Ohio Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Ohio?

Ohio uses sealing rather than full expungement for most convictions — the record is hidden from public access but not destroyed. Ohio significantly expanded eligibility in 2023 (HB 431), allowing more felony convictions to be sealed.

Non-Conviction Sealing (§ 2953.52)

If your case did not result in a conviction, you may seal the record immediately or after a short period:

• Charges dismissed or no billed by grand jury
• Acquittal (found not guilty)
• Intervention in lieu of conviction (ILC) completion
• Arrest with no charges filed — eligible after a waiting period

Conviction Sealing (§ 2953.32)

You may be eligible to seal a conviction if:

• The offense is a misdemeanor — after 1 year from final discharge
• The offense is a felony of the 3rd, 4th, or 5th degree (F3–F5) — after 3 years from final discharge
• The offense is a felony of the 1st or 2nd degree (F1–F2) — certain eligible offenses only, after 3 years
• You have been fully discharged from supervision (probation, parole, post-release control)
• You meet the limit on prior convictions (expanded under 2023 law)

Not eligible for sealing: Convictions for offenses of violence (as defined under RC 2901.01), certain sexually oriented offenses, first- or second-degree felony drug trafficking, and a few other categories. DUI/OVI convictions cannot be sealed.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear Your Record in Ohio

1. Obtain your criminal record — Request your Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) background check (~$22) to confirm conviction types and discharge dates.
2. File an application for sealing — File in the court of common pleas (felonies) or municipal/county court (misdemeanors) where you were convicted. Use the court's standard application form. Filing fee: typically $50–$300.
3. Court investigation period — After filing, the court conducts a 45-day investigation. The prosecutor's office may review and object.
4. Hearing — Ohio courts must hold a hearing on sealing applications. The judge considers: the nature of the offense, your rehabilitation, your interest in sealing vs. the government's interest in maintaining records.
5. Order issued — If granted, the court issues a sealing order. BCI, courts, and law enforcement seal their copies. The record will not appear on most background checks.

Waiting Periods

• Non-conviction records: Eligible immediately or within 60 days of final case disposition
• Misdemeanor convictions: 1 year after final discharge from supervision
• Felony convictions (F3–F5): 3 years after final discharge from supervision
• Felony convictions (F1–F2, eligible offenses): 3 years after final discharge

"Final discharge" means completion of all supervision, including probation, parole, and post-release control — not just the end of incarceration.

Costs

• BCI background check: ~$22 (to verify your record)
• Court filing fee: $50–$300 (varies by court; fee waiver available if indigent)
• Attorney fees: $500–$2,000 for most cases

Ohio legal aid organizations and law school clinics in Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati offer free sealing assistance for qualifying low-income individuals. Contact ohiolegalhelp.org to find help in your area.

What Record Clearing Does (and Doesn't) Do in Ohio

After a successful expungement or sealing in Ohio, your record will generally be cleared from:

• Most private employer background checks
• Rental housing background checks
• Most licensing board inquiries (varies by profession)

However, it typically does not affect:

• Federal law enforcement and immigration records
• Military background checks
• Applications for law enforcement positions
• Some professional licensing boards (law, medicine, teaching — varies by state)
• Sex offender registry requirements (in most cases)

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney in Ohio for advice specific to your situation.