Guy Relford Helps Get HEA 1137, Expungement of Red Flag Law...
Guy Relford Helps Get HEA 1137, Expungement of Red Flag Law Records Bill Signed By Governor Braun
Guy Relford Helps Get HEA 1137, Expungement of Red Flag Law Records Bill Signed By Governor Braun
Gun rights attorney, advocate and WIBC host Guy Relford expressed strong support following the signing of HEA 1137 by Indiana Governor Braun.
Guy Relford drafted the bill originally due to experiences with his clients.
The new legislation, known as the Expungement of Red Flag Law Records Bill, addresses a critical gap in the state’s legal framework by allowing individuals to seal or expunge records linked to Red Flag proceedings if they are found not dangerous.
Relford, who has advocated for this change for years, explained why the bill is so essential.
Since its passage in 2005, Indiana’s Red Flag law has allowed firearms to be seized from individuals deemed dangerous.
However, these proceedings are civil matters, unlike criminal cases, and until now, there was no mechanism to expunge such records.
This oversight, Relford noted, has unfairly impacted people who were wrongly accused or who later proved they were not a danger.
“This arises out of real cases that I’ve had over the years,” Relford said. “I’ve had clients who were falsely or vindictively accused under the Red Flag law. Even after winning their cases, these accusations remained on their records, causing them to lose jobs, volunteer opportunities, and even simple privileges like driving a school bus.”
HEA 1137 aims to rectify this by introducing mandatory expungement of records for individuals found not dangerous during their initial proceedings.
Additionally, those previously deemed dangerous can petition for a review after 180 days to prove they are no longer a threat.
While this provision grants judges discretion in sealing records in such cases, Relford emphasized how impactful this step is for rights restoration.
Relford also addressed concerns from law enforcement, assuring that even sealed records would remain accessible to them when responding to calls.
He described the legislation as a balanced and common-sense solution that benefits both public safety and the rights of individuals.
“Dozens and dozens of my clients will now have the opportunity to clear their names,” Relford said. “This bill ensures that those who have been vindicated in court won’t have to carry the burden of a misplaced stigma for the rest of their lives.”
HEA 1137 represents a major victory for those affected by Indiana’s Red Flag law and reflects years of collaboration between legal advocates, legislators, and law enforcement.
For Relford, the change is a long-overdue step toward fairness and justice.
