How much does it cost to get a felony expunged in Ohio?
Asked by: Karlee Funk | Last update: August 13, 2025Score: 4.1/5 (28 votes)
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.
How hard is it to get a felony 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 get felonies expunged in Ohio?
It usually costs $50 to file a motion to expunge a conviction record. The cost may be higher in some courts. However, if you are a low-income person, you may file with a poverty affidavit and pay the costs later.
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 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.
📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps
Do felony charges ever go away?
Dismissed felony charges can usually be sealed or expunged right away. 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.
How often are felony charges dropped?
Regardless of the cause, around 25-30% of felony charges get dropped before trial, so there's a decent chance your case could get dismissed, too.
What is the second chance program for felons 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 convictions 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'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 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.
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 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)
How much does it cost to have your record expunged in Ohio?
If your request for expungement is granted and you have filed an Affidavit of Indigency, but the judge finds you are NOT indigent, sealing of your record will not take place until the $50.00 fee is paid.
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.
What type of felonies can be expunged?
In short, almost ALL of them! Absent special enumerated statutes that prevent you from filing for a set aside petition, even felonies and strikes are eligible.
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 to get a felony expunged in Ohio?
For a 'low-level' felony (fifth-degree felony and fourth-degree felony), an application for record sealing may be filed one year after the 'final discharge' of the case. For a 'mid-level' felony (third degree felony), an application for record sealing may be filed three years after the 'final discharge' of the case.
How do I get a felony waiver?
Providing strong documentation is crucial to the felony waiver process. You will need to provide documentation, such as: Court records and police reports. Proof of rehabilitation, such as counseling or community service.
What is the fresh start program in Ohio?
Ohio's Fresh Start deals with low level trafficking crimes which are also crimes of addiction. Ohio's Fresh Start increases the ability of Drug Courts, diversion programs, and other alternative dispositions to help those addicted without terminating them from the program.
How bad is a felony 2 in Ohio?
FELONY OF THE SECOND DEGREE
These crimes can include criminal gang participation or felonious assault. The maximum fine for an F-2 is $15,000, and the sentencing guidelines are between 2 and 8 years. Offenders are subject to five years of PRC. Repeat violent offenders may receive up to an additional ten years.
How to avoid a felony conviction?
The 5 most common ways to get a felony charge dropped are (1) to show a lack of probable cause, (2) to demonstrate a violation of your constitutional rights, (3) to accept a plea agreement, (4) to cooperate with law enforcement in another case, or (5) to enter a pretrial diversion program.
Do felony charges go away?
Felonies stay on your criminal record for the rest of your life. However, if you seek expungement, it is possible to clear your record of the offense.
What is the lowest felony charge?
As to federal felonies, Congress divided federal felonies into five categories: A, B, C, D, and E. Class E felonies are the lowest class federal felony.