Sealing an Ohio Record
Sealing and Expungement Lawyers
The legal process to remove criminal convictions from your record is called “Sealing of Record of Conviction.” Many people are confused because this process is also commonly referred to in Ohio as Expungement. Technically the correct term in Ohio is Sealing of Record, but the terms Sealing and Expungement basically mean the same thing in Ohio courts. Sealing an Ohio Record is not just limited to sealing convictions. Criminal records of a dismissed charge, no-bill charge, acquittal of charge, bail forfeitures, and juvenile charges can be sealed in Ohio.
There are many benefits to having a criminal record sealed in Ohio. In this day and age, background checks are routine. When applying for some jobs, apartments, student loans, licenses, business loans, etc. …, those reviewing your application will likely see your past criminal record. A sealing of your record allows you to have any and all public references to your prior criminal conviction cleared and you court file sealed. Once your record has been sealed, Ohio Sealing Statute states that the old criminal record should be treated as if it never occurred. For many people, the most valuable benefit of Sealing a Record is being able to reply “no” when asked by a potential employer if you have ever been convicted of a crime.
The Ohio law that controls Sealing of Record /Expungement is Section 2953 of the Ohio Revised Code. The process of Sealing of a Criminal Record in Ohio, the O.R.C. 2953.31 provides that an “Eligible Offender” may apply to the sentencing Ohio court for the sealing of their criminal record. “Eligible offender” is defined as a person who “has not more than one felony conviction, not more than two misdemeanor convictions if the convictions are not of the same offense, or not more than one felony conviction and one misdemeanor conviction in this state or any other jurisdiction.” There are waiting periods for an expungement which differ depending on if the record is for a felony, misdemeanor, dismissed charge, or acquittal. Not all crimes can be sealed or expunged from your record. Ohio law and case law establish which offenses are eligible for expungement.
Recently, there have been some major changes to Ohio Record Sealing Law. Ohio Sealing of Record laws were expanded under Senate Bill 337. The new Ohio Sealing Statutes expand who can seal their records and what charges can be sealed. As a result, more people are eligible for sealing of record, and more charges can be sealed than under the previous Sealing of Record Statute. Further, if a person had been denied under the old law as ineligible, they may now be eligible for sealing of their record under Ohio’s new Sealing Statute.
If you want to be assured of success in a sealing your criminal record, it is important that you speak with an experienced Ohio lawyer that knows the laws for Sealing of Records so they can accurately advise and guide you through the process. Sealing a record of a criminal conviction is an excellent way to put the past behind you and close a chapter on a past mistake. Sealing of Record provides a fresh start, piece of mind and the opportunity to pursue career opportunities that may not have been available with a criminal record.
Record Sealing Lawyers – Contact us for a Free Consultation
Our law firm has been in business and located in central Ohio since 1988. We know Ohio laws related to Sealing of Criminal Record and Expungement. As trial attorneys and former prosecutors, we have the knowledge and experience to have your criminal record sealed. We handle cases in all 88 counties of Ohio.
Contact our Ohio law firm for a confidential and free consultation. Our law firm emphasizes expungement and sealing of criminal records in Ohio.
