Columbus Expungement Attorney

Helping Clients Erase Their Criminal Records in Ohio

If you've been convicted or arrested for a crime, then you may be able to get your record sealed or cleared so you are able to obtain gainful employment, get housing, pursue secondary education, and more.

The process is begun by filing an application with the court, specifying a particular conviction for possible expungement. The court will review and process the application, and then forward it to the Prosecutor's Office for review and response.

If you are intending to file for an expungement to clear your record, it is highly advised that you contact a Columbus expungement attorney right away. An attorney can provide you with assistance throughout the filing process that can greatly increase your chances of an outcome in which your expungement is granted.

Want a prior conviction or arrest expunged? Contact us online or call (614) 707-4239 to consult with our expungement attorney in Columbus! All initial consultations are confidential and free of charge.

What is Expungement?

Expungement in Ohio refers to the process of sealing a criminal record. When a record is sealed, it is not destroyed but is removed from public view. Most employers, landlords, and members of the public will no longer have access to it, allowing you to move forward without the burden of a criminal conviction limiting your opportunities.

Am I Eligible for Expungement?

Unfortunately, not all convictions are eligible for expunction. In Ohio there are "prohibited offenses" and these are not eligible for an expunction, such as:

• Any first, second, or third-degree felony
• Any offense which involves a mandatory prison term
• Any "violent" offense such as aggravated assault, sexual battery, rape, and domestic violence
• Any sexual offenses involving minors among others.

On October 29, 2018, Ohio passed new rules regarding expungement. Under these new laws, you can have an unlimited number of misdemeanors expunged and up to five felony convictions.

If you are not eligible for expungement under the new law, you still may be able to apply under the old one. The old law allows you to expunge a third-degree felony conviction, but in order to qualify you can have more than one felony and one misdemeanor conviction.

Am I Eligible To Get My Criminal Record Sealed?

Click the following link to see a guide to adult conviction sealing in Ohio:

https://ohiojpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Record-Sealing-Resource_Updated-April-21-2021.pdf

Can Anyone See My Criminal Record After It Is Expunged?

In many cases, when you apply for certain jobs, licenses, or housing, the person reviewing your application may look to see if you have a criminal record, and if they discover that you have one, they may choose not to hire you, or rent that apartment to you based on the information they find. However, once your record has been expunged, when you are asked about a criminal record, you can honestly say that you don't have one and you can ethically act as if an arrest and conviction never occurred. However, once your record is sealed, the following agencies still have access to your record:

• Law enforcement agencies
• Prosecutors
• Judges evaluating previous convictions when sentencing future crimes
• Jobs involving working with children or the elderly
• The majority of professional licensing boards
• The police
• Some real-estate and financial institutions

Keep in mind that if you commit another crime, then your sealed record can be used against you during sentencing.

Can A Felony Be Expunged?

The ability to expunge a felony conviction depends on the laws of the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred. Expungement laws vary widely by state and country, so it's essential to consult with a local attorney who is knowledgeable about the specific laws in your jurisdiction.

In some jurisdictions, certain felony convictions may be eligible for expungement under specific conditions. These conditions often include completing the terms of your sentence, such as probation or parole, paying fines, and maintaining a clean record for a certain period after completing your sentence. However, not all felony convictions are eligible for expungement, and the eligibility criteria can be strict.

Expungement can offer significant benefits, such as removing the conviction from your criminal record, which can improve your chances of employment, housing, and other opportunities. However, it's crucial to understand the limitations and requirements of expungement in your jurisdiction before pursuing it. An experienced attorney can assess your eligibility and guide you through the expungement process.