Having an Ohio criminal record—even for a non-conviction—can make it difficult to put the past behind you. When applying for jobs, housing, loans, or licenses, a clean record might make the difference between achieving success and continuing to be held back by a prior mistake.
Sealing a criminal record makes your arrests and convictions invisible to the general public. In most cases, a sealed record will not show up on background checks, and is treated as though it doesn’t exist. After getting a record sealed, you may honestly mark “No” on an application that asks whether you’ve been convicted of a crime.
Graham Law’s criminal defense lawyers recommend getting your record sealed if you qualify. We can successfully guide you through the process and help remove the barriers and stigma associated with a criminal record.
What Records Are Eligible to Be Sealed?
Convictions, non-convictions, and arrest records can be sealed in Ohio. Non-conviction records include cases that were dismissed, Grand Jury cases that were not sent to trial, and cases in which you were found not guilty.
Felony and misdemeanor convictions are eligible to be sealed, but Ohio law prohibits some types of offenses from being sealed. They include first and second degree felonies, which include violent offenses such as homicide, assault, kidnapping, and robbery, sexual offenses, and traffic cases like OVI/DUI.
How Do I Have My Criminal Record Sealed?
You can apply to have a misdemeanor conviction sealed one year after the case is discharged, and a felony conviction three years after it is discharged. The final discharge of sentence occurs when you meet all obligations stemming from the case, including fines, court costs, community service, probation, and jail or prison sentence.
To apply for criminal record sealing, you must file a Motion to each court where you were sentenced. The attorneys at Graham Law can guide you through the process.
Record Sealing Lawyers Serving Ohio Since 1923
Criminal record sealing is an opportunity for a fresh start. It can keep a conviction out of public view and open doors previously closed to you.
Graham Law understands what’s at stake in a record sealing case. We believe in second chances, and want to help you get yours. If the process seems too confusing or intimidating, or if the court wrongfully denied your application, our attorneys can help. Call 740-454-8585 or contact us for a free case review.
