Free Expungement Help in Indiana
Last reviewed: May 27, 2026
Indiana's 365-day window rule is one of the most important things to understand before filing: once you petition for expungement of any conviction in any Indiana county, you have 365 days to file in every other county with an eligible conviction. Miss the window, and those other convictions are permanently locked out — you can never expunge them. This is why almost everyone in Indiana files with an attorney even for a simple single-charge case. Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic in Indianapolis runs a strong pro bono expungement program and understands the 365-day rule deeply.
⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing
Indiana does not have a Clean Slate auto-sealing law. Expungement is petition-based under the Second Chance Law (IC 35-38-9) with a strict one-petition / 365-day window.
How to get a fee waiver in Indiana
The $156 per-county filing fee can be waived in hardship situations. Most legal aid organizations run free clinics often partnered with local prosecutors.
Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.
Verified free legal aid organizations in Indiana
Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.
Free expungement help by city in Indiana
Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.
Indianapolis / Marion County
- Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic
- Indiana Legal Services – Indianapolis
- Indiana University McKinney School of Law Clinic
Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic is the leading free expungement provider in Marion County and runs regular clinics at multiple locations. They specifically understand the 365-day window and can coordinate multi-county filings. IU McKinney Law's clinic handles complex cases under attorney supervision.
Fort Wayne / Allen County
VLP of NE Indiana matches Allen County residents with volunteer attorneys for expungement and other civil legal matters. Fort Wayne typically has a 2 to 3 month backlog at the Allen County court for expungement hearings.
Indiana free expungement — frequently asked questions
What is the 365-day window in Indiana expungement?
Under IC 35-38-9, once you petition for expungement in any Indiana county, you have 365 days to file in every other Indiana county where you have eligible convictions. After 365 days, you cannot expunge those other convictions — ever. This is a one-time opportunity per category of offense. This rule makes it critical to identify all eligible convictions across all Indiana counties before filing the first petition.
Can a felony be expunged in Indiana?
Yes — Indiana has expungement for misdemeanors, Level 6 (lowest) felonies, and higher felonies with different waiting periods and eligibility requirements. Level 6 and most non-violent felonies are eligible after 8 years from conviction. Violent felonies, sex offenses, and official misconduct convictions have more restrictions. A legal aid intake call will identify which track applies.
More Indiana expungement resources
- Complete Indiana expungement guide → — eligibility, process, statutes, and timelines
- How much does expungement cost? (state-by-state)
- What shows up on a background check after expungement?
- ← All states: free expungement help directory