However, you can do something about it.
If you meet certain requirements, you can get your criminal record ERASED, through a legal process called expungement.
If you have been convicted or accused of a crime in Ohio, you may be able to have your criminal record expunged (sealed).
Criminal records do not automatically disappear over time. Legal action is required to remove them from the record. Even if your case was dismissed, or you were found not guilty, those actions remain part of the public information record. Your record can be viewed by employers, clients, landlords...virtually anyone. It’s a cloud of doubt, a question of your reputation which will follow you.
Application for expungement must be made in the court that handed down the sentence. An eligible offender must:
· Not have more than one felony conviction,
· Not have more than two misdemeanor convictions if the convictions are not for the same offense,
· Not have more than one felony conviction and one misdemeanor conviction in Ohio or in any other jurisdiction.
How soon after my case can I apply?Application by an eligible offender may be made three (3) years after a felony or one (1) year after a misdemeanor. The Court then sets a hearing and notifies the prosecutor of the case. The Court may ask a probation officer to check in on the applicant. The court will determine if the offender has been rehabilitated. An experienced criminal defense attorney at Hanahan & Hinton, will be there to argue your case.
How long does this process take?
Depending upon the court and the complexity of the case, this process may take from 3 weeks up to 3+ months. When the process is complete, you will be able to honestly answer “no” when asked about criminal convictions on many applications, forms or interviews.
Before you begin...It is important to remember that to be qualified for expungement you must be an eligible offender.
Some rules and notes…
· Applicant must not have any criminal proceedings pending,
· Applicant must not owe any court fees or costs,
· Applicant may request the sealing of records of more than one case in a single application.
· The Court’s application fee is $50.
· Expungement does not clear driver’s license points.
If You are Ready for a Do-Over...
Hanahan & Hinton LLC can help you you regain the respect you want. Contact us at 440-255-7711 to start your expungement proceedings today.