What felonies cannot be expunged in Ohio?

Asked by: Lon Osinski  |  Last update: June 22, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (72 votes)

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,

What crimes are not eligible for expungement in Ohio?

Rape, sexual batter, corrupting a minor, gross sexual imposition, sexual imposition, obscenity involving a minor, pornography involving a minor, illegal use of a minor in pornography, and felonious sexual penetration are all convictions that cannot be expunged.

Do felonies go away after 7 years in Ohio?

Contrary to popular belief, a criminal record is not automatically sealed, expunged, nor does it disappear after a number of years. In fact, a felony will stay on one's record until an application for expungement is filed with the Court to expunge and/or seal a record.

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 much does it cost to expunge a felony 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.

Expunging a Felony Offense from your Criminal Record in Ohio - Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm

15 related questions found

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 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 is the second chance program for felons in Ohio?

The Second Chance Project provides free, direct legal services, expertise, and resources for: Record Sealing or Expungement. For Ohio convictions.

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 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.

How long do felonies show up on background checks in Ohio?

The Fair Credit Reporting Act

Requirements for commercial criminal record reporting agencies: Agencies can report convictions of any age. Agencies may not report arrests or other non conviction cases that are more than 7 years old. Agencies must insure that their information is correct, complete, and up to date.

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.

Will a felony show up on a background check after 10 years?

Under Cal. Civ. Code 1786.18(a)(7), California mandates that a conviction can't be reported when it's older than seven years. Arrests that didn't lead to convictions can't be reported regardless of how much time has elapsed.

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 ...

Can you expunge 2 felonies in Ohio?

Many people mistakenly believe that they can expunge their entire criminal history. However, a person is eligible for expungement who has not more than one felony conviction; not more than two misdemeanor convictions; or not more than one felony conviction and one misdemeanor conviction.

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 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.

Is Ohio a felon friendly state?

Ohio law deprives felons of many rights. However, only one of these restrictions continues after completing your possession of a firearm by convicted felon sentence. Felons have their voting and public office rights restored upon release.

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.

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 are not expungeable 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 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.

Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years in Ohio?

Ohio law contains a seven-year lookback provision that prohibits agencies from reporting certain information that is seven or more years old. Agencies are not allowed to report arrests not resulting in convictions, liens, collections, civil judgments, or bankruptcies that are at least seven years old.

How can I get my record expunged for free in Ohio?

Opportunity Port connects Ohio residents with free legal assistance to apply to seal or expunge an Ohio criminal record.