What is the clean slate law in Ohio?
Asked by: Prof. Ansley Lynch Jr. | Last update: September 19, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (40 votes)
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 Cannot 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.
Does Ohio have a clean slate law?
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 is the Clean Slate Act of 2024?
The Clean Slate Act, launching by the end of 2024, will allow eligible individuals to have their criminal records sealed, promoting personal growth. To mark its rollout, I am hosting a Clean Slate Panel and Free Clinic on November 16, 2024 (12pm-5pm), at City College.
How long after a felony can you get it 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.
'Clean Slate Act' signed into law to help non-violent offenders
Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years 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.
How much does it cost to get felonies 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.
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 is the clean slate rule?
The clean-slate rule is a legal doctrine in criminal procedure that allows for the retrial of a defendant who appealed and obtained a reversal of an earlier conviction. This means that the double-jeopardy prohibition, which prevents a person from being tried twice for the same crime, does not apply in this situation.
How long does a felony stay on record?
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.
What is the new Ohio expungement law?
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 states have clean slate?
Currently, 12 states have enacted some form of Clean Slate Law: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware , Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Oklahoma, Utah and Virginia.
Can a judge see an expunged record?
If you are arrested again for another crime, law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the criminal court may still be able to see your expunged records. The court can use your prior conviction against you as allowed by state and federal law.
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.
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.
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.
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 does clean slate work?
CSI's Mission. 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 convictions can stop you from getting a job?
Theft/Shoplifting – Any conviction involving an element of dishonesty or stealing is a huge red flag for employers. They may worry you could steal from the company. Drug Possession – Even a minor marijuana possession charge can disqualify you from many jobs, especially those involving operating vehicles or machinery.
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 backpack law in Ohio?
The bill's Backpack Scholarship Program would make all public, nonpublic, and homeschool students in grades K-12 eligible for a state scholarship that would be funded through an education savings account (ESA) to go to a participating nonpublic school or receive home schooling.
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 long does a felony stay on your record in Ohio?
To seal a fourth- or fifth-degree felony, you must wait 12 months; to seal a third-degree felony, you must wait 36 months if it is the only one on your criminal record. To expunge felonies of these degrees, you must wait 120 months (10 years) after the record is successfully sealed.
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)
Do you need a lawyer for expungement 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.