If you have questions about expunging and/or sealing criminal records in Indianapolis or Indiana, please call my office at 317-985-4300.
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Why having criminal records expunged in Indiana is a good idea
A criminal record can have a devastating impact on your life. It can make it difficult to find housing, get a job, and even qualify for certain government benefits. Criminal records can also stay on your public record for years, even if you were ultimately acquitted of the charges against you.
Having your criminal record sealed can help you overcome these challenges and get your life back on track. Expungement and sealingis a legal process that removes certain types of criminal records from public view. It is important to remember that some cases are eligible for expungement but not sealing. In Indiana, you can have your criminal record expunged if you meet certain requirements, such as completing your sentence and being on probation-free good behavior for a certain period of time.
The benefits of having your criminal record expunged in Indiana
There are many benefits to having your criminal record expunged, including:
- Improved housing prospects: Criminal records can make it difficult to find housing, even if you have a good credit score and a steady income. Landlords often run credit checks and background checks on potential tenants, and a criminal record can be a red flag. Having your criminal record expunged can make you more competitive in the housing market.
- Increased job opportunities: Many employers also run background checks on potential employees. A criminal record can make it difficult to get a job, especially in certain industries. Having your criminal record expunged can improve your chances of getting hired for the job you want.
- Access to government benefits: Some government benefits, such as public housing and food stamps, have restrictions on people with criminal records. Having your criminal record expunged can make you eligible for these benefits.
- Peace of mind: Criminal records can be a constant source of stress and anxiety. Having your criminal record expunged can give you peace of mind knowing that you are no longer being judged for your past mistakes.
Additional benefits of having your criminal record expunged in Indiana
In addition to the benefits listed above, expunging your criminal record can also help you:
- Improve your credit score: A criminal record can negatively impact your credit score. Having your criminal record expunged can help improve your credit score, making it easier to qualify for loans and other forms of credit.
- Reduce your insurance rates: Some insurance companies, such as car insurance companies, charge higher rates to people with criminal records. Having your criminal record expunged can help reduce your insurance rates.
- Protect your privacy: Criminal records are public records, meaning that anyone can access them. Having your criminal record expunged can help protect your privacy.
How having a criminal record can have a disproportionate impact on low-income people and people of color
Criminal records can have a disproportionate impact on low-income people and people of color. This is due to a number of factors, including:
- Systemic racism: Low-income people and people of color are more likely to be arrested and charged with crimes than white people and people with higher incomes. This is due to a number of factors, such as racial profiling and implicit bias.
- Discrimination in the criminal justice system: Low-income people and people of color are more likely to be held in pretrial detention, which can lead to job loss and housing instability. They are also more likely to be sentenced to harsher punishments than white people and people with higher incomes.
- Lack of resources: Low-income people and people of color are less likely to have access to quality legal representation, which can make it difficult for them to defend themselves against criminal charges.
As a result of these factors, low-income people and people of color are more likely to have criminal records than white people and people with higher incomes.
How having a criminal record can create a cycle of poverty
A criminal record can create a cycle of poverty. This is because it can make it difficult for people to find housing, get a job, and qualify for certain government benefits.