If you're trying to move forward after a criminal case in Indiana, filing for expungement can be life-changing. It’s your shot at sealing your record, protecting your privacy, and opening doors to jobs, housing, and licensing. But here’s the big question: Should you file for expungement yourself—or hire a lawyer?

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?

If you’ve had brushes with the law in more than one Indiana county, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Indiana’s Second Chance Law makes it possible to clear your record, but handling multiple expungements across different counties requires careful strategy.

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?

If you’ve ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime in Indiana, you may have heard about two legal options to help clear your record: sealing and expungement. But what do they actually mean? Are they the same thing? And which one applies to your situation?

Being arrested—whether for a misunderstanding, false accusation, or dropped charges—can follow you long after the case is over. Even if you were never convicted, the arrest still shows up on your background check. For many people, this creates unnecessary barriers to employment, housing, and licensing.

If you're hoping to start a home healthcare business, childcare business, apply for a nursing license, or get certified in another regulated profession, your criminal record could be standing in the way. In Indiana, a past conviction—even an old one—can delay or deny your ability to get licensed.

Imagine being accused of domestic battery, yet there’s no physical evidence—no bruises, no cuts, no medical reports. Many people believe that without clear physical proof, these charges cannot hold up in court. However, that is not the case.

In Indiana, domestic battery charges can be filed and convictions can occur without physical evidence. Prosecutors often rely on witness statements, 911 calls, text messages, and circumstantial evidence to build a case. Understanding how these charges work and how to defend yourself is critical if you’ve been accused.

If you have been arrested for domestic violence, you may feel scared, confused, and unsure of what to do next. The decisions you make before your court date can have life-altering consequences—and one mistake could severely impact your case.

Imagine you’re driving home late at night when you accidentally clip the bumper of a parked car. You panic and leave the scene. A few days later, the police contact you about a hit-and-run investigation. What happens next?

Hit-and-run offenses in Indiana are taken very seriously. Even if no one was injured, failing to stop after an accident can result in criminal charges, hefty fines, and possible jail time. If injuries or fatalities are involved, penalties increase drastically, and the accused could face felony charges.

Imagine you're driving home after dinner when suddenly, flashing red and blue lights appear in your rearview mirror. The officer asks you to step out of the car and perform a series of balance and coordination tests—this is known as a Field Sobriety Test (FST).

Field Sobriety Tests are commonly used by Indiana law enforcement to determine whether a driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs. However, these tests are highly subjective and often lead to wrongful DUI/OWI arrests.

A drug paraphernalia charge in Indiana can come as a surprise, especially when everyday items are classified as illegal under the law. Law enforcement officers often use these charges to enhance drug-related offenses, and many people face legal trouble for possessing items that might have perfectly legal uses.

If you're facing drug paraphernalia charges, it's crucial to understand how Indiana defines paraphernalia, what the potential penalties are, and how to fight back. This guide will break down Indiana’s drug paraphernalia laws, explain what counts as paraphernalia, and outline potential defenses to help protect your rights.

Prescription drug charges in Indiana are increasingly common, reflecting the nationwide rise in prescription drug misuse. Many people facing these charges are not hardened criminals but ordinary individuals who may have been prescribed medications, struggled with dependency, or unknowingly violated complex drug laws.

Facing a battery charge against a law enforcement officer in Indiana is extremely serious. Unlike a simple battery charge, this offense carries harsher penalties, often resulting in felony charges, significant prison time, and long-term consequences.

Battery on a law enforcement officer can occur in high-stress situations, sometimes even unintentionally. However, prosecutors aggressively pursue these cases, and defendants often find themselves fighting an uphill legal battle.

Imagine applying for your dream job, only to have your application rejected because of a past mistake that shows up on a background check. This scenario is common for many Hoosiers who have criminal records, even for minor offenses.

Strangulation is a serious criminal offense in Indiana. It is often charged in domestic violence cases, but it can also arise in altercations, self-defense situations, or false accusations.

Substance abuse and Operating While Intoxicated (OWI) charges can have devastating consequences for Indiana nurses and other licensed professionals. Whether it’s an OWI conviction, a failed drug test, or an impairment report, the Indiana State Board of Nursing (ISBN) and other licensing boards take these matters seriously.

A misdemeanor conviction may seem like a minor issue, but it can create lasting problems in your life. Whether it’s a job application, rental approval, or professional license, having a criminal record—even for a misdemeanor—can limit your opportunities.

The good news is that Indiana allows many misdemeanor convictions to be expunged, giving you the chance for a clean slate. Expungement means your record is sealed from public view, meaning most employers, landlords, and the general public won’t see it on a background check.

Battery is a serious criminal charge in Indiana, but not all battery offenses are the same. The law distinguishes between simple battery and aggravated battery, with aggravated battery carrying much harsher penalties due to the severity of the injuries involved.

Expungement offers a fresh start for individuals with a criminal record, but many people wonder: Will my expunged record still show up on a background check?

While Indiana’s expungement law allows people to seal or clear their criminal history, not all background checks are the same. Some agencies and employers may still have access to certain records, and understanding these exceptions is crucial.