Eligibility For Sealing Criminal Records Expanded In 2014

Having a criminal record can follow you around for years, making it difficult to find a good job, acquire housing, or gain college admission. Having a sealed criminal record can mean enjoying a brighter future or getting a second chance.

In 2014, the Ohio Legislature expanded the pool of individuals eligible for the sealing of criminal records, sometimes referred to as expungement. Before 2014, only first-time offenders were eligible for sealing of their records. Since the new legislation, the pool was expanded to those who had two (2) misdemeanor convictions or one (1) felony conviction and one (1) misdemeanor conviction.

There are exceptions to eligibility for expungement based on the nature of the offense. However, the change in the law opened up the sealing of one’s records to significantly more people.

Get Legal Help with Sealing a Criminal Record

If you or someone you know was previously told they were ineligible for expungement, it could be due to ignorance of the new law. A lawyer familiar with criminal law may be able to help in the process of sealing a criminal record.

If you think the revised eligibility requirements apply to you or someone else, please contact the lawyers at Donnellon, Donnellon & Miller at 513.891.7087 for assistance. You can also use the online contact form to get more information or schedule a consultation.