WHAT IS “SEALING OF RECORDS” ?

Sealing of records is a way to have your criminal record removed and your court file sealed. This means that a sealed prior conviction is no longer in the public record. Records are sealed so that if you have not previously been in trouble with the law and have paid your debt for certain crimes, you can go on with your life as if the conviction had never happened.

When you apply for some jobs, apartments and licenses, they will look at your criminal record. If you have a conviction on your record, you may not be chosen for the job, given the apartment, etc.

*HOWEVER, even if your record is sealed, the record is not destroyed. Your record can still be used by a limited number of persons and/or agencies for a limited number of reasons, according to Ohio law. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, some prospective employers and some other agencies can still look at your sealed record. Also, if you commit another crime, your sealed record can still be used against you when you are sentenced.

WHO CAN FILE FOR SEALING OF RECORD?

ARE THERE ANY CONVICTIONS THAT ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO BE SEALED?

HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO WAIT BEFORE I CAN APPLY TO HAVE MY RECORD SEALED?

WHAT IS THE FILING FEE FOR A SEALING OF RECORD?