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Expungement

Columbus Expungement Attorney

Erase Your Criminal Record - Call (614) 707-4239 to Talk to a Defense Lawyer!

If you've been convicted or arrested for a crime, then you may be able to get your record sealed or cleared so you are able to obtain gainful employment, get housing, pursue secondary education, and more.

The process is begun by filing an application with the court, specifying a particular conviction for possible expungement. The court will review and process the application, and then forward it to the Prosecutor's Office for review and response.

If you are intending to file for an expungement to clear your record, it is highly advised that you contact a Columbus expungement attorney right away. An attorney can provide you with assistance throughout the filing process that can greatly increase your chances of an outcome in which your expungement is granted.

Want a prior conviction or arrest expunged? Contact us online or call (614) 707-4239 to consult a Columbus criminal attorney! All initial consultations are confidential and free of charge.

Am I Eligible for Expungement?

Unfortunately, not all convictions are eligible for expunction. In Ohio there are "prohibited offenses" and these are not eligible for an expunction, such as:

On October 29, 2018, Ohio passed new rules regarding expungement. Under these new laws, you can have an unlimited number of misdemeanors expunged and up to five felony convictions.

If you are not eligible for expungement under the new law, you still may be able to apply under the old one. The old law allows you to expunge a third-degree felony conviction, but in order to qualify you can have more than one felony and one misdemeanor conviction.

Can Anyone See My Criminal Record After It Is Expunged?

In many cases, when you apply for certain jobs, licenses, or housing, the person reviewing your application may look to see if you have a criminal record, and if they discover that you have one, they may choose not to hire you, or rent that apartment to you based on the information they find. However, once your record has been expunged, when you are asked about a criminal record, you can honestly say that you don't have one and you can ethically act as if an arrest and conviction never occurred. However, once your record is sealed, the following agencies still have access to your record:

  • Law enforcement agencies
  • Prosecutors
  • Judges evaluating previous convictions when sentencing future crimes
  • Jobs involving working with children or the elderly
  • The majority of professional licensing boards
  • The police
  • Some real-estate and financial institutions

Keep in mind that if you commit another crime, then your sealed record can be used against you during sentencing.

Am I Eligible To Get My Criminal Record Sealed?

Click the following link to see a guide to adult conviction sealing in Ohio:

https://ohiojpc.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Record-Sealing-Resource_Updated-April-21-2021.pdf

Can A Felony Be Expunged?

The ability to expunge a felony conviction depends on the laws of the jurisdiction where the conviction occurred. Expungement laws vary widely by state and country, so it's essential to consult with a local attorney who is knowledgeable about the specific laws in your jurisdiction.

In some jurisdictions, certain felony convictions may be eligible for expungement under specific conditions. These conditions often include completing the terms of your sentence, such as probation or parole, paying fines, and maintaining a clean record for a certain period after completing your sentence. However, not all felony convictions are eligible for expungement, and the eligibility criteria can be strict.

Expungement can offer significant benefits, such as removing the conviction from your criminal record, which can improve your chances of employment, housing, and other opportunities. However, it's crucial to understand the limitations and requirements of expungement in your jurisdiction before pursuing it. An experienced attorney can assess your eligibility and guide you through the expungement process.

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Have Questions?

We Have Answers!
  • Should I be worried if I am innocent?
    The short answer to this question is yes. Our legal system, though endowed with powerful rights and time-tested procedures, is far from perfect. Proclaiming yourself innocent is far from a legal defense, and you will need the assistance of an experienced attorney to gather information and refute evidence. It is a sad fact that innocent people are sometimes convicted of crimes they did not commit. If you have been arrested, a team member from The Meranda Law Firm LTD, serving both Columbus and Newark, can go to immediate work on constructing a strong defense and on seeking to have unfounded charges dropped.
  • What important legal rights am I entitled to?
    If you find yourself crossways with the law, you have important rights that must be protected. First, you have the right to be informed of your rights by police should you be arrested. You have the right to remain silent, which can help you avoid self-incrimination. You also have the right to avoid subjection to an unreasonable search and seizure. Perhaps most importantly is your right to an attorney, and should you face criminal investigation or arrest, you should be in immediate contact with a Columbus criminal defense attorney for knowledgeable and skilled legal counsel.
  • Why should I hire a criminal defense attorney?
    When you are facing a criminal charge, whether a misdemeanor or a felony, your future stands at serious risk. Not only do you face the prospect of jail time, fines, and probation, but if you are convicted you will also carry with you a permanent criminal record that can make such things as obtaining employment, educational opportunities and housing problematic. A lawyer can make sure that your legal rights are well-protected and that a strong defense is mounted on your behalf. Going it alone in the criminal justice system can put you in peril of many unwanted consequences.