A criminal record can quietly close doors for years after a case is over — a job application, an apartment lease, a professional license. Indiana law gives many people a way to change that.
Mark K. Gruenhagen has helped clients across Lake County and Northwest Indiana petition to have eligible arrests and convictions sealed or restricted from public view. It’s one of the most practical, forward-looking things a former client can do, and it starts with a simple question: what’s actually on your record, and does it qualify?
What’s at Stake — and What’s to Gain
A visible criminal record can affect far more than most people expect: job offers, housing applications, professional licensing, school admissions, even volunteer opportunities. Expungement won’t undo the past, but a successful petition can restrict public access to an eligible record so it stops showing up on the background checks that matter most.
What Can (and Can’t) Be Sealed
Arrests & Dismissed Charges
Cases that never resulted in a conviction are often the most straightforward to have sealed.
Misdemeanor & Felony Convictions
Many misdemeanor and lower-level felony convictions can qualify once enough time has passed and conditions are met.
Not Every Charge Qualifies
Certain serious offenses are excluded by law, and eligibility always depends on the specific facts of your case.
How Mark Helps
- Full record review. Mark pulls together the details of your case history to see what’s eligible and when.
- The petition itself. Expungement requires filing the right petition with the right court, correctly and on time.
- Following through. Mark handles the process from filing to the court’s final order, including any hearing that’s required.
Don’t assume you’re ineligible. Eligibility rules are specific and easy to misjudge on your own — a short conversation can tell you where you actually stand.
What to Do Right Now
Avoid These Mistakes
- Don’t rule yourself out based on something you read online — every record is different.
- Don’t file a petition yourself without knowing the current court’s procedure.
- Don’t wait until a job or lease is on the line to start the process.
Protect Yourself
- Gather what you can about your case: county, case number, and how it ended.
- List every arrest or charge you want reviewed, even minor ones.
- Call (219) 322-3000 for a free review of your eligibility.
Expungement FAQ
What does it mean to expunge a record in Indiana?
Indiana’s expungement law generally restricts public access to an eligible criminal record rather than physically destroying it. In practice that means the record is no longer visible to most employers, landlords and licensing boards doing a background check, even though it isn’t erased from every government database.
Can any charge be expunged?
No. Eligibility depends on the type of charge, how the case ended, and how much time has passed since then, and some serious offenses are never eligible. The only way to know where you stand is to have your specific record reviewed.
How long does the expungement process take?
Timelines vary by county and by how many cases and agencies are involved, and can range from a few months to considerably longer. Mark’s office can give you a realistic estimate once he understands what’s on your record.
Will an expunged record show up on a background check?
A properly expunged record generally will not appear on most standard background checks used by employers and landlords. There are exceptions for certain licensing boards, law enforcement agencies and specific circumstances, which is worth discussing based on your situation.