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What Is Sealing Of Records In Ohio?
You have pleaded guilty or have been otherwise convicted of a criminal offense. You now want to have that conviction removed from your record for various reasons, such as job and rental applications, privacy, and to close that portion of your life. This is possible to do, depending on the type of crime, how long it has been since the conviction and other factors. However, it is important that you have counsel who is experienced in these nuisances to ensure that if eligible, your record is sealed.
General Facts About Sealing Of Records In Ohio.
Sealing your record in Ohio offers a significant opportunity to move forward without the burden of past convictions, arrests, or charges when applying for most jobs. Under Ohio law, a sealed record essentially means the offense is treated as if it never occurred, offering a clean slate. However, it is important to note that sealed records may still be accessible for certain employment sectors. The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation (BCI) maintains a confidential record of all sealed criminal records.
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Sealing Of Records
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Am I Eligible?
To qualify for record sealing, specific conditions must be met:
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A maximum of five felony convictions of the 4th or 5th degree and,
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An unlimited number of misdemeanor convictions and,
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No convictions for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd degree felonies (only a limited number of 3rd degree felonies can be sealed) and,
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No convictions for felony sex offenses and,
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No convictions for violent crimes, whether felony or misdemeanor.
OR
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No more than two misdemeanor convictions or,
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One misdemeanor conviction and one felony conviction.
It is important to note that not all convictions are eligible for sealing. This includes traffic and OVI/DUI offenses, serious violent crimes, most crimes involving children, most sex crimes, and 1st or 2nd-degree felonies. Additionally, prosecutors may object to sealing requests, and the final decision rests with the court. However, you can typically seal records of minor misdemeanors, dismissed cases, 'no bills,' and 'not guilty' verdicts, even if you don't meet the standard eligibility criteria.
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What Records Can Be Sealed?
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How Do I Start?
To initiate the process of sealing your criminal record, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of your entire criminal history. This includes all arrests, convictions, dismissals, nolles, and no bills. Start by gathering documents related to each of these records. You can obtain these records from the clerk of the court's office for each jurisdiction where you have a record, either in person, by phone, or via their website. Additionally, for a fee, you can request an Ohio BCI Webcheck through the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, with a complete list of locations available on the Ohio Attorney General’s website.
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Important Disclaimer
The information that you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls and emails. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until an attorney-client relationship has been established.