Free Expungement Help in Indiana
Last reviewed: May 27, 2026 · Resource links checked: May 28, 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.
Quick answer: free expungement help in Indiana
In Indiana, free expungement help may be available through nonprofit legal aid, local clinics, court fee waivers, and eligibility screening programs. Start with the verified organizations below, then confirm whether your court costs or filing fees can be waived.
⚠️ 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.
Who should start with free legal aid?
Start here if money is the barrier
Legal aid is usually the best first step if filing fees, attorney fees, or document costs would stop you from pursuing expungement or sealing. Most programs screen by income, household size, case type, and county.
Use clinics for screening
Expungement clinics are especially useful when you are not sure whether the record qualifies. Bring your case number and disposition so a clinic can tell you whether to file, wait, or use another remedy.
Use fee waivers for court costs
A fee waiver does not guarantee expungement, but it can remove the court filing cost. Ask the clerk or legal aid intake whether your state uses an indigency affidavit, in forma pauperis form, or fee waiver.
Use an attorney for complex records
If you have multiple counties, felonies, pending charges, immigration concerns, licensing issues, or a denied petition, ask legal aid whether you need full representation instead of brief advice.
Documents to gather before calling legal aid
- Government ID and current contact information.
- Case number, arrest date, charge, county, and court name.
- Certified disposition or docket sheet showing how the case ended.
- Proof that probation, parole, fines, fees, or restitution are complete, if applicable.
- Recent proof of income or public benefits if the organization screens by income.
- A short explanation of why you need the record cleared: work, housing, licensing, school, immigration, or family stability.
Verified free legal aid organizations in Indiana
Every organization below is a nonprofit, government-affiliated, law-school, court, or bar-backed resource. Resource links were browser-checked on May 28, 2026, but clinic schedules and eligibility rules change. Always confirm details directly with the organization before relying on a date, income limit, or service area.
- Indiana Legal Services
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic (Indianapolis)
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Volunteer Lawyer Program of NE Indiana (Fort Wayne)
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
- Indiana Legal Help (clinics and pro bono events)
Official resource. Check intake rules, county coverage, and current clinic availability before applying.
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 local legal aid offices, clinics, bar-backed programs, and reentry resources.
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.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
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.
Verify clinic dates and eligibility directly with the listed organization. ExpungeReady does not operate these programs.
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.
What if you do not qualify for free help?
If legal aid cannot take your case, you may still have options: file on your own, request a fee waiver, wait for automatic Clean Slate sealing, or consult a licensed attorney for a paid eligibility review. ExpungeReady currently has Indiana attorney listings you can compare.