Record Sealing (Expungement)
Ohio law allows for one’s criminal record to be sealed from the public’s view in certain circumstances. Contact Hayes Law to discuss the specific details of your record and determine whether and when you are eligible for record sealing (expungement.)
At the expungement hearing, the court must weigh the State’s interests in having your record be available to the public against your interests in having your record sealed.
Waiting period for criminal record sealing and expungement in Ohio:
- Misdemeanor Conviction: Generally, you must wait for one year from the date your case is officially closed (i.e., once you serve your entire sentence and pay all fines and costs).
- Single Felony Conviction: three year waiting period from the date your case is officially closed.
- Two Felony Convictions: four year waiting period from the date your case is officially closed.
- Three, Four, or Five Felony convictions: Five-year waiting period from the date your case is officially closed.
You may apply for an expungement immediately if misdemeanor or felony charges are dismissed.
You are generally not permitted to have traffic convictions sealed from your record.