Joslyn Law Firm
501 S High St, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 444-1900
Suhre & Associates
300 W 4th St, Cincinnati, OH
Phone: (513) 496-3178
AJLJ Law
1220 W 6th St Suite 303, Cleveland, OH
Phone: (216) 736-8551
The Botnick Law Firm
20600 Chagrin Blvd #1100, Shaker Heights, OH
Phone: (216) 238-3552
Cuyahoga Criminal Defense
1444 W 25th St, Cleveland, OH
Phone: (216) 621-0794
Brandon Shroy
772 S Front St STE 200, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 601-1456
Gounaris Abboud
130 W 2nd St #2000, Dayton, OH
Phone: (937) 860-1758
Riddell Law
1335 Dublin Rd #220a, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 361-2804
Attorney Adam Burke
625 City Park Ave #200a, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 280-9122
Koffel Brininger Nesbitt
1801 Watermark Dr #350, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 360-1155
Luftman, Heck & Associates
150 E Mound St STE 300, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 304-3146
Probst Law Office
1207 Grandview Ave #201, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 232-8890
Brad Wolfe Law
1392 SOM Ctr Rd, Mayfield Heights, OH
Phone: (216) 815-6000
William B Norman
115 Lincoln Ave, Cleveland, OH
Phone: (216) 232-2558
Friedman Nemecek Long & Grant
1360 E 9th St #650, Cleveland, OH
Phone: (216) 928-7700
SRD Law Office
88 E Broad St Suite 1540, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 228-3413
O. Myers Law
190 N Union St #102, Akron, OH
Phone: (330) 612-7442
Jonathan Sinn
2151 S Arlington Rd, Akron, OH
Phone: (234) 255-6100
Rutan Law
336 S High St, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 307-4343
Blosser Law Office
765 S High St, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 542-1200
Bleile & Dawson
810 Sycamore St Floor 5, Cincinnati, OH
Phone: (513) 399-5945
Dominy Law Firm
7716 Rivers Edge Dr Suite B, Columbus, OH
Phone: (614) 717-1177
Ohio offers two different record clearing remedies. Sealing limits public access to a case while keeping a law enforcement and court footprint, and expungement permanently deletes eligible records under the changes that took effect in 2023. Waiting periods and offense limits vary by case type, and dismissals, not guilty findings, and no bills follow different rules than convictions. Many residents hire a lawyer to confirm eligibility, prepare the filings, and coordinate updates with the Bureau of Criminal Investigation so background checks reflect the court order.
Do I need a lawyer to expunge or seal a record in Ohio?
You are not required to hire a lawyer to apply for sealing or expungement in Ohio. Many people still retain counsel because eligibility rules and forms changed in 2023, and courts can deny a petition if parts are missing or if service is done incorrectly. A lawyer also appears in court if a hearing is set and helps make sure the Bureau of Criminal Investigation updates statewide records after the judge signs the order.
How much does it cost to file for record sealing or expungement in Ohio?
Filing fees are set by each court and often range from modest to a few hundred dollars depending on the county and the number of cases you file. Courts can waive fees for people who qualify based on income, and some counties provide self help instructions to reduce extra costs. Attorney fees are separate and depend on how many cases you have, whether certified records need to be gathered, and whether a hearing is required.
What changed in Ohio with Senate Bill 288?
Senate Bill 288 created a true expungement remedy for certain records and expanded eligibility for sealing, with major provisions effective April 4, 2023. It also reorganized sections of the Ohio Revised Code in Chapter 2953 and updated how pardons interact with sealing and expungement. Courts now apply new waiting periods and offense categories, so people who were ineligible before may qualify under the updated law.
What is the difference between sealing and expungement in Ohio?
Sealing restricts public access to a case and treats the record as confidential while allowing law enforcement, courts, and certain agencies to see it for limited purposes. Expungement permanently deletes eligible records and is stronger relief, but not every case that can be sealed can also be expunged. A careful review of offense level, prior history, and the specific statute is necessary before choosing the right filing path.
Which crimes are not eligible for expungement in Ohio?
Serious offenses remain excluded from expungement, and some are only sealable. Examples include most violent crimes, sex offenses, and crimes with mandatory registration or special victim protections. You should check the current text of Chapter 2953 and related sections to verify the exact exclusions that apply to your case type and conviction level.
How long does the Ohio expungement or sealing process take?
Simple cases with complete paperwork can move from filing to order in a few weeks, but many courts take a few months. Timelines stretch if certified records are missing, if service on the prosecutor or agencies is delayed, or if the court sets a hearing and calendars are crowded. Getting the criminal history report and having proof that fines and restitution are satisfied helps avoid slowdowns.
How many times can I apply for expungement or sealing in Ohio?
Ohio law places limits based on the number of convictions and their levels, but you can return to court when you become eligible under the statute. People who add new cases or finish waiting periods may qualify later even if an earlier petition was denied. It is important to track each case number and file in the correct court for that docket so orders are valid and can be enforced.
Can police and courts see a sealed or expunged record in Ohio?
Police, prosecutors, and courts can access sealed records for limited legal purposes such as future charging or sentencing. Expunged records are deleted, but agencies still act under the rules in Chapter 2953, and certain collateral laws continue to apply in narrow situations. Private background screeners and the general public should not see sealed or expunged cases in routine reports after orders are processed correctly.
