Indiana Expungement Filings Rose 52% Over Last Decade

The state saw a significant increase in legal petitions filed to seal criminal records between 2016 and 2026.

Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Criminal Justice

Isometric editorial illustration of a stack of manila legal folders bound by an elastic cord, representing judicial expungement filings. — Indiana saw a 52% increase in expungement filings between 2016 and 2026 as more citizens utilized legal channels to seal their criminal records. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Indiana experienced a 52% increase in expungement filings over the last decade as more individuals sought to seal their criminal records. This growth highlights a steady rise in citizens utilizing state legal pathways to clear their past history.

Why it matters

The process for seeking expungement remains a demanding commitment that requires both significant financial investment and strict adherence to mandatory waiting periods. These barriers ensure that only those meeting specific court eligibility criteria can move forward with their petitions.

Official court filings show a 52% increase in expungement petitions submitted over the past decade. The status of individual cases remains contingent on meeting strict eligibility requirements, which are reviewed by state courts.

The details

Petitioners must navigate a formal legal process by submitting specific filings to the court to request the sealing of their records. Each applicant is required to pay mandated fees and observe specific waiting periods before the judiciary reviews their eligibility for relief.

The 52% increase in filings occurred over the decade spanning 2016 to 2026.

Legal Context

This rise in petitions follows the implementation of Indiana's Second Chance Law, which modernized the state's approach to record sealing. The trend suggests a wider systemic shift toward utilizing these legal mechanisms to address the long-term impact of past criminal records.

Residents seeking to seal their criminal records must prepare for both the time commitment and the associated costs required by the court system. Proper legal preparation remains essential for those hoping to meet the specific eligibility standards enforced by Indiana courts.

The takeaway

The sustained rise in filings indicates that more citizens are prioritizing the formal removal of past records to aid in their personal and professional lives. Prospective applicants should carefully evaluate their eligibility before investing in the required fees and waiting periods.