Expunging/Setting Aside Juvenile Criminal Records in Indiana

Both juvenile arrest records and juvenile conviction records can sometimes be expunged in Indiana. In fact, juvenile records are the sole main exception to the rule prohibiting the expungement of conviction records in Indiana; still, even this exception is only for a limited number and type of cases. Specifically, a juvenile record can be expunged when the juvenile in question was found at the time to be delinquent, or to be a child in need of services.

When petitioning for expungement, the juvenile court may review any or all of the following:

1. The child’s best interests
2. The child’s age/juvenile status when the court or law enforcement agency made contact
3. The nature of any allegations made
4. Whether there was an informal adjustment or an adjudication
5. How the case was ultimately decided
6. The level of effective cooperation the child displayed during any court-ordered services
7. The time that has passed since the child’s contact with the juvenile court system and what has happened
8. Whether the child has acquired a criminal record
9. The child’s current status (adult, criminal, citizen, etc)

After considering all of the above factors, the expungement request will be either granted or denied. The petition should address all of these issues as thoroughly as possible, and to the extent that they are relevant to the allegations of service needs or delinquency.

For more information on Indiana’s law, click the following articles:

Clearing of Criminal Records or Expungement in Indiana

Eligibility for Expungement of Adult Criminal Records in Indiana

Application Process for Expunging Adult Criminal Records in Indiana

Application Process to Expunge Juvenile Criminal Records in Indiana

Using an Attorney to Clear or Expunge Indiana Criminal Record