Ohio's New Expungement Law

On October 29th, 2018, Ohio's new expungement law became effective.  Technically this process is called sealing the record, because the record is removed from public view, but not completely destroyed.  Now, citizens with additional convictions, including multiple felony convictions, can apply to have his or her record sealed from public view.  It is recommended you contact us as soon as possible to avoid your record being collected into private databases, which cannot be expunged.

Ohio's New expungement law for convictions is found in Section 2953.32 of the Ohio Revised Code.   There are related sections which will also be reviewed in this article.

If your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may apply for an expungement immediately, regardless of the type of case.

Like the old law, a person convicted of one felony can apply after three years from completion of the sentence (including probation and the payment of fines, court costs, and restitution).

The new rules say that a person with two felony convictions can apply after four years from completion of the sentence (including probation and the payment of fines, court costs, and restitution)

Under Ohio's New Expungement Law, if convicted of three, four, or five felonies, the person must wait 5 years.

Another change under Ohio's new Expungement Law is that a person can apply to seal an unlimited number of misdemeanors, after waiting one year from the end of probation and the payment of fines, court costs, and restitution.  There are specific rules related to firearm offenses as well.   Contact us for more information or read the statute here.

The following cannot be expunged:

1. Convictions when the offender is subject to a mandatory prison term;
2. Sex offenses under section 2907.02, 2907.03, 2907.04, 2907.05, 2907.06, 2907.321, 2907.322, or 2907.323, or former section 2907.12
3. Traffic Offenses such as speeding, OVI, or reckless operation under Chapters 4507, 4510, 4511, or 4549 of the Revised Code (q.v.)
4. Offenses of Violence which are a misdemeanor of the first degree or a felony (except assault and limited exceptions apply)
5. Convictions on or after October 10, 2007, under section 2907.07 of the Revised Code (Importuning) or similar local laws
6. Other sex offenses or general offenses involving a minor as the victim
7. Convictions of a felony of the first or second degree
8. Multiple convictions of an identical offense

Contact us anytime for a free case evaluation, after determining you may be eligible.