While sealing a criminal record is often referred to as expungement, there are key differences. Expunging a record results in the deletion of any record that an arrest or criminal charge ever occurred. However, in Ohio, adult convictions cannot be expunged or completely erased from your record. In fact, the word expungement is no longer used in Ohio law for the process we’re discussing here. Instead, it is called sealing a criminal record (Ohio Revised Code 2953.31 – 2953.62). When a record is sealed, the electronic and paper records of your criminal charges are filed in a separate, secured location. The record still exists but it cannot be seen by most people. (Source: Ohio Justice & Policy Center. Criminal Records Manual)
Eligibility:
Record Sealing is available to an offender convicted in Ohio or any other state who has not more than one (1) felony conviction, not more than (2) misdemeanor convictions, OR not more than one (1) felony conviction and one (1) misdemeanor conviction in this state or any other jurisdiction.
Waiting Period:
In order to apply for a sealing of a record, one must wait for the defined amount according to the offense:
- Misdemeanor – One (1) year after the completion of the sentence.
- Felony – Three (3) years after the completion of the sentence.
- Ignored Case – Two (2) years after Grand Jury report ignoring case.
- Dismissal or Acquittal – No waiting period.
Filing Fee:
- No fee for non-convictions
- $50 non-refundable fee for convictions
- Affidavit of Indigency
Where to file:
| Misdemeanor | Hamilton County Justice Center Room 112 |
1000 Sycamore Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
8AM – 3PM Monday – Friday |
(513) 946-6021 |
| Felony | Hamilton County Court House Room 315 |
1000 Main Street Cincinnati, OH 45202 |
8AM – 4PM Monday – Friday |
(513) 946-5697 |
Common Pleas Sealing of Record Forms
Municipal Court Sealing of Record Forms
- Guidelines
- Application for Sealing of Record – Conviction
- Application for Expungement – Non-Conviction
- Affidavit of Indigency – When completing, the affidavit is to be filled out but DO NOT sign it or have it notarized.
For answers to specific questions, it is best to consult with an attorney. The Ohio Justice and Policy Center and the Hamilton County Public Defender offer free legal advice and legal clinics for individuals seeking record sealing support. Learn more about their free legal clinics here.