminal record from public access. While it doesn’t erase your record entirely, it significantly limits who can see it. Under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, eligible individuals can petition the court to restrict access to past felony convictions.
Here’s what expungement does:
Seals your criminal record from most employers, landlords, and background checks.
Allows you to answer “no” when asked about prior convictions on most job applications.
Restores certain rights, like eligibility for some professional licenses and firearm possession (in certain cases).
Gives you a real second chance at life.
However, courts and law enforcement agencies may still access your sealed records in specific situations.
Can Felonies Be Expunged in Indiana?
Yes—but not all felonies are eligible. Indiana law draws a clear line between expungable and ineligible offenses.
✅ Felonies That Can Be Expunged
Most Level 6 Felonies (formerly Class D felonies)
Certain non-violent Level 5 or Level 4 felonies
Felonies that have been reduced to misdemeanors
Felony theft, possession, and other property crimes, if non-violent
You must meet the required waiting period and satisfy other criteria to apply.
❌ Felonies That Cannot Be Expunged
Some felonies are permanently ineligible for expungement under Indiana law, including:
Homicide
Human trafficking
Sex crimes (especially those involving minors)
Serious bodily injury offenses
Official misconduct by public officials
📌 Learn more: Indiana Expungement: What Convictions Cannot Be Expunged
How Long Do You Have to Wait to Expunge a Felony?
Indiana law sets specific timelines depending on the felony type and case outcome.
| Felony Type | Waiting Period |
|---|---|
| Level 6 felony (non-violent) | 8 years from conviction or 3 years from sentence completion |
| Other eligible felonies | 8–10 years, depending on the severity of the offense |
| Felony reduced to misdemeanor | 5 years from the date of conviction (if reduced appropriately) |
Schedule a Consultation
If you’re not sure how long to wait, we can help you calculate your eligibility based on your case file.
📌 Related: Indiana Expungement Timeline
Ready to Clear Your Record?
Don’t lose your chance over technical errors. Call or text Vining Legal at (317) 759-3225 or schedule your free expungement consultation now.
What Are the Eligibility Requirements?
To expunge a felony in Indiana, you must meet all of the following:
Complete your sentence, probation, and parole
Pay all fines, fees, and restitution
Have no new convictions during the waiting period
Not file more than once in a 12-month period
Not be seeking expungement of ineligible offenses
📌 More here: Who Qualifies for Expungement in Indiana?
How the Expungement Process Works
Here’s a breakdown of the felony expungement process in Indiana:
Gather Your Records
Court records, conviction dates, and counties involved
File Your Petition
Must be filed in each county where you have a conviction
Serve the Prosecutor
The prosecutor can support, oppose, or do nothing
Attend a Hearing (if required)
Some petitions are approved without one
Receive the Court’s Decision
If granted, your record is sealed; if denied, you may have to wait another year
🛑 Important: Indiana law only allows one expungement petition per person per lifetime. You must file all eligible cases in every county at the same time.
📌 Related: How to Handle Expungement If You Have Cases in Multiple Counties in Indiana
How Much Does Felony Expungement Cost?
Here’s what to expect financially:
Filing Fee: Around $157 per county
Attorney Fees: Varies by complexity and county
Other Costs: Certified records, mailing costs, court copies
While you can file pro se, mistakes can be expensive—especially if you lose your one shot.
📌 Related: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Record Expunged in Indiana?
What Happens After Expungement?
When the court grants your petition:
Your felony is sealed from public record
You can legally say you haven’t been convicted (with exceptions)
Most employers and landlords can’t see it
Your gun rights may be restored in some cases
📌 Read next: What Happens After Your Expungement Is Granted in Indiana
Should You Hire a Lawyer?
Indiana doesn’t require an attorney—but here’s why you should:
The process is strict and time-sensitive
A single mistake can disqualify your petition
You only get one chance at expungement
A lawyer can save time, protect your rights, and improve your odds
📌 Read more: DIY Expungement vs. Hiring a Lawyer in Indiana
Frequently Asked Questions
-
No, not all felony convictions are eligible for expungement in Indiana. Crimes involving serious bodily injury, sex offenses, official misconduct, homicide, and certain violent felonies cannot be expunged. However, many Level 6 felonies and some non-violent felonies may qualify if all legal requirements are met.
-
Most felony convictions require a waiting period of 8 to 10 years from the date of conviction or the completion of your sentence—whichever is later. However, Level 6 felonies and felonies reduced to misdemeanors may have shorter waiting periods.
-
In some cases, yes. If your felony conviction is successfully expunged and wasn’t for a violent or weapons-related crime, you may be eligible to petition for the restoration of your firearm rights. This is a separate legal step.
Ready for a Clean Slate?
An expunged felony record can unlock job opportunities, housing, licensing, and peace of mind. But don’t go it alone—get help from an Indiana expungement attorney who knows the process inside and out.
✅ Call or text Vining Legal now at (317) 759-3225
✅ Schedule your free consultation
✅ Let’s take back your future—starting today.
