Expungement in Indiana
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Indiana allows expungement of arrests and convictions, with timing and eligibility varying significantly by offense class and outcome.
How Indiana treats Expungement
Indiana permits expungement under Indiana Code § 35-38-9, allowing erasure of arrests not resulting in conviction and certain convictions after waiting periods. Class D felonies and misdemeanors generally qualify sooner than higher-level felonies. Violent crimes and sex offenses face stricter restrictions. After expungement, you may legally deny the arrest or conviction, though law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access sealed records for specific purposes.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.