How long does it take for your record to clear after expungement in Ohio?

Asked by: Luella Swift  |  Last update: May 10, 2025
Score: 4.4/5 (10 votes)

Typically, once the FBI receives certification of the record sealing from Ohio BCI&I, they will note that the record has been expunged and sealed but it will take approximately 30 days for them to complete their process. Expungement and sealing of a record should be pursued as soon as a person is eligible.

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.

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 long does expungement take in Ohio?

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.

What is the new expungement law 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.

How Long Does an Expungement Take?

28 related questions found

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.

Can you buy a gun after expungement in Ohio?

Expunging a conviction does not guarantee a restoration of firearm rights, but can help influence the court to approve an application to restore someone's right to own a firearm.

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,

How much does it cost to expunge a record in Ohio?

How much does it cost to seal or expunge a case? There is no fee for non-convictions. There is a $50 non-refundable fee for convictions. Under the Revised Code, an applicant may request to have the records of more than one case in a single application.

What is the difference between expunged and sealed in Ohio?

However, most criminal records in Ohio can be sealed or expunged. 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.

Will an expunged record show up on a federal background check?

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.

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.

Do expunged records show up on nics?

Expungement does not remove your case from this federal database. That means anyone who is able to run your fingerprints through the NCIC database could still find your expunged criminal record.

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 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.

Can the USPS see expunged records?

In instances where a criminal conviction is set aside, vacated, or annulled, expunged, or sealed pursuant to state or court order, the conviction may not serve as a basis for the disqualification of the applicant. Further, no inquiry may be made, either oral or written, directly or indirectly, into that conviction.

Who can see my expunged record in Ohio?

Who Can See Sealed Criminal Records in Ohio. Usually, law enforcement agencies are allowed access to sealed records. The records will help those agencies in future investigations. Other times, sealed records are used as a reference for future sentences.

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 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.

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 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.

What kind of felonies can be expunged?

California Law

For example, in California, felony convictions can only be expunged if: no time was served in state prison, felony probation was successfully completed, and. you are not currently facing criminal charges, on probation, or serving another sentence.

Can a felon own a gun after 10 years in Ohio?

Generally speaking, a convicted felon does not have the right to bear arms in Ohio unless they have their gun rights restored. In other words, most people with felony convictions in Ohio cannot possess firearms.

How far back does a gun background check go in Ohio?

How far back do background checks in Ohio go? There are generally no Ohio state laws restricting how far a background check can go.

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.