Legal Question in Criminal Law in Indiana

Can I get my background cleaned up?

I'm 30 years old haven't been in trouble in 12 years now. When I was younger 17-18 done some stupid things and got two felonies in Indiana. I'm having a hard time getting a job and wanting to go to college to better myself. At this time I was very immature and have learned from my mistakes.

When I was 17 I was convicted for child molesting, I think Class C Felony, with a girl 14 years old. I was not arrested. Soon later I received in the mail to go to court and I ended up getting 6 monthes probation. At the time they spoke of being tried as a adult but I'm not sure if that's really what happened, because I went to the juvenile courts. How can I find out if this was an adult case or not?

Second time, 6 months after finished sentence in juvenile court. I got caught shoplifting/theft, Class D Felony. Got one year probation. Suppose to be dropped to a Class A misdemeanor but I provoked my probabtion for not getting GED done in time. Should it have still been dropped to a misdemeanor?

Is there anything I can do to get these expunged and get a fresh start? Is a pardon an option here with it being 12 years and getting them both removed? I would do what ever it takes just right now I don't have the money, no job.


Asked on 4/09/09, 3:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jay Rigdon Rockhill Pinnick LLP

Re: Can I get my background cleaned up?

There is realistically very little you can do. to erase your record. Sadly, teenagers don't often think about the permanency of their mistake before they make them. A pardon is your only route, and I don't think that will happen.

As to the juvenile/adult question, either have a friendly police officer check it out, or talk to the probation department in the county where this occurred. You should be able to find things out that way.

Good luck.

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Answered on 4/10/09, 8:57 am


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