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Frequently Asked Questions - Ohio

Disclaimer: Clean Slate Docs is not a law firm. We provide professional document preparation services to assist with filing for the expungement of eligible criminal records in Ohio. While we use the services of licensed attorneys to review your file before submission, Clean Slate Docs itself does not provide legal advice. The information provided here is for general educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal guidance. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a licensed Ohio attorney.

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Updating Records

In Ohio, most official records held by public agencies can be sealed, including convictions, arrests, and dismissals, with exceptions for fingerprints, DNA specimens, and certain ongoing law enforcement records. 👉 Check if your Ohio record qualifies for sealing today with our FREE Eligibility Check.

Once your record is sealed, it generally will not appear on public or employer background checks. Law enforcement, prosecutors, and certain government agencies may still have access to sealed records.

Courts send official sealing orders to the relevant state agencies, which then update their databases accordingly.

Court records typically update within a few days, while state databases, such as the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), usually take 30–90 days to reflect changes.

No. Traffic violations and motor vehicle offenses, including DUI/OVI, are not eligible for sealing and will remain on your driving record.

Employment and Career Opportunities

Law enforcement and prosecutors may still view sealed records if needed for future criminal cases.

In most situations, you can truthfully answer “no” when asked about sealed convictions. Exceptions may apply for applications involving law enforcement, judicial positions, or state-specific requirements. 👉 Check if your record qualifies for sealing.

Voting rights in Ohio are generally restored after release from incarceration.

Sealing may improve international travel or immigration prospects, but every case is unique. For immigration-specific concerns, please consult a licensed attorney.

Federal banking laws (FDIC Section 19) can still restrict employment, even after an expungement. In some cases, applicants can request a waiver.

👉 If you’re unsure, take our FREE Eligibility Check to learn more about your situation.

No. Firearm rights are not automatically restored through record sealing, and Ohio law and federal restrictions still apply.

You may be eligible to serve on a jury if your civil rights have been restored. Certain convictions may limit eligibility.

The Expungement Process in Ohio

Clean Slate Docs prepares and files your record sealing petition on your behalf. Most cases are handled on paper, and a court appearance is usually not required. If the court schedules a hearing or requests your presence, we provide guidance on how to attend, but we cannot guarantee you will be excused from appearing.

The process typically takes three to six months, depending on county, case complexity, and court backlog. Some cases may take longer if hearings are required or objections are filed.

Courts handle filings in the order they are received. While Clean Slate Docs cannot speed up the court, we ensure that your petition is filed efficiently and monitor progress throughout the process.

Convictions must be filed in the court where you were sentenced. Dismissed or arrest cases without convictions are filed in the court where the case was originally pending.

You will receive a court order confirming the sealing, and relevant state agencies will update their records.

Denials may occur due to errors in the petition, incomplete records, or ineligible offenses.

Clean Slate Docs evaluates the reason for denial and recommends next steps. While we cannot guarantee approval, we ensure your paperwork is prepared and filed accurately to give you the best chance for success.

If the denial is due to an error on our part, we will correct and refile at no additional cost.

Eligibility for Expungement

Both guilty and no-contest pleas are considered convictions, but they may still be eligible for sealing depending on the offense. 👉Take our free online eligibility test to see if your Ohio case qualifies.

To file your Ohio record sealing petition, you will need copies of your case documents, such as certified conviction or dismissal records and any relevant court dockets. Clean Slate Docs can help you organize and prepare these documents for filing, but it is your responsibility to provide the accurate records. We cannot independently obtain or verify your criminal history.

A pardon does not automatically seal records. Courts weigh your interest in sealing against the public interest before approving the petition.

Ohio law allows multiple eligible convictions to be sealed together, subject to limitations for violent crimes, sex offenses, and DUI/OVI. However, Clean Slate Docs processes one case at a time, ensuring each petition is prepared accurately and in full compliance with Ohio filing requirements.

Didn’t find the answer you were looking for? Please use the contact form below, send us an email, or give us a call. Our team will be glad to assist you.

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