Your past mistakes shouldn't define your future. A criminal record can feel like carrying an invisible weight everywhere you go. Every job application, housing search, or background check brings that familiar knot of anxiety as you wonder if your past will once again cost you an opportunity. In Ohio, expungement offers a path to freedom from this burden, but managing the legal process requires expertise that most people simply don't have.
At The Law Offices of Steven R. Adams, we understand that good people sometimes make mistakes. Our Cincinnati expungement lawyers have helped hundreds of clients throughout Hamilton County and surrounding areas clear their records and move forward with their lives. We draw on our unique perspective, having worked on both sides of the criminal justice system, to provide powerful representation for your expungement case.
Understanding Ohio Record Sealing and Expungement
At their core, expungements (also called record sealing) provide a fresh start by legally removing eligible convictions from public view. When your record is sealed, it still exists but becomes accessible only to certain government agencies and in specific situations.
Expungements essentially render these convictions invisible to most background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and educational institutions. For most practical purposes, you can legally state that the conviction never occurred. When applying for most jobs, you can truthfully answer "no" when asked about past convictions.
While this legal process can give you a clean slate, Ohio's expungement laws contain specific eligibility requirements, timing restrictions, and procedural complexities that can make the process challenging without proper legal guidance.
Who Qualifies for Expungement in Ohio?
Not all convictions can be expunged in Cincinnati. The eligibility criteria include:
- First-time offenders. Those with only one felony conviction, two misdemeanor convictions, or one felony and one misdemeanor conviction may qualify for expungement.
- Waiting periods. For misdemeanors, you must wait one year after final discharge. For felonies, the waiting period extends to three years after final discharge.
- Ineligible offenses. Certain offenses cannot be expunged, including violent felonies, domestic violence, sex offenses, offenses against minors, first and second-degree felonies, and traffic violations.
- No pending charges. You must have no current criminal proceedings against you.
- Completed sentences. All aspects of your sentence, including probation, community service, and payment of fines, must be complete.
Ohio law also allows for sealing records in cases where charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty. For these situations, you can apply for expungement immediately after the conclusion of your case.
Our Approach to Cincinnati Expungement Cases
Having served as both prosecutors and defense attorneys, our legal team brings unique insights to your expungement case. We don't just file paperwork; we build compelling arguments that emphasize your rehabilitation and future contributions to society. Our approach involves several key steps.
Strategic Case Assessment
Before beginning the expungement process, your attorney will evaluate your complete criminal history to determine if you qualify. This assessment includes:
- Reviewing all past convictions, including those from other counties or states
- Determining if each offense is eligible for expungement under Ohio law
- Verifying that all waiting periods have been satisfied
- Ensuring you have no outstanding obligations related to your cases
Application Filing
Our lawyers will prepare and file the necessary paperwork with the court where your conviction occurred. This includes:
- Completing the Application for Sealing of Record
- Gathering supporting documentation
- Paying the required filing fee (or requesting a fee waiver if applicable)
- Submitting the application to the correct court
Personalized Preparation
In creating a comprehensive expungement strategy, we craft persuasive arguments highlighting positive contributions since conviction and how expungement will benefit your future. The court often schedules a hearing to review your expungement request. During that hearing, we will:
- Present arguments supporting your eligibility
- Address any objections from the prosecutor
- Provide evidence of your rehabilitation
- Draw on our established relationships within the Hamilton County judicial system to advocate for your case with prosecutors who may initially object to your expungement
Following Through After Approval
If Ohio courts grant your expungement application, our legal team will ensure that all relevant agencies are notified, including:
- The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation
- Local law enforcement agencies
- Any other agencies that may have records of your conviction
Common Challenges in the Expungement Process
Several obstacles can arise during the Ohio expungement process. An experienced attorney can help you overcome these challenges.
Prosecutor Objections
The prosecutor's office has the right to object to your expungement request. They may argue that the public's interest in maintaining access to your record outweighs your interest in having it sealed. Your lawyer can counter these objections with evidence of your rehabilitation and good character.
Multiple Jurisdictions
The expungement process is more complicated if you have convictions in different counties or states. Each jurisdiction can have different requirements and procedures for expungement. Your attorney can coordinate efforts across multiple courts to ensure all eligible records are successfully sealed.
Incomplete or Inaccurate Records
Sometimes, court records contain errors or are incomplete. This can create confusion during the expungement process. Your lawyer can work to correct these issues to prevent delays or denials.
Employment Background Checks
Even after expungement, some background check companies may report outdated information. Our legal team can assist if your sealed conviction continues to appear on background checks by taking appropriate legal action.
Benefits of Expunging Your Criminal Record
Successfully expunging your permanent criminal record offers numerous advantages that can significantly improve your quality of life.
Enhanced Employment Opportunities
With a sealed record, most private employers will not see your conviction during background checks. This can open doors to jobs that previously might have been closed to you because of your criminal history.
Improved Housing Options
Landlords often conduct background checks on potential tenants. A sealed record means your conviction won't appear during these checks, increasing your chances of securing the housing you want.
Educational Advancement
Many educational institutions and scholarship programs inquire about criminal histories. After expungement, you can legally answer that you have no record, potentially increasing your educational opportunities.
Restored Rights
Depending on the nature of your conviction, expungement may restore certain rights that were suspended, such as the right to serve on a jury, possess firearms, or hold certain professional licenses.
Peace of Mind
Perhaps most importantly, expungement offers psychological relief. Knowing that your past mistakes no longer define your future can provide significant peace of mind and allow you to move forward with confidence.
Contact Our Cincinnati Expungement Attorneys Today
Don't let a past mistake continue to limit your future opportunities. Our Cincinnati expungement lawyers can evaluate your case, determine your eligibility, and guide you through the process of clearing your record. We serve clients throughout Hamilton County and surrounding areas from our convenient downtown Cincinnati and West Chester offices.
Contact us today at 513-929-9333 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a clean slate and a brighter future.
