How do you get a felony dropped to a misdemeanor in Indiana?

Asked by: Sincere Lind  |  Last update: June 23, 2022
Score: 4.4/5 (48 votes)

Luckily, there are a few mechanisms in Indiana law that permit felonies to be reduced to misdemeanors. For pending cases, the most common way for felonies to be reduced to misdemeanors is via the Alternate Misdemeanor Sentencing (AMS) portion of the Level 6 felony sentencing statute.

How do you get a felony lowered to a misdemeanor in Indiana?

Now, certain Class D Felonies can be reduced to a misdemeanor if the following facts exist: (1) the person is not a sex or violent offender, (2) the conviction is for a crime that did not cause bodily injury, (3) at least three years have passed since the person completed his sentence, (4) the person has no been ...

Can a level 5 felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in Indiana?

As long as you meet the requirements and three years have passed since the conclusion of your sentence, then you can go forward with a petition to reduce the conviction to a Class A misdemeanor. A Carmel Indiana attorney can prepare the court filings to initiate the process.

How long does a felony stay on your record in Indiana?

All other Felony conviction(s), Class A, B or C Felonies and Level 1-5 Felonies MAY be expunged if the court finds: It's been eight (8) years from the date of the conviction; You have no criminal charges pending; You have paid all your fines, fees, court costs, and restitution obligations; and.

Can a Class 6 felony be reduced to a misdemeanor in Indiana?

A Level 6 felony in Indiana can be reduced to a Class A misdemeanor in three ways: 1) at a sentencing hearing by a judge; 2) pursuant to a Plea Agreement; or 3) three years after a person completes his or her sentence by filing a petition with the court.

Criminal Attorney | Can a Felony Be Reduced to a Misdemeanor in Indiana?

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What rights do felons lose in Indiana?

Depending on state law, felons can lose these rights: the right to vote, to travel to certain foreign countries, to own a gun, to carry a gun, to serve on a jury, to work in certain occupations, to win custody or visitation privileges with their children, and the right to receive public social benefits and public ...

How long does a Level 6 felony carry in Indiana?

Level 6 Felony: A Level 6 felony is the lowest level of felony in Indiana. It carries a penalty upon conviction of a fixed term between six (6) months and two and one half (2 1/2) years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.00.

Can a felony be expunged in Indiana?

Records contained within an individual's criminal history file may be expunged or sealed under Indiana law. A petition for expungement or seal can be filed with a local court of jurisdiction in Indiana by an individual (pro se) or by private legal counsel.

How do I get a pardon in Indiana?

To be eligible for a pardon, you must be five years removed from the completion of your sentence. Parole and probation are considered part of your sentence. 7. The Governor of Indiana may only pardon you for crimes you committed in Indiana.

How far back does a criminal background check go in Indiana?

There is also no restriction on how far back criminal convictions can be reported. The FCRA's seven-year lookback period does not apply to background information about past employment, education, or credentials. You can use this type of information no matter how old it is.

How serious is a level 5 felony in Indiana?

Level 5 felonies carry the potential of 1 to 6 years' imprisonment (advisory sentence of 3 years). Involuntary manslaughter, robbery (no injuries), and criminal recklessness (involving a weapon) are all Level 5 felonies.

What does a f5 felony mean in Indiana?

A Level 5 Felony is the second lowest level felony charged in Indiana. An Indiana Level 5 Felony is generally viewed as being more severe offenses than misdemeanors and Level 6 Felonies. At the same time, Indiana Level 5 Felonies are less severe than Levels 1-4 Felonies.

Can you get probation for a Class A misdemeanor Indiana?

There is no credit time for probation, so a person ordered to probation for a year, will serve a full year on probation. Class A Misdemeanors are always suspendible but there are limitations on suspended sentences for felony convictions.

How much does expungement cost Indiana?

In most cases, the filing fee for a petition for expungement is equal to the court's civil filing fee (currently $156 for most courts). The court may reduce or waive this fee if the person is indigent. There is no filing fee for a petition for expungement of an arrest record that did not lead to a conviction.

What is the highest felony in Indiana?

Murder. Murder is the most serious felony under criminal law in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indiana Code 35-50-2-3 defines the possible sentence for felony murder as between forty-five (45) and sixty-five (65) years, in the Indiana Department of Corrections, with the advisory sentence being fifty-five (55) years.

How do I get a pardon for a felony?

What Is the Process for Applying?
  1. The application form needs to be filled out and submitted.
  2. A background investigation will then take place.
  3. Notifications are sent out once all paperwork has been processed.
  4. You must attend a hearing where the Board of Pardons votes on the application.

What crimes can a Governor pardon?

reprieves, commutations and pardons after conviction, for all offenses except treason, and except in case of impeachment, subject to such regulations as may be prescribed by law relative to the manner of applying for pardons.

Can a criminal record be cleared?

You can apply to have your criminal record expunged when: a period of 10 years has passed after the date of the conviction for that offence. you have not been convicted and sentenced to a period of imprisonment without the option of a fine during those 10 years.

Can a felon get a gun permit in Indiana?

Under Indiana law, any person convicted of a felony is not eligible for a hand gun license.

How long does expungement take in Indiana?

The average Indiana expungement takes approximately four to six months. While that is the average timeframe, some expungements will be completed more quickly and some will take longer, depending on the facts of the case, whether the DA agrees or objects, and the age of the case, etc.

What is class A misdemeanor in Indiana?

Class A misdemeanors carry a maximum penalty of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000. Examples of class A misdemeanors include battery (resulting in bodily injury), petty theft, public indecency, and rioting.

Can I get probation for a level 6 felony in Indiana?

A judge can suspend a part or all of your sentence for a Level 6 felony conviction. When a judge suspends your sentence, they place you on probation.

What is a felony 6 charge in Indiana?

The Level 6 felony is to be served consecutively to the sentence for another felony. The sentence for the felony is enhanced, such as after adjudication for being a habitual offender. The court has found the offender to be a violent offender as defined by statute.

What level is a Class D felony in Indiana?

Class D felony; Level 6 felony; judgment of conviction entered as a misdemeanor.