Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Ohio?

Asked by: Mr. Carleton Bosco  |  Last update: December 18, 2025
Score: 5/5 (8 votes)

You must apply for records to be sealed/expunged, and the judge must hold a hearing. Even if your case is eligible, the judge does not have to grant the request for sealing and/or expungement. Accordingly, you may want representation by an attorney who has experience with record sealing/expungement.

How much does it cost to get record expunged in Ohio?

EXPUNGEMENT APPLICATION INFORMATION

A non-refundable $50 filing fee is to be paid at the Criminal Clerk's office at the time of application for expungement of a Conviction. No filing fee is required for Acquittals or Dismissals.

Can I file for expungement without a lawyer?

You can do it yourself, but it is better to hire a lawyer. You want it done right the first time, and the process can be confusing for laypeople. It's best to hire a professional to do the work for you.

How do you get your record expunged in the state of Ohio?

In Ohio, adult convictions generally cannot be “expunged” or completely erased from your record. Instead of expungement, Ohio uses a court process called “sealing a criminal record.” If your record is sealed, you do not have to disclose your conviction, arrest, or any charge against you when you apply for most jobs.

What is the new law for expungement in Ohio?

As of October 2023, Ohio law was expanded to allow for non-convictions (not guilty, dismissals, no bills) to be sealed AND expunged. Previously, only sealing was available. There are no exceptions to what non- conviction can be sealed, but there are exceptions to what non-conviction can be expunged.

📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps

39 related questions found

What crimes Cannot be expunged in Ohio?

Which Criminal Records Cannot Be Expunged and Sealed in Ohio?
  • Any first- or second-degree felony,
  • Any violent crime,
  • DUI/OVI,
  • Sexual battery,
  • Rape,
  • Sexual imposition,
  • Gross sexual imposition,
  • Domestic Violence,

What is the 7 year rule in Ohio?

The FCRA contains a seven-year lookback provision that prohibits CRAs from reporting certain information that is seven or more years old. CRAs are not allowed to report arrests not resulting in convictions, liens, collections, civil judgments, or bankruptcies that are at least seven years old.

Will my expunged record show up on a background check in Ohio?

In most cases, sealed/expunged records will not appear on background checks. This means it may be easier for you to apply for a job, professional license, get housing, apply to college or apply for credit. But there are exceptions when sealed records may be accessed by some employers or agencies.

What is the Clean Slate Act in Ohio?

The Clean Slate Initiative passes and implements laws that automatically clear eligible records for people who have completed their sentence and remained crime-free, and expands who is eligible for clearance.

What is the waiting period for expungement in Ohio?

There is a waiting period to file the application. For minor misdemeanor convictions, the waiting period is six months after the case's 'final discharge'. For all other misdemeanor convictions, the waiting period is one year after the case's 'final discharge'. For bail forfeitures, there is no waiting period.

What is the second chance law in Ohio?

The Second Chance Act of 2007 aims to reduce recidivism, rebuild ties between defendants/persons under supervision and their families, support evidence-based practices, protect the public, and assist in establishing a self-sustaining life.

Do felonies go away after 10 years?

In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison. You can face serious obstacles until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history.

What is the discovery rule in Ohio?

Discovery may be permitted by deposition upon oral examination or written questions; written interrogatories; production of documents or tangible things or permission to enter upon land or other property; and requests for admissions.

Who can see your record after expungement?

Also, certain government agencies will almost always have access to expunged records. Courts, law enforcement, prosecutors, and other criminal justice agencies can access expunged records for future criminal investigations and charging and sentencing decisions.

What's the difference between getting your record sealed and expunged?

Summary: Record sealing is only available for an adult arrest that did not result in a conviction, or most juvenile criminal records. Criminal record expungement is the only relief available if a conviction occurred, as an adult criminal conviction can never be sealed in California.

Can FBI see expunged records?

A Level 2 FBI Background Check

A Level 2 check will even uncover those sealed or expunged records – especially if they involve the mistreatment of children, the elderly, or the disabled.

How far back does Ohio go on a background check?

The Buckeye State adheres to the seven-year lookback period as established by the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act. This means that any liens, bankruptcies, collections, civil judgments, and arrests not resulting in convictions are reported up to seven years back in an applicant's history.

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years in the USA?

Many people mistakenly think that United States criminal records automatically clear after 7 years. This is inaccurate. However, after 5 to 10 years, you may be eligible for expungement, depending on state law. At that point, you can file a petition with the court to have your criminal record expunged.

What is the 183 day rule in Ohio?

The taxpayer has the burden of proof that they were not domiciled in Ohio for more than 183 days, and the individual may be asked to provide clear and convincing evidence to the contrary when they are moving their domicile.

How can I get my record expunged for free in Ohio?

The Second Chance Project provides free, direct legal services, expertise, and resources for:
  1. Record Sealing or Expungement. ...
  2. Safe Harbor Expungement for survivors of human trafficking. ...
  3. A Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE). ...
  4. Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project (OGEPP). ...
  5. Housing-Related Legal Needs.

What is the clean slate law in Ohio?

It is a legal process provided under Section 2953 of the Ohio Revised Code that allows one to have any and all references to a prior criminal conviction cleared and their court file sealed. The result of this process is as if you were never convicted of the crime.

What is the Fresh Start Act in Ohio?

As enacted by the 133rd General Assembly in HB 263, the Fresh Start Act prohibits any state licensing authority that licenses under Title XLVII or any Ohio Occupation or Professional License from refusing to issue to an individual an initial license to engage in any profession, occupation, or occupational activity ...

What is the Ohio Best evidence rule?

Ohio Rule of Evidence 1002 provides that, To prove the content of a writing, recording, or photograph, the original writing, recording, or photograph is required, except as otherwise provided in these rules or by statute enacted by the General Assembly not in conflict with a rule of the Supreme Court of Ohio.

What does rule 16 mean in court?

Upon a defendant's request, the government must disclose to the defendant the substance of any relevant oral statement made by the defendant, before or after arrest, in response to interrogation by a person the defendant knew was a government agent if the government intends to use the statement at trial.

Can anyone file for a motion of discovery?

If the parties are having a dispute, either party can file a motion with the court asking the judge to order the other side to respond to discovery requests or punish the other side for failing to respond to discovery requests or for making unreasonable discovery requests.