If you have an Ohio criminal record, you understand the various ways in which it can hold you back in life. You may experience difficulty getting a job, obtaining housing, applying for universities, and taking advantage of other major benefits.
How to Get Record Expunged in Ohio?
Fortunately, Ohio law allows many with criminal records to expunge (seal) their record, leave their past mistakes behind them for good and move on with life. If you qualify for Ohio expungement, it will be completely sealed from the public and in most cases, you can honestly say that you have not been convicted of a crime.
According to Ohio law, in order to be eligible for expungement, one of the following requirements need to be met:
One felony conviction
Two or fewer misdemeanor convictions
One felony and one misdemeanor conviction
Keep in mind, few felonies are eligible for expungement in Ohio. However, most of the assault, shoplifting, and drug offenses are eligible.
What Crimes Cannot Be Expunged in Ohio?
While most misdemeanors are eligible for expungement, the following misdemeanor crimes cannot be expunged:
First-degree misdemeanor convictions of a violent offense (however, the following first-degree misdemeanor crimes are still eligible: assault, riot, inciting to violence, or inducing panic).
First-degree misdemeanor convictions for an offense where the victim was under 18 years of age.
Convictions after October 10, 2007, for voyeurism, public indecency, prostitution-related crimes, disseminating matter harmful to juveniles, displaying matter harmful to juveniles, deception to obtain matter harmful to juveniles, or pandering obscenity.
- Bail forfeitures in a traffic case.
Felonies that are not eligible for expungement in Ohio include:
Subject to a mandatory prison term
First- and second-degree felonies
Convictions for sex crimes
Convictions for violent crimes
Convictions of an offense where the victim was under 18 years old
Motor vehicle offenses under O.R.C. 4507, 4510, 4511, and 4549
Bail forfeitures in a traffic case
If you are interested in having your Ohio criminal record expunged, request a free consultation with our Cleveland criminal defense attorney at Patituce & Associates today.
