Who can see an expunged record in Ohio?
Asked by: Mr. Toney Fisher II | Last update: July 7, 2026Score: 4.2/5 (60 votes)
Under Ohio law, truly expunged records are permanently destroyed and made unavailable to almost everyone, with one specific exception. However, the terms "expungement" and "record sealing" are often used interchangeably; sealed records are not destroyed, and limited parties can continue to view them.
Who can see expunged records in Ohio?
Can anyone see my sealed/expunged criminal record? Most employers, landlords, etc., are not allowed access to expunged records. But under limited circumstance, there are some exceptions for police; clerk of courts; or Ohio Bureau of Identification and Investigation, and certain state licensing agencies.
Who can see my expunged records?
Police and other law enforcement agencies can access an expunged record only for certain purposes, such as if you apply for a law enforcement job or certification. In fact, if you seek employment as a police officer or similar role, you are required to disclose expunged convictions during the background process.
How long does it take for your record to clear after expungement in Ohio?
In Ohio, the entire expungement process typically takes 3 to 8 months from filing to final clearance, though official sealing of the record usually occurs within 2 to 4 months after the judge signs the order. While court records are destroyed quickly, private background check companies may take up to a year to update their databases, often prompting applicants to use services for faster removal.
How to see if an expungement went through?
How Can You Confirm With Courts and Law Enforcement? 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).
Expunging a Misdemeanor Offense from your Criminal Record in Ohio - Joslyn Criminal Defense Law Firm
Which is better, seal or expunge?
🔎 The Core Difference (Plain English) Sealing hides a criminal record from public view. The record still exists but becomes confidential. Expungement destroys the record held by most agencies, with a limited confidential copy retained by FDLE.
Are you still a felon after 20 years?
No, felony convictions do not automatically disappear after any time period. They remain permanently on your criminal record unless you successfully petition for expungement, sealing, or receive a pardon. The seven-year rule applies only to certain employment reporting restrictions, not record existence.
What is the new expungement law in Ohio?
Under the new laws, a person may be eligible to have their criminal conviction sealed or expunged so long as the conviction is not for an offense that is prohibited from sealing and the applicant has waited the proper length of time. A non-conviction (dismissal, no bill, etc.)
What cannot be expunged in Ohio?
In Ohio, convictions that cannot be expunged generally include first- and second-degree felonies, most violent crimes, sex offenses requiring registration, OVI/DUI, and domestic violence. Crimes involving victims under 13, specific offenses involving minors (e.g., child pornography), and most traffic violations are also ineligible.
How many times can you expunge your record in Ohio?
Beginning October 29, 2018, under Ohio law, a person can expunge up to five felonies (as long as they are not first, second, or third-degree felonies, sex offenses, or offenses of violence), and an unlimited number of misdemeanors or minor misdemeanors (as long as they are not OVI/DUI or sex offenses).
Why does my record still show after expungement?
One of the most common reasons is data mining by private companies. These companies collect public records from courthouses while a case is still pending — before an expungement can be filed. Even when the court officially expunges your case, the update is not automatically shared with these third-party databases.
Can I view someone else's record?
How to Access Public Criminal Records. If you want to find information about someone's criminal history, you have several ways to do this. County courts keep court records of criminal cases, and many now let you search online. You usually need to enter the person's name and birth date to find the right records.
Can you pass a level 2 background check with a felony?
What causes you to fail a level 2 background check? You can fail due to certain disqualifying offenses like sexual crimes, violent felonies, child abuse, drug trafficking, or providing false information on your application.
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 second chance program for felons in Ohio?
A felony record can make it harder to obtain work, housing and licenses. Because of that, you may look for a second chance after a conviction. In Ohio, that phrase often refers to reentry support and legal relief, not one single program. Some options focus on job readiness and community support.
What employers can see expunged records?
Government employers: Certain agencies, such as the Department of Children and Families or law enforcement agencies, may review expunged records during the hiring process.
How long does it take to get a record expunged in Ohio?
Expungement in Ohio typically takes 6–8 months from filing the application to finalization, including court processing and hearings. Waiting periods before applying vary: 6 months for minor misdemeanors, 1 year for misdemeanors, and 1–3 years for eligible felonies after final discharge.
What records can't 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 get something expunged off your record in Ohio?
To expunge or seal a record in Ohio, you must meet eligibility criteria based on conviction level, wait the required time (6 months to 10+ years), and file an application in the county where the case occurred. Common eligibility includes one felony or two misdemeanors, but major violent crimes, domestic violence, and some sexual offenses are ineligible.
What crimes are not expungeable in Ohio?
In Ohio, convictions that cannot be expunged generally include first- and second-degree felonies, most violent crimes, sex offenses requiring registration, OVI/DUI, and domestic violence. Crimes involving victims under 13, specific offenses involving minors (e.g., child pornography), and most traffic violations are also ineligible.
What is better, expungement or sealing?
The key difference between expunging a person's criminal record and sealing it is that a sealed record still “exists” in both a legal and physical sense, while expungement results in the deletion of any record that an arrest or criminal charge ever occurred.
Can a convicted felon get clear?
You can ask to have your felony conviction dismissed if both: You have no new cases pending. You are not on probation or parole in any case.
Can a felon get a passport?
A passport is a federal ID, and some convictions or unresolved legal issues can affect approval. Many felons can still qualify if they've completed their sentence, probation, or parole, have no active warrants, and have resolved fines or child-support obligations.
Do I have to disclose a felony after 7 years in Ohio?
In Ohio, a felony conviction never automatically falls off your record after 7 years. Employers and licensing boards can ask about and legally view felony convictions of any age. However, you only need to disclose it if specifically asked.
Can I go to Canada if I had a felony 20 years ago?
Yes, you may be able to enter Canada 20 years after a felony conviction, but it is not automatic. While you might be "deemed rehabilitated" after 10+ years (if the offense was not severe), Canada border officials can still deny entry based on the conviction, regardless of how long ago it occurred.