Misdemeanor Expungement in Indiana: Your 2025 Shortcut to a Spotless Record
Ready to clear your record in Indiana? If you’ve been convicted of a misdemeanor, expungement might be the second chance you’ve been waiting for. A criminal record—even for a minor offense—can follow you for life, impacting your ability to get a job, secure housing, or obtain professional licenses.
At Vining Legal, we help Hoosiers take control of their future by clearing past mistakes. This 2025 guide will walk you through the eligibility, process, and benefits of misdemeanor expungement in Indiana—and how to do it the right way.
What Is Misdemeanor Expungement in Indiana?
Expungement is a legal process that seals your criminal record from public view. Under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, if you qualify, your record becomes invisible to most employers, landlords, and background check systems.
What it means:
You can legally say you have not been convicted.
Your record won’t show up in most background checks.
Courts and law enforcement still retain access.
👉 Related: Who Qualifies for Expungement in Indiana?
Are You Eligible for Misdemeanor Expungement?
In most cases, yes—Indiana law is fairly generous for first-time or non-violent misdemeanors. Here’s what you’ll need:
✅ Completed Sentence
You must have completed all aspects of your sentence, including probation, community service, or court-ordered treatment.
✅ Waiting Period: 5 Years
Indiana requires a five-year waiting period from the date of conviction. That means if you were convicted in 2020, you may be eligible in 2025.
In a rush? Some exceptions may allow for early expungement with prosecutor approval. Contact us to see if you qualify.
✅ No New Convictions
You can’t have any new criminal convictions during the waiting period. A clean record shows rehabilitation.
✅ All Fines and Restitution Paid
Make sure all court costs, fines, and restitution are fully paid.
What Misdemeanors Can Be Expunged?
Nearly all misdemeanor offenses in Indiana are eligible—including:
Disorderly conduct
Public intoxication
Minor theft
OWI (Operating While Intoxicated) — if it was a misdemeanor
Possession of marijuana or paraphernalia
🛑 Excluded: Certain convictions involving public officials or sex offenses may be ineligible.
👉 Related: Indiana Expungement: What Convictions Cannot Be Expunged?
How to Expunge a Misdemeanor in Indiana: Step-by-Step
Here’s how the process works, whether you hire an attorney or try it yourself:
1. Gather Court Records
You’ll need:
Case number
Court where you were convicted
Sentencing details
2. File a Petition for Expungement
This must be filed in the county where the conviction occurred. If you have multiple cases in different counties, file all at the same time.
🛑 You only get one chance every 12 months—file carefully.
3. Notify the Prosecutor
The county prosecutor has the opportunity to object. They may raise concerns if your petition has errors or doesn’t meet requirements.
4. Wait for Court Review
Some expungements are granted without a hearing. Others require a judge to evaluate your case in court.
5. Receive Your Decision
If granted, the court orders your record sealed. If denied, you may have to wait another year to refile. Don’t risk your future on a paperwork error. Call or text Vining Legal at (317) 759-3225 or schedule your free expungement consultation today.
👉 Related: How Long Does Expungement Take in Indiana?
How Much Does It Cost?
Court Filing Fees:
$157 in most counties (subject to change)
Attorney Fees:
Varies based on the complexity of your case and number of counties
Other Costs:
Certified records
Service of process (if required)
👉 Related: How Much Does It Cost to Get a Record Expunged in Indiana?
What Happens After Expungement?
Your conviction is sealed from public view.
You can legally answer “No” on job or housing applications.
You regain some civil rights (except for gun rights, unless separately restored).
You can move forward—without the past dragging you down.
👉 Learn more: What Happens After Your Expungement Is Granted in Indiana?
Why Hire Vining Legal?
✔ We know Indiana expungement law inside and out.
✔ We handle multiple-county filings with ease.
✔ We prevent costly mistakes and increase your chances of success.
✔ We help clients clear records quickly and affordably.
Ready to finally move on from your past?
Schedule a Consultation
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes, you can include multiple eligible misdemeanor convictions in the same expungement petition, as long as they were all in the same county. If you have convictions in different counties, you must file separate petitions simultaneously in each jurisdiction.
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Yes, if it was classified as a misdemeanor and meets Indiana’s eligibility requirements. You must wait at least five years from the date of conviction, have no new criminal charges, and have completed all terms of your sentence.
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You're not legally required to hire an attorney, but having one can make the process faster, more accurate, and more likely to succeed. One filing mistake can delay or deny your petition for another year. See: DIY Expungement vs. Hiring a Lawyer in Indiana
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No. Once your misdemeanor is expunged in Indiana, it will not appear on most employer or landlord background checks. However, law enforcement and some government agencies may still access sealed records in limited circumstances.
Final Thoughts: Misdemeanor Expungement in Indiana Is Worth It
A minor conviction shouldn’t define your future. Indiana law gives you a powerful tool to rewrite your story—but only if you use it correctly.
Take control of your record. Reclaim your opportunities.
✅ Call or Text Vining Legal: (317) 759-3225
✅ Schedule Your Free Consultation Now
