Do I need a lawyer to expunge my record in Ohio?

Yes. If having your record sealed and expunged is important to you, and you want it done right, you should have a lawyer represent you through the legal process and at court. An application to the court for a sealing and expungement of record requires drafting and filing a legal motion.

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

Ohio does not offer expungement. Instead, Ohio allows for the sealing of arrests, misdemeanor and felony convictions. Upon expungement, the criminal records are sealed from public view, and will only be available to a few select organizations (i.e. the government).

Should I hire a lawyer for expungement?

If your criminal record is eligible for expungement, you might not need to hire an attorney to complete the process. In more complex situations, you will need the assistance of a qualified criminal law attorney.

What felonies Cannot be expunged 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.

How much does it cost to expunge a record in Ohio?

The filing fee for record sealing is $50; however, there is no fee if all of the charges in the case have been dismissed, acquitted, no billed, nolled, ignored or otherwise eliminated.

Does expungement restore gun rights in Ohio?

It can also restore gun rights and even allow you to get a Concealed Handgun License (“CCW”). Barney DeBrosse’s expungement attorneys have worked to seal records all over the city of Columbus and state of Ohio. Even if you have been previously told you were not eligible to seal the record, you may now be eligible.

How much does it cost to get a record expunged in Ohio?

You need to fill out two forms which are the Application for Sealing of a Criminal Record Pursuant to ORC 2953.32_ and “Judgment Entry for Sealing.” It is a $50 fee to have your records sealed which you must pay.

How long does a felony stay on your record in Ohio?

Felony Convictions

What crimes can be expunged?

These generally include murder, serious violent crimes, and sex crimes involving children. In many cases, there is a waiting period to expunge a conviction. There may be other requirements, as well. In most states, if a felony is expunged, it will be sealed from public view.

How much does it cost to have your record expunged in Ohio?

How do I get a felony off my record in Ohio?

For felony offenses, you make an application to the Court of Common Pleas in the county where your conviction occurred. Each Ohio Court has its own rules and procedures for making and filing an application for expungement.

Are there any changes to the expungement law in Ohio?

In October of 2018, many new changes were made to expand expungement opportunities for those convicted of felonies or misdemeanors in Ohio. What is “Expunging” or “Sealing” Records in Ohio?

What happens to sealed criminal records in Ohio?

In Ohio, the terms “sealing” and “expunging” adult criminal records are often used interchangeably. When a record is sealed, it is no longer available to the public through a public records search or records request. However, it is not completely destroyed.

When to apply for an expungement of a felony?

A combination of Felony and Misdemeanor Convictions: You may also be eligible to apply for expungement if you have a combination of one felony conviction and one or two misdemeanor convictions. How the Court determines the number of convictions for each case can be complicated.

Can a criminal record be expunged for an adult?

For adults, there are limited cases where a criminal conviction can be completely expunged, but usually, a record is sealed. Complete expungement is currently available for juvenile records.