How much does it cost to expunge your record in Ohio?
Asked by: Dr. Janick Schmeler PhD | Last update: April 20, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (32 votes)
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.
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.
Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Ohio?
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 long does it take to get your record expunged in Ohio?
From start to finish, the expungement process usually takes 6-8 months. Instructions: Step One: Fill out the attached forms. Step Two: Return these forms to the Public Defender's Office in person, by mail or email pdgeneral@cuyahogacounty.us.
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 TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
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.
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.
How to clear a criminal background check?
There are two ways to have your criminal record cleared: having the criminal record sealed or getting the records expunged. Reputable California attorneys will provide their clients with legal advice to help them determine what is the best way to clear criminal records.
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 crimes are not expungeable in Ohio?
- Any first- or second-degree felony,
- Any violent crime,
- DUI/OVI,
- Sexual battery,
- Rape,
- Sexual imposition,
- Gross sexual imposition,
- Domestic Violence,
How many times can you have your record expunged?
As a general rule, you can have two convictions expunged (one felony and one misdemeanor or two misdemeanors). Minor misdemeanors don't count when counting your convictions (charges that didn't carry any jail time). There are some limited situations where you can have more than two convictions expunged.
Does expungement restore gun rights in Ohio?
Some types of convictions in Ohio, like felony drug convictions, can lead to your firearm rights being restricted. One way to demonstrate to the court that you have returned to a law-abiding life is to have prior convictions sealed or expunged.
Who is eligible for expungement in Ohio?
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.
Can local police see 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 Second Chance Act in Ohio?
The Second Chance Act authorizes "providing necessary services to individuals...in a manner that does not confer luxuries, privileges or is construed as creating an entitlement to the assistance or services authorized."
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.
How to find out if your criminal record has been expunged?
You can contact the court that issued the expungement order to determine if your records have been successfully expunged or sealed.
How do I know if my background check is clean?
If you want to know whether you passed your check, you can either reach out to the employer who requested it or reach out to the background check company itself. Ultimately, you can fight for yourself, especially if you fail your background record check.
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.
Can an employer see a sealed record?
Who will be able to see my sealed records? All official records and papers relating to your arrests, prosecutions, and convictions on file with the Division of Criminal Justice Services (“DCJS”) or any court will be sealed and will not be available to most people, employers, and agencies.
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.
What is the difference between expungement and sealing in Ohio?
Generally, sealing a criminal record means concealing it from the public, but it can be re-opened through a court order. Expungement means total removal or destruction of the file. However, the Ohio Revised Code only makes provision for sealing of records.
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.
What charges can not be expunged in Ohio?
The three convictions that are part of a lifelong record include rape, murder, and aggravated murder. In addition, if you were convicted of a crime for which you were required to serve mandatory jail time, regardless of the crime, this conviction cannot be expunged.