Can a Drug/Marijuana Trafficking Conviction Be Expunged?

YES, most Drug Trafficking and Marijuana Trafficking records can be sealed under Ohio’s Record Sealing and Expungement Law. Ohio has a broad definition of drug trafficking, including selling, intent to sell, offering for sale, transporting, shipping, delivery, cultivating, manufacturing, or distributing marijuana or drugs. As a result, many people are caught up in arrest for these trafficking offenses and are left with a criminal record. A drug trafficking conviction leaves a permanent criminal record available to employers and the public, but an expungement can clear the record and offer a fresh start to life. Certain high-level Aggravated Drug Trafficking convictions are not eligible for expungement depending on the degree of felony offense or conduct involved.

Long Term Consequences of a Trafficking Record

Following a conviction, the sentence of the court may have been painful, expensive, and the community control a real hassle. It does not stop there; the drug trafficking conviction can haunt you for the rest of your life. You will lose your driver’s license, and if you have a professional license, it is typically suspended or revoked. Many people don’t know the long-term impact of their charges until later. A drug trafficking record can destroy your reputation and limit many opportunities. The impact of these convictions can make it very hard to find employment, being admitted to colleges or universities, renting an apartment, getting a bank to approve a loan, or even getting a professional license. There are other everyday consequences to a drug trafficking conviction, such as its negative impact on child custody matters, adoption, immigration, or receiving government benefits.

Drug Trafficking Penalties Based Drug Type and Conduct

Most drug trafficking charges are serious Felony offenses ranging from the most serious charges of Felony 1^st Degree which can include a sentence of 11 years in prison and $20,000 fine. The lowest degree Felony Trafficking is a 5^th Degree Felony, which can have a sentence of up to 12 months in prison and $2,500 fine. Trafficking is charged as a Felony of the 5^th, 4^th, 3^rd, 2^nd, or 1^st degree based in part on what type of drug is involved in the trafficking offense. Ohio drug schedules rate the danger of drugs with the most dangerous drugs rated as Schedule I Drugs, such as LSD and GJB. The Schedule of the danger decreases in descending order.

Schedule II Drugs include cocaine, opium, methadone, and amphetamines.
Schedule III Drugs include codeine, hydrocodone, ketamine, testosterone, and steroids.
Schedule IV Drugs in include sedatives, tranquilizers, and similar drugs.
Schedule V Drugs can include prescription and over-the-counter medication, such as codeine.

Recent Victories in Expungement of Drug Trafficking Convictions

We have been representing people in expungement cases for over 30 years, and we have successfully helped many people have their drug trafficking convictions sealed and expunged. Some of these cases have been simple cases while others are more complex and involve multiple trafficking convictions.

Here are a few examples:

A girl in a bad relationship helped her boyfriend deliver drugs to his friends.
A client flies his private plane from California to Cincinnati agrees to deliver a package to Ohio for a fee.
A college student agreed to help his friend sell marijuana and molly to help make extra money.
A client agreed to provide a party with some pills and weed.
A student turned undercover informant, asked his friend/our client if he could help locate someone he could buy drugs from.
A client joins a friend to help make meth and is charged as part of a larger drug bust.
A person became addicted and began selling marijuana and drugs to support their habit.

All these people were good people that learned their lessons and wanted to move on with their lives, but their trafficking record kept holding them back. They were convicted earlier in their lives when they were younger and were still suffering the effects of their record. When they had background checks for job applications, schools, or applying to rent an apartment, they were denied because their old drug trafficking conviction was still showing up. If they could get a job, it was only a low-paying or seasonal work. Some had good work experience or a college degree, but they were stuck. They realized they needed a fresh start and contacted our law firm about an expungement.

What Changed When Ohio Legalized Marijuana?

In 2025, Ohio legalized limited adult-use marijuana possession for individuals age 21 and older. Adults may legally possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use under Ohio law. However, legalization did not eliminate all marijuana-related crimes.

Selling marijuana without a state license, possessing quantities over the legal limits, transporting marijuana for sale, or distributing marijuana to others can still result in criminal charges. These offenses may still be prosecuted as marijuana trafficking or drug trafficking under Ohio law.

Because marijuana laws have changed over time, many people have older marijuana-related convictions from years before legalization. Even today, some individuals are charged with trafficking offenses when the amount involved exceeds the legal possession limits or when authorities believe there was an intent to sell.

If you have an older marijuana trafficking or drug trafficking conviction, record sealing or expungement may allow you to clear the record and move forward with your life.

Experienced Ohio Expungement and Record Sealing Attorney

Our firm has over 30 years of success stories in obtaining expungements for our clients. Put the past behind you and close a chapter on an old mistake by expunging and sealing your old drug trafficking record. Our Ohio law firm has been in business since 1988 and we handle expungement cases in all Ohio Counties. For a confidential free expungement consultation, contact us today.

FAQ for Drug Trafficking Expungement

Can a drug trafficking conviction be sealed in Ohio?

Yes. Many drug trafficking and marijuana trafficking convictions may qualify for record sealing under Ohio law, depending on the level of the offense and a person’s criminal history. Ohio Expungement Law helps individuals determine whether their trafficking conviction is eligible for sealing or expungement.

What is considered drug trafficking in Ohio?

Drug trafficking in Ohio includes selling, offering to sell, transporting, delivering, manufacturing, cultivating, or distributing controlled substances. Even offering to sell drugs can result in a trafficking charge under Ohio law.

Are all drug trafficking convictions eligible for expungement in Ohio?

No. Some higher-level aggravated trafficking convictions may not qualify for expungement or record sealing. Eligibility often depends on the degree of felony and the circumstances of the case.

How long do I have to wait to seal a drug trafficking conviction in Ohio?

The waiting period depends on the level of the conviction and the number of offenses on your record. In many cases, eligibility begins after you have completed your sentence and reached final discharge, meaning all fines, probation, and court requirements have been satisfied.

Will a drug trafficking conviction appear on background checks?

Yes. A trafficking conviction can appear on criminal background checks used by employers, landlords, schools, and licensing agencies unless the record is sealed or expunged.

Can Ohio Expungement Law help clear a drug trafficking conviction?

Yes. Ohio Expungement Law focuses exclusively on record sealing and expungement cases across Ohio. The firm helps individuals determine eligibility, prepare court filings, and pursue the removal of drug trafficking convictions from public records.