Expungement and Sealing

At Cohen Todd Criminal Defense, we understand that a criminal record can cast a long shadow over your life—impacting your job prospects, housing, education, and more. Fortunately, Ohio law provides pathways to clear your record through sealing or expungement, giving you the opportunity to move forward without being held back by past mistakes. Our experienced attorneys specialize in Ohio’s record relief laws and will guide you every step of the way to help you regain control of your future.

Ohio’s Revised Code §§ 2953.31–2953.36 outlines two main types of record relief: sealing and expungement. While these terms are often used interchangeably, there are important distinctions:

• Sealing a record means the criminal case is hidden from public view, but certain government agencies may still access it under specific circumstances, such as law enforcement or licensing boards.
• Expungement goes a step further by completely destroying the record, so it no longer exists in state files and cannot be accessed by anyone, including government entities.

Both options can significantly improve your ability to pass background checks and eliminate barriers to employment, housing, and education.

Common offenses eligible for sealing or expungement in Ohio include many misdemeanors, non-violent felonies, dismissed charges, and cases where charges were never filed or you were found not guilty. Examples include minor theft offenses, drug possession (under certain conditions), simple assault, disorderly conduct, and OVI charges with no fatalities. However, serious felonies, sex offenses, and certain violent crimes may not qualify, or require longer waiting periods before relief is available.

Waiting periods under Ohio law vary depending on the offense and outcome of your case. For many misdemeanors, you may petition to seal or expunge your record one year after the completion of your sentence—including probation, fines, and community service. For felony convictions, the waiting period is typically three years. If your case was dismissed or you were acquitted, you may file immediately or within a shorter time frame. These timelines are strictly enforced, making it crucial to consult with an attorney to ensure timely filing.

The petition filing process involves submitting a formal request to the court in the jurisdiction where your case was handled. We assist in preparing the petition, compiling all necessary documentation such as court records and proof of sentence completion, and notifying the prosecutor’s office, which has the opportunity to object. Often, a hearing will be scheduled where the judge will review the case before making a decision. Our attorneys provide full representation throughout this process, advocating for your petition’s approval and answering any questions the court may have.

Our team will carefully review your criminal history to determine eligibility and the best path forward. We handle the entire process—from gathering records and preparing petitions to representing you at court hearings—ensuring all legal criteria are met. We also advise clients on how sealing or expungement may affect important rights, such as firearm ownership and professional licenses, so you can make informed decisions.

If you have a criminal record in Ohio and want to explore whether sealing or expungement is right for you, contact us today for a confidential consultation. We’re committed to helping you clear your record and open the door to new opportunities.