How long does a level 6 felony stay on your record in Indiana?
Asked by: Jamar Lockman | Last update: June 26, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (53 votes)
A Level 6 felony in Indiana typically stays on your public record for eight years from the date of conviction before you are eligible to petition for expungement. If the felony was reduced to a misdemeanor, the waiting period is reduced to five years from the conviction date, provided you have no new convictions.
How serious is a level 6 felony in Indiana?
A Level 6 felony in Indiana is the lowest felony level but still carries severe penalties, including 6 months to 2.5 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. While serious, they are often considered "wobblers" that may be reduced to Class A misdemeanors, depending on prior criminal history.
Does a class 6 felony appear on background checks?
In most cases, yes. Felony convictions generally remain on your criminal record indefinitely unless specific legal action, such as expungement, sealing, or a pardon, is taken. This means background check providers can access this information years or even decades after the conviction.
Can you expunge a level 6 felony in Indiana?
In general, convictions that can be expunged include: misdemeanors. D/Level 6 felonies without bodily injury. A, B, or C felonies without serious bodily injury and D felonies with bodily injury.
Can a level 6 felon own a gun in Indiana?
Expungement of a Prior Conviction
Anyone convicted of a felony is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm under federal law and Indiana law. However, expungement of the Indiana conviction restores the person's gun ownership and possession rights.
📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
Can a judge drop a felony?
If the judge agrees that prosecutors or police acted improperly in collecting evidence, the judge may suppress that evidence, which can result in dropped or reduced charges due to lack of evidence.
Is a class 6 felony serious?
The victim of a crime is merely a witness in the case. In some cases the Prosecution will take the victim's wishes into consideration, but not always, especially if the accused has a record. Class 6 felony offenses are punishable by, among other things, imprisonment for up to 5 years. This is a very serious matter.
Are you still a felon after 20 years?
No, felony convictions do not automatically disappear after any time period. They remain permanently on your criminal record unless you successfully petition for expungement, sealing, or receive a pardon. The seven-year rule applies only to certain employment reporting restrictions, not record existence.
Do I have to tell my employer I have been charged?
It depends what you were asked when you first took the job and what is in your contract. You really only have to tell your employer about criminal convictions if this could have an impact on your employment and your ability to do your job.
How much does it cost to get a felony expunged in Indiana?
Getting a felony expunged in Indiana generally costs between $1,000 and $3,000 in total, including attorney fees and filing costs. While court filing fees are typically around $157–$200 per petition, hiring an attorney to manage the complex, one-time process usually adds $850–$2,500.
How long does it take to get a felony expunged in Indiana?
In Indiana, you generally must wait 8 years after a felony conviction (or 3 years after sentence completion, whichever is later) to expunge low-level (Class D/Level 6) felonies. For more serious felonies, the wait is typically 10 years after conviction or 5 years after sentence completion.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in the USA?
No, your criminal record does not automatically clear or disappear after 7 years in the USA; most convictions remain on your record permanently. The "7-year rule" is a common misconception often confused with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which generally restricts private background check companies from reporting non-convictions (like arrests) older than 7 years.
How bad is a level 6 felony in Indiana?
A Level 6 felony in Indiana is the lowest felony level but still carries severe penalties, including 6 months to 2.5 years in jail and up to $10,000 in fines. While serious, they are often considered "wobblers" that may be reduced to Class A misdemeanors, depending on prior criminal history.
Do pardoned felons get their rights back?
Yes, pardoned felons generally have their civil rights restored, including the right to vote, serve on a jury, and hold public office, as a pardon acts as an official forgiveness that removes legal penalties. However, a pardon does not automatically restore firearm rights in all jurisdictions, and it does not erase the conviction record itself.
In what states can a convicted felon carry a firearm?
All states except Vermont generally restrict firearm access after a person has been convicted of a felony, mirroring federal law in this area, which generally prohibits firearm access after an individual has been convicted of a crime punishable by more than one year in prison.
How hard is it to fight a felony charge?
Fighting felony charges requires a comprehensive understanding of criminal law, knowing how to use defense strategies that actually work, and (OFTEN OVERLOOKED) operating with the court procedures that are unique to the county system your case is in.
What state is most felon friendly?
These Are the States Most Likely to Hire Former Felons
- California.
- Colorado.
- Kansas.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
Can a convicted felon get clear?
Yes, a convicted felon can potentially get their record cleared (expunged or sealed), but it depends entirely on the state, type of crime, and time passed. While federal felony convictions have extremely limited options, many states allow for the sealing of non-violent or older felonies after specific waiting periods.