How long does expungement take in Ohio?
Asked by: Maribel Kozey | Last update: December 13, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (30 votes)
Although this is the most basic requirement, there are many other restrictions and exceptions. Because of this, the Public Defender cannot tell you right away if you are eligible for an expungement. From start to finish, the expungement process usually takes 6-8 months.
How do I know if my expungement is approved?
You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed. You can visit the courthouse in person, call them, or use an online search or contact tool (if available).
How much does it cost to get your 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.
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 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,
OH HB1 Changes the Eligibility for Expungement in Ohio
How long does it take for your record to clear after expungement in Ohio?
After BCI&I receive notification of the expunged record, their process to remove state records can take two to four months to complete.
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.
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.
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.
How can I get my record expunged for free in Ohio?
- Record Sealing or Expungement. ...
- Safe Harbor Expungement for survivors of human trafficking. ...
- A Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE). ...
- Ohio Governor's Expedited Pardon Project (OGEPP). ...
- 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 agencies can see expunged records?
- Criminal justice agencies (court administrative jobs, positions with juvenile court or state prisons, police officer jobs)
- Human service agencies (social work positions, probation officer positions, counselors)
- Department of Education (working in a public school)
What is the difference between expungement and sealing in Ohio?
In Ohio, record sealing is the removal of the case records from public records, and expungement is destruction of the records so the records are permanently irretrievable.
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.
Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?
Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.
Can a judge see a sealed record?
Courts can still access your sealed convictions and may count them for the purpose of sentence enhancement or for establishing the elements of a subsequent crime.
What qualifies for expungement in Ohio?
Qualifying for Expungement
To qualify for expungement, you need to meet all of the conditions described in Section 2953 of the Ohio Revised Code, including: The conviction you are trying to expunge is not one of the crimes precluded by law. You were not subject to a mandatory prison term for the conviction.
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.
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 do I know if my record is expunged?
Contact the Clerk of Court
Often, clerks maintain records of expungement orders. By providing your case number or other identifying information, the clerk can verify if the court has processed your expungement order.
How many times can you expunge your record?
There are no limits to how many times you can file a petition for a Section 1 expungement, and they may be filed even if the individual has previously filed for expungement of convictions.
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.
Does Ohio have a clean slate program?
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.
Can you reverse an expungement?
A Type of Dismissal
Instead, it is used to clear defendants' records after sentencing. In most states, an expungement would not be reversed because the defendant already served their sentence.