Employment Opportunities
Most employers conduct background checks. A sealed record means your past mistakes won't disqualify you from jobs you've earned.
Housing Access
Landlords routinely screen for criminal history. Sealing your record opens doors to housing options that were previously closed.
Peace of Mind
Knowing your record is sealed lets you move through life without the fear of your past surfacing at the worst moments.
The Process
How Ohio Expungement Works
Free Eligibility Review
We review your record, the charges, and your circumstances to determine if you qualify for expungement under Ohio law.
File the Petition
We prepare and file all required paperwork with the appropriate Ohio court on your behalf.
Attend the Hearing
We represent you at the expungement hearing and present the strongest possible case to the judge.
Record Sealed
Once granted, your record is sealed from most public background checks, giving you a genuine fresh start.
Eligibility
What Can Be Sealed in Ohio?
Ohio's expungement laws have expanded in recent years. Many felonies and misdemeanors are now eligible for sealing after certain waiting periods. Even some low-level felonies that were once permanently on your record may now qualify.
The waiting period depends on the type of offense: typically 1 year after a misdemeanor conviction and 3 years after a felony conviction. Arrests that didn't result in conviction can often be sealed immediately.
Services We Provide
Expungement FAQs
Who is eligible for expungement in Ohio?
Eligibility depends on the type of offense, the number of prior convictions, and the waiting period. First-time offenders and those with limited criminal histories have the best chances. We offer free eligibility reviews.
How long does the expungement process take in Ohio?
Typically 60–90 days after filing. The court must schedule a hearing and notify prosecutors, who have the right to object.
What is the difference between expungement and sealing?
Ohio uses 'sealing' more commonly — sealed records are hidden from public view but not destroyed. For most purposes, a sealed record functions like an expunged one.
What charges cannot be expunged in Ohio?
Certain charges are ineligible, including most violent felonies, domestic violence convictions, sex offenses requiring registration, and OVI convictions. We'll tell you exactly what is and isn't eligible.
Will employers still see a sealed record?
Most private employers and landlords will not. However, law enforcement, some government agencies, and certain licensed professions may still access sealed records.