How Criminal Records Affect Employment in Indiana
Zach Baber • July 11, 2025
If you have a criminal record, applying for a job can feel like walking into an interview with a weight around your neck.
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“Can I get a job with a misdemeanor or felony in Indiana?”
The short answer: Yes, but it depends.
What shows up?
How a Criminal Record Affects Different Types of Jobs
Jobs in healthcare, education, law enforcement, and government often have stricter requirements, especially for felonies.
But many employers in trades, hospitality, food service, construction, and logistics are more flexible, especially for misdemeanors or older convictions.
In Indiana, some jobs are legally off-limits for people with certain convictions (e.g., working with vulnerable populations), but most hiring decisions are up to the employer.
Can I Clean Up My Record?
If your record is eligible, expungement can help:
Need help understanding your record or expungement options?
This article is for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
“Can I get a job with a misdemeanor or felony in Indiana?”
The short answer: Yes, but it depends.
Let’s break it down.
Do Employers in Indiana Run Background Checks?
Yes. Many do.
Employers in Indiana are legally allowed to conduct criminal background checks as part of the hiring process.
What shows up?
- Felony convictions
- Misdemeanor convictions
- Arrests that led to charges
- Sometimes even dismissed cases (though they carry less weight)
If a conviction is recent or directly related to the job you’re applying for, it can impact your chances.
But it’s not always a dealbreaker.
How a Criminal Record Affects Different Types of Jobs
Some careers are more forgiving than others.
Jobs in healthcare, education, law enforcement, and government often have stricter requirements, especially for felonies.
But many employers in trades, hospitality, food service, construction, and logistics are more flexible, especially for misdemeanors or older convictions.
In Indiana, some jobs are legally off-limits for people with certain convictions (e.g., working with vulnerable populations), but most hiring decisions are up to the employer.
Can I Clean Up My Record?
Possibly.
Indiana allows some people to expunge or seal their criminal records.
If your record is eligible, expungement can help:
- Remove the conviction from most public background checks
- Allow you to legally answer “no” when asked about a past conviction
- Improve your chances of getting hired
If you’re applying for jobs in Indiana and have a criminal history:
- Be honest when asked — don’t lie on applications.
- Explain what’s changed and what you’ve done since the conviction.
- Focus on skills, references, and reliability.
- Consider reaching out to reentry programs or career coaches who specialize in helping people with past convictions.
- If eligible, consider filing for expungement to improve future opportunities.
A criminal record in Indiana can make the job search harder, but not impossible.
It depends on the charge, the job, and how much time has passed.
Some employers are willing to look past a mistake when it’s met with honesty, effort, and accountability.
Need help understanding your record or expungement options?
Visit bradbaberatty.com
for more resources.
Call 260.244.4422 or click here to schedule an appointment online.
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