Does Ohio have a clean slate program?
Asked by: Roslyn Lowe Jr. | Last update: September 6, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (4 votes)
What is the Clean Slate Law in Ohio? Effective April 4, 2023, Senate Bill 288 was codified. This created significant changes in the sealing and expunging of criminal records in Ohio. This includes conviction records, not-guilty findings, bail forfeitures, and dismissed charges.
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 crimes cannot be pardoned in Ohio?
To be eligible to apply for an expedited pardon, you must have: No new felony and misdemeanor criminal convictions in the last ten years. No convictions for prohibited offenses including murder, attempted murder, rape, kidnapping, and domestic violence. Read the full list of prohibited offenses here.
How long after a felony can you get it expunged in Ohio?
Under Ohio law, after a conviction of a felony, a statutory waiting period of three years must have passed before one is actually eligible for to begin the expungement process. The clock does not start ticking when the conviction is recorded by the Court; however, it starts from the final date of discharge.
How much does it cost to expunge your record in Ohio?
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.
CleanSlate Ohio Review - Columbus, OH
What crimes Cannot be expunged 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 new Ohio expungement law?
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.
Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years 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.
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.
Can felons get gun rights back in Ohio?
The Ohio Revised Code details the process to re-acquire firearm rights. You can petition the Court to have your rights restored, and must demonstrate to the Court that you meet the requirements to have your rights restored. This restoration of firearm rights is not extended to all convictions.
Who is eligible for a pardon in Ohio?
Applicant Criteria
The person must have completed the sentence for the Ohio conviction(s) for which they are seeking a pardon at least 10 years ago. The person must not have committed any additional crimes in at least the past 10 years, including DUI and OVI which are considered criminal offenses.
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 of 2024?
The Clean Slate Act, launching by the end of 2024, will allow eligible individuals to have their criminal records sealed, promoting personal growth. To mark its rollout, I am hosting a Clean Slate Panel and Free Clinic on November 16, 2024 (12pm-5pm), at City College.
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.
What is the rule 69 in Ohio?
69. Process to enforce a judgment for the payment of money shall be a writ of execution, unless the court directs otherwise. The procedure on execution, in proceedings upplementary to and in aid of a judgment, and in proceedings on and in aid of execution shall be as provided by law.
What is the Terry v Ohio rule?
In June 1968, the United States Supreme Court affirmed the conviction and set a precedent that allows police officers to interrogate and frisk suspicious individuals without probable cause for an arrest, providing that the officer can articulate a reasonable basis for the stop and frisk.
What felonies can be expunged in Ohio?
Sealing of conviction record or bail forfeiture record. Application may be made at the expiration of 3 years after the offender's final discharge if convicted of 1 or 2 third degree felonies, or at the expiration of 1 year after the offender's final discharge if convicted of 1 or more fourth or fifth degree felonies.
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.
What states are felon friendly?
- California.
- Colorado.
- Kansas.
- Maryland.
- Massachusetts.
- Montana.
- Nevada.
- New Hampshire.
What state doesn't do background checks?
Wyoming: Known for its individualistic approach, Wyoming does not mandate background checks in many scenarios, offering employers more freedom but also more responsibility in their hiring decisions. Montana: This state takes a similar approach, placing the onus on employers to decide when and how to conduct checks.
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 288 law in Ohio?
Ohio criminal laws have been reformed by Senate Bill 288 which takes effect on April 4, 2023. This new law creates sweeping changes for the Sealing and Expunging of criminal records, including, conviction records, bail forfeitures, findings of not guilty, dismissed charges, and a No Bill issued by grand jury.
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 ...