A past arrest or conviction does not have to define the rest of your life. Ohio law gives many people the opportunity to have their criminal records sealed — a process commonly called expungement. Once your record is sealed, it is removed from public view and you can, in most circumstances, lawfully answer "no" when asked about prior convictions on job applications.
At Moran & Fisher, Attorneys at Law, LLC, we help clients in Cleveland and throughout northern Ohio assess their eligibility, prepare and file the application, and navigate the court process. If there is a path to sealing your record, we will find it and walk you through it.
What Record Sealing Can Do for You
Ohio's record-sealing process (governed primarily by R.C. 2953.31 et seq.) does not erase a conviction — but it removes it from public-facing databases, background check systems, and most employer inquiries. After sealing:
- Most employers who conduct standard background checks will not see the conviction
- You can legally answer "no" to questions about prior convictions on most private-sector job applications (with important exceptions — see below)
- The record is not visible to the general public or through ordinary court searches
- The sealed record is retained by the court and can be accessed by law enforcement and certain licensing bodies, but it is shielded from everyday scrutiny
This matters for housing, employment, professional opportunities, and the sense of moving forward.
Who Is Eligible for Expungement in Ohio?
Eligibility depends on several factors. Ohio has expanded its sealing laws in recent years, and more convictions are now eligible than many people realize.
Waiting periods — You must wait a specified period after the completion of your sentence (including probation) before applying. Waiting periods vary depending on the level of the offense.
Number of convictions — Ohio law limits how many convictions can be sealed based on their degree. Recent changes have expanded eligibility; an attorney's review is the most reliable way to know where you stand.
Offense type — Certain convictions are ineligible by statute and cannot be sealed:
- Most traffic offenses (including OVI)
- Domestic violence convictions
- Convictions where the victim was a minor
- Certain sex offenses
- First- and second-degree felonies are generally ineligible, with some exceptions
Arrests with no conviction — If you were arrested but not convicted (charges dismissed, acquittal, no bill), you may be eligible to seal the arrest record. The waiting period and process differ from conviction sealing.
[TODO: confirm current waiting-period table under Ohio R.C. 2953.31 before publication, as these were amended by Ohio H.B. 431 and subsequent legislation.]
The Sealing Process
Ohio's record-sealing process involves several steps:
- Eligibility review — An attorney reviews your complete record, identifies eligible offenses, and confirms you meet the waiting period and offense-type requirements.
- Application preparation — A formal application (motion) is filed with the court where the conviction occurred.
- Prosecutor review — The prosecutor's office has the opportunity to object.
- Court hearing — A judge holds a hearing to consider the application. The court weighs your rehabilitation, the nature of the offense, and any objections.
- Sealing order — If granted, the court issues a sealing order. Records held by courts, law enforcement, and BCI are sealed.
Moran & Fisher handles the preparation and court appearances. You don't have to navigate the process alone.
Important Exceptions to Know
Even a sealed record remains accessible in certain situations. You must still disclose a sealed conviction when:
- Applying for a position with a law enforcement agency
- Applying for certain professional licenses (the licensing board can access sealed records)
- Applying for a position in the judiciary
- Under oath in certain legal proceedings
An attorney will explain exactly what sealing does and does not accomplish for your specific situation.
Why Moran & Fisher
Moran & Fisher is a firm that has represented clients at every stage of the criminal process — from arrest through trial, appeal, and post-conviction relief. We understand that a case doesn't always end with sentencing, and we are here for clients who are ready to take the next step forward.
Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case is different.