A free criminal background check in Indiana provides a broad range of information resources tailored to different needs. Whether examining those nearby or reviewing our own history to uncover anything important, these background check databases stand as leading sources for public records, criminal searches, phone and address details, social media insights, and more. The goal is to equip individuals with the knowledge they need to make quick and informed choices.
In Indiana, obtaining a criminal background check is a vital process managed by the Indiana State Police (ISP). Whether you're reviewing your own criminal history or seeking information for other legitimate purposes, understanding the procedures and resources available is essential.
The ISP offers a Limited Criminal History (LCH) search, which provides information on felonies and Class A misdemeanor arrests within Indiana. This service is accessible online and by mail. Online requests require a fee of $15.00 per record, payable via credit card. To request a report by mail, complete the required form and send it along with a money order for $7.00 to the ISP's address. It's important to note that this search covers only Indiana records and may not include information from other states. Additionally, the completeness of the information depends on county participation.
For a more detailed background check, including information from other states, the ISP provides a National Criminal History check. This process involves electronic fingerprinting and is typically used for specific purposes, such as firearm permits. The fee for this service is $38.20, which includes the cost of fingerprinting. To initiate this process, schedule an appointment with an approved fingerprinting vendor. It's advisable to contact the ISP or the relevant agency to confirm if this level of background check is necessary for your specific needs.
In addition to the ISP, local county courts maintain records of criminal cases. Access to these records varies by county. Some counties offer online databases where you can search for case information using the defendant's name or case number. For example, Marion County provides an online case search tool. Keep in mind that not all counties offer online access, and some may require in-person visits or written requests to obtain records.
Residents in Northwest Indiana are increasingly taking advantage of a 2013 state law that allows ex-offenders and those arrested to wipe their criminal records clean. More than 500 residents in Lake, LaPorte and Porter counties filed petitions last year to expunge their criminal records, a court procedure created in 2013 by the so-called "second chance" law that allows residents to prohibit public access to their criminal record. The Times previously reported that fewer than 60 people prosecuted in Lake County took advantage of the law in the first year it was implemented, but in 2016 more than 300 petitions were filed in the county's courts, according to data provided by the Lake County Data Processing Department.
Schools in Northwest Indiana and across the state will be digging a little deeper into the backgrounds of potential employees and volunteers as a result of a new state law. Legislators began discussing creating such a law last year after several high-profile molestation incidents at schools across the state. State lawmakers put together a study committee that looked at requiring all adults who work, volunteer or coach in any Indiana public, charter and private schools that accept state dollars to undergo criminal and child abuse background checks.
According to Indiana law, it is possible to have an arrest record expunged in limited circumstances. However, in the case of a conviction, there is no procedure for expungement, meaning that if a person pled guilty to a crime or were found guilty by a judge or a jury, those records cannot be expunged. Generally, a record can be expunged in Indiana if a person was arrested but charges were never filed, or if a person was arrested and the charges were dropped because of mistaken identity, no offense was actually found to be committed, or the absence of probable cause.
Access to juvenile criminal records may not be automatic. Persons or organizations seeking access might have to get court permission by making a showing of good cause, and even then, the court may have the authority to deny the request in its discretion. In addition, most states have laws that make an exemption for juvenile records to be available to the public and only give limited access to the juvenile, his or her parents, or other legal authorities.
https://www.legalmatch.com/law-library/article/access-to-juvenile-crime-records.html
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