Research FAQ's: Expungement Law

The Law Library Staff prepares "Research Frequently Asked Questions" (FAQs) for the convenience of our users to provide access to a variety of sources addressing particular points of law. These are general legal information sources, and are not to be construed as a substitute for personal legal advice from an attorney. Please seek legal counsel to help you determine the applicability of any of the information in these resources to your specific situation. The Law Library makes no recommendation as to whether you should purchase any services offered by the websites contained in this FAQ.

EXPUNGING AN ADULT CONVICTION

Ohio Revised Code Sections 2953.32 - See also sections 2953.31 and sections 2953.33-2953.36
Ohio Justice & Policy Center: Understanding and Clearing Up Criminal Records in OhioExpungement for Cuyahoga County cases, call (216) 443-7223.
Expungement Application Packet (application to seek assistance)

ADULTS: SEALING OF RECORD AFTER NOT GUILTY FINDING OR DISMISSAL

Ohio Revised Code Sections 2953.32 - See also sections 2953.31 and sections 2953.33-2953.36
Legal Aid Society: Sealing An Ohio Criminal Record
Warren County Common Pleas Court: Application to Seal Record of Dismissal, Not Guilty Verdict Expungement for Cuyahoga County cases, call (216) 443-7223.
Expungement Application Packet (application to seek assistance)

JUVENILES: SEALING OR EXPUNGING A RECORD

Ohio Revised Code Sections:

2151.355 Sealing of juvenile court records - definitions.
2151.356 Sealing of juvenile court records.
2151.357 Response respecting sealed records - index - limited inspection.
2151.358 Expungement of sealed records.
Juvenile Court Rule 34(J) : Advisement of rights after hearing.

Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court: forms for sealing and expunging records

OHIO EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction: Executive Clemency

FEDERAL EXPUNGEMENT

Northern District of Ohio Federal Public Defenders: There is no mechanism for federal expungement, unless the conviction was illegal, the statute is later deemed unconstitutional or the conviction was obtained by government misconduct.
For information on presidential pardons, go to: Office of the Pardon Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice.
18 USC 3607 provides for expungement of a drug possession offense for persons under 21, who are found guilty and sentenced to probation but not convicted. The offender must have no prior drug offenses and meet other requirements under the section.

EXPUNGING AN ADULT CONVICTION

Ohio Revised Code Sections 2953.32 - See also sections 2953.31 and sections 2953.33-2953.36

Ohio Justice & Policy Center: Understanding and Clearing Up Criminal Records in OhioExpungement for Cuyahoga County cases, call (216) 443-7223.

Expungement Application Packet (application to seek assistance)

ADULTS: SEALING OF RECORD AFTER NOT GUILTY FINDING OR DISMISSAL

Ohio Revised Code Sections 2953.32 - See also sections 2953.31 and sections 2953.33-2953.36

Legal Aid Society: Sealing An Ohio Criminal Record

Warren County Common Pleas Court: Application to Seal Record of Dismissal, Not Guilty Verdict Expungement for Cuyahoga County cases, call (216) 443-7223.

Expungement Application Packet (application to seek assistance)

JUVENILES: SEALING OR EXPUNGING A RECORD

Ohio Revised Code Sections:

2151.355 Sealing of juvenile court records - definitions.

2151.356 Sealing of juvenile court records.

2151.357 Response respecting sealed records - index - limited inspection.

2151.358 Expungement of sealed records.

Juvenile Court Rule 34(J) : Advisement of rights after hearing.

Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court: forms for sealing and expunging records

OHIO EXECUTIVE CLEMENCY

Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction: Executive Clemency

FEDERAL EXPUNGEMENT

Northern District of Ohio Federal Public Defenders: There is no mechanism for federal expungement, unless the conviction was illegal, the statute is later deemed unconstitutional or the conviction was obtained by government misconduct.

For information on presidential pardons, go to: Office of the Pardon Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice.

18 USC 3607 provides for expungement of a drug possession offense for persons under 21, who are found guilty and sentenced to probation but not convicted. The offender must have no prior drug offenses and meet other requirements under the section.