Does an expungement restore firearm rights in Ohio?
Record clearing does not automatically restore firearm rights that were lost under separate laws. Restoration of rights is handled under different statutes and timelines, and a person may need to pursue a separate application or court order. A lawyer can map the expungement outcome to the firearms rules that apply to your conviction and waiting period.
How do I clear a dismissed charge in Ohio?
Dismissed cases, not guilty findings, and no bills can be sealed under a different section than convictions, and many qualify soon after the case ends. You still need to file, serve the prosecutor, and present the order to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation so statewide databases update. Keeping certified copies of the order helps if an employer or landlord asks for documentation later.
What is the Ohio Expedited Pardon Project?
The Governor’s Expedited Pardon Project connects qualified applicants with assistance and a faster review track for executive clemency. A pardon can make you eligible to seal or expunge certain records that would not clear otherwise. The project has an intake packet and specific participation criteria, and decisions remain at the Governor’s discretion after the Parole Board process.
Who can see my record after it is sealed or expunged?
After sealing, the public and most private screeners cannot see the record, but courts, law enforcement, and some licensing agencies still have access for limited uses. After expungement, the record is deleted under the statute, but follow up steps are still needed so agencies update their databases. Employers that run standard commercial checks usually cannot report sealed or expunged cases once the orders have been processed.
Will a sealed or expunged case still affect professional licensing?
Many boards are allowed to consider sealed records for a narrow set of licensing decisions, and responses must be truthful when a law requires disclosure. Expungement can remove the record, but separate licensing rules and federal checks may still apply in limited roles. Applicants should review the board’s statute and prepare documentation that shows rehabilitation and compliance with court orders.
What paperwork do I need to start an Ohio sealing or expungement case?
You will need the correct petition for your case type, certified copies of the judgment and sentence if required, and proof that fines and restitution are paid or on a plan. Many courts ask for a recent criminal history report from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Accurate service on the prosecutor and any listed agencies is critical so the judge can issue an order that can be executed statewide.
How do background checks update after a court grants relief?
Courts send the order to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and BCI updates the state repository. You or your lawyer can also submit the order with the BCI sealing and expungement request form so the identifiers match and delays are avoided. It is smart to request a new background report later to confirm that the case no longer appears in the public sections of the record.
Does time alone clear a conviction in Ohio?
No. Convictions remain until a court grants sealing or expungement, or until a pardon opens the door for additional relief. Waiting periods are part of eligibility, but you still need a court order that directs agencies to update their records.
Can a pardon erase my record in Ohio?
A pardon does not automatically delete the court file, but it can allow sealing or expungement under the current statute. People use a pardon to remove collateral barriers and then file to clear the public record. The process involves an application, investigation, and a decision by the Governor after a Parole Board review.
How do waiting periods work for Ohio expungement and sealing?
Waiting periods depend on offense level and the total number of convictions on your record. Non conviction outcomes have short or no waits, while felonies and some misdemeanors require more time after completion of sentence and payment of all financial obligations. If you have multiple cases, the clock can run differently on each one, so timing the filings can improve results.
Do I need to disclose a sealed or expunged case on job applications?
For most private employment and housing applications, you can answer no to questions about current convictions once your case is sealed or expunged. Some positions and licenses still require disclosure under specific laws, and honesty is important in those settings. Keeping a certified copy of your order helps you explain the legal status if a reviewer asks for proof.
What happens at an Ohio expungement hearing?
If a court schedules a hearing, the judge reviews your eligibility, any objection from the prosecutor, and your rehabilitation since the case. You may be asked about employment, education, and community work, and you can present letters or records that support your progress. If the judge grants the petition, the order is signed and sent to agencies for updates, and you should keep copies for your records.
Can traffic or OVI cases be expunged in Ohio?
Many traffic offenses are excluded from expungement, and OVI offenses have strict limits under Ohio law. Some companion charges may still be sealable, and dismissals follow different rules than convictions. A review of the exact charge and statute number is required before filing so you do not waste time on an ineligible request.
What if my case appears on a background check after an order is granted?
Ask for a copy of the report and compare it to your case numbers to confirm the match. Contact the reporting company and provide the court order, and follow up with the clerk and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation if the repository was not updated. Keep notes and timelines, because many companies will recheck and correct the file once they receive proof.
Where do I file my expungement or sealing petition in Ohio?
Petitions are filed in the court that handled the original case, which can be a municipal, county, or common pleas court depending on the charge. Each court has its own filing counter, forms, and local rules, and some courts publish detailed guides for pro se applicants. Getting the right venue from the start prevents rejections and keeps the process moving.
Official Sources
- Ohio Revised Code Chapter 2953
- Ohio Revised Code Section 2953.32
- Ohio Revised Code Section 2953.33
- Ohio Senate Bill 288
- Ohio Attorney General Bureau of Criminal Investigation
- Ohio Governor Expedited Pardon Project
- Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction Clemency
- Supreme Court of Ohio Adult Rights Restoration and Record Sealing Guide
- Hamilton County Clerk Self Help on Sealing and Expungement
- Ohio Attorney General Background Check