Sealing makes a record invisible to most background checks; expungement destroys it. Ohio’s S.B. 288 (effective April 4, 2023) created a general expungement remedy for the first time and broadened eligibility — eliminating the old “eligible offender” numeric caps so courts weigh each case on the offense, the prosecutor’s and any victim’s position, and the applicant’s interests. Most misdemeanors and many lower-level, non-violent felonies are now eligible.
Some convictions remain off-limits — first- and second-degree felonies, most felony offenses of violence, and certain others, with domestic violence and many traffic offenses generally excluded. Waiting periods apply: expungement of a misdemeanor can be sought one year after final discharge (six months for a minor misdemeanor), and felony expungement generally ten years after the record becomes eligible for sealing.
How Ohio Classifies & Punishes Record Sealing & Expungement
| Circumstance | Classification | Exposure |
|---|---|---|
| Most misdemeanors | Eligible to seal/expunge | Often after 1 year (6 mo. minor misd.) |
| Many non-violent lower felonies | Frequently eligible | Waiting periods apply |
| F1, F2 & most violent felonies | Not eligible | Excluded from sealing/expungement |
| Domestic violence; most traffic | Generally excluded | Narrow exceptions |
Eligibility is fact-specific under S.B. 288. We review your full record and confirm what can be sealed, expunged, and when.
How We Defend Record Sealing & Expungement Charges
An arrest is an accusation, not a verdict. Our defense of a record sealing & expungement charge begins with the questions the State would rather not answer:
- Confirming eligibility across every conviction and dismissal on your record.
- Calculating waiting periods correctly so the application isn’t denied as premature.
- Presenting the rehabilitation case the court weighs under S.B. 288.
- Addressing prosecutor or victim objections.
- Pursuing a Certificate of Qualification for Employment where sealing isn’t yet available.
We bring that same disciplined approach — testing every procedure, every protocol, and every piece of the State’s evidence — to record sealing & expungement cases across our nine-county Southern Ohio footprint. Where the evidence supports it, we negotiate for reduction or dismissal; where it does not, we are prepared to try the case.
Record Sealing & Expungement — Common Questions
What's the difference between sealing and expungement in Ohio?
Sealing hides the record from most background checks but it still exists; expungement permanently destroys it. S.B. 288 created a general expungement remedy in 2023 in addition to the long-standing sealing process.
What can't be sealed or expunged?
First- and second-degree felonies, most felony offenses of violence, and certain other offenses are excluded, and domestic violence and most traffic convictions generally cannot be sealed. We confirm eligibility for your specific record.
How long do I have to wait?
Misdemeanor expungement can generally be sought one year after final discharge (six months for a minor misdemeanor); felony expungement generally ten years after the offense becomes eligible for sealing. Sealing timelines are shorter. We calculate the exact dates for you.
Talk to a Juvenile, Sealing & Probation Defense Attorney Today
If you or someone you love is facing a record sealing & expungement charge in Lawrence, Scioto, Jackson, Gallia, Athens, Adams, Meigs, Pike, or Ross County, call (740) 532-8744 for a free, confidential consultation. We have offices in Ironton and Chesapeake and respond the same business day in most cases.