Source review: October 11, 2026. Information only, not legal advice.
Ohio criminal record clearing
Ohio offers record-clearing relief primarily by petition. The main route: Seal or expunge non-conviction record (not guilty finding or dismissal) under Ohio Rev. Code 2953.33(A)(1). Waiting periods, caps, and categorical exclusions all apply; the details below are a summary, not legal advice.
What relief routes does Ohio offer?
- Seal or expunge non-conviction record (not guilty finding or dismissal) (Ohio Rev. Code 2953.33(A)(1)). Disposition = acquittal/not-guilty (by jury or court) OR the complaint, indictment, or information was dismissed. Any offense level, subject to the exclusion carry-over below.
- Seal or expunge non-conviction record (grand jury no bill) (Ohio Rev. Code 2953.33(A)(2)). Disposition = grand jury returned a 'no bill' (declined to indict). Any offense level, subject to the exclusion carry-over.
- Seal record of conviction - minor misdemeanor (Ohio Rev. Code 2953.32(B)(1)). Disposition = conviction/guilty plea for a minor misdemeanor.
- Seal record of conviction - misdemeanor (Ohio Rev. Code 2953.32(B)(1)). Disposition = conviction/guilty plea for one or more misdemeanors (above minor misdemeanor).
How long are the waiting periods?
- None - may apply at any time after the not-guilty finding or dismissal is entered on the court's minutes/journal (whichever occurs first), subject to R.C.
- 2 years after the date the grand jury foreperson/deputy foreperson reports the no bill to the court (subject to R.C. 2953.61).
- 6 months after final discharge (completion of sentence, parole/probation, and payment of all fines/restitution; court costs are not part of 'sentence').
Waiting periods generally run from the latest of sentencing, release from imprisonment, or completion of probation or parole, and a new conviction or pending charge can restart or block relief.
What cannot be cleared?
If the underlying offense would be excluded from sealing/expungement of a conviction under 2953.32(A)(1) (e.g., an offense that can never be sealed), the non-conviction in the same case is likewise ineligible. A dismissal 'without prejudice' may bar relief until the statute of limitations to refile has run.
Can a general screener decide Ohio eligibility?
No. The RecordReset screener can identify a possible match for review but cannot confirm eligibility; the court decides. It does not offer a Ohio filing workbook, filing service, or attorney review. The summary here is drawn from published guidance including codes.ohio.gov and the cited statutes.
Ohio record-clearing law is primarily under Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2953.31 to 2953.36 (sealing and expungement of records of conviction). The information here is a summary and not a substitute for review by a licensed Ohio attorney.
Questions people ask
Does Ohio clear any records automatically?
No. Ohio relief generally requires filing a petition or application; there is no broad automatic route in the rules summarized here.
How long is the waiting period?
None - may apply at any time after the not-guilty finding or dismissal is entered on the court's minutes/journal (whichever occurs first), subject to R.C. 2953.61 where other charges in the case are still pending.
Where do I start?
Gather your disposition date, charge classification, and completion of sentence, then read the official guidance (codes.ohio.gov) before filing. A screening tool can flag possible matches but cannot confirm eligibility.
RecordReset is a self-help legal information service, not a law firm. A screening can only say a case may match published rules and needs review. A court or agency determines relief. RecordReset does not file cases or offer attorney review; paid enrollment and draft PDFs are paused for legal and form review.