Ohio Expungement Package
What this document covers
The Ohio Expungement Package is a collection of legal forms used to expunge or seal criminal records in the state of Ohio. This package includes a Petition to Seal a Criminal Record, an Order granting the Petition, and a Poverty Affidavit to waive court fees. It serves as a key resource for individuals looking to clear their criminal history, allowing them to move forward without the stigma of past offenses.
Key components of this form
- Application for Expungement and Sealing of Conviction
- Entry Granting Application to Expunge and Seal Conviction Record
- Application for Entry Sealing Record of Arrest (Non-Conviction)
- Entry Granting Application for Entry Sealing Record of Arrest
- Poverty Affidavit to waive court fees
- Step-by-step instructions for form completion
Common use cases
This form is necessary when an individual is seeking to have their criminal records sealed or expunged. Common scenarios include:
- A person has completed their sentence and a specified period has passed (three years for felonies, one year for misdemeanors).
- Records were dismissed or resulted in a not guilty finding.
- Individuals who have been arrested but not convicted wish to clear their records.
Who needs this form
This form is intended for:
- First offenders seeking to expunge misdemeanor or felony convictions.
- Individuals with non-conviction arrests wanting to seal their records.
- Those eligible under Ohio Revised Code guidelines for expungement or sealing.
Instructions for completing this form
- Gather all necessary personal information including full names, case numbers, and dates of birth.
- Complete all forms using clear, legible handwriting or type them using a computer.
- Print three complete sets of the forms to file with the court.
- Ensure all required fields are filled, including court names and signatures where necessary.
- File your petition at the appropriate court and pay the required filing fee.
- Schedule any necessary hearings as directed by the court after filing.
Does this document require notarization?
To make this form legally binding, it must be notarized. Our online notarization service, powered by Notarize, lets you verify and sign documents remotely through an encrypted video session.
Typical mistakes to avoid
- Failing to provide complete names and correct case numbers on forms.
- Not waiting the required time period after discharge before filing for expungement.
- Overlooking the need for copies of forms for court records.
- Neglecting to have forms notarized if required by local law.
Why use this form online
- Convenience of completing forms from home without the need for a lawyer.
- Easy access to fillable forms that can be completed digitally.
- Step-by-step instructions guide users through the entire process.
Form popularity
FAQ
In some states, once sealed or expunged, all records of an arrest and/or subsequent court case are removed from the public record, and the individual may legally deny or fail to acknowledge ever having been arrested for or charged with any crime which has been expunged.
In California, employers are prohibited by law from asking applicants about a past conviction that has been expunged.However, if an applicant is applying for a state LICENSE (for instance, a teaching license) rather than a JOB, then he is obligated to disclose anY expunged convictions.
Always begin the letter with a formal greeting, such as "Dear Judge...", before composing the rest of the letter. Then, write the first paragraph of your letter by explaining why you are writing, what charge you wish to have expunged, and a short description of why you feel it should be expunged.
The Limits of Expunging Your Criminal Record. If you've successfully expunged, or sealed, your criminal record, in most situations you can answer No when asked whether you have a record.
After BCI&I receive notification of the expunged record, their process to remove state records can take two to four months to complete.
At the hearing for expungement, the court has the discretion to determine whether it will grant, or deny, the application for record expungement based upon the evidence and arguments presented to it at the hearing.
Always begin the letter with a formal greeting, such as "Dear Judge...", before composing the rest of the letter. Then, write the first paragraph of your letter by explaining why you are writing, what charge you wish to have expunged, and a short description of why you feel it should be expunged.
How Do I Apply for Expungement and Sealing of Record in Ohio? To get started, you need to make an application to the Court where your conviction took place. For misdemeanors, you make an application to the Municipal or County Court where you were originally charged with the offense.
It can also restore gun rights and even allow you to get a Concealed Handgun License (CCW). Barney DeBrosse's expungement attorneys have worked to seal records all over the state of Ohio. Even if you have been previously told you were not eligible to seal the record, you may now be eligible.
