In Ohio, adult convictions cannot be “expunged” or completely erased from your record. Instead of expungement, Ohio uses a court process called “sealing a criminal record.” If your record is sealed, you do not have to disclose your conviction, arrest, or any charge against you when you apply for most jobs or for housing.

Even if a record is sealed, some offenses may prevent you from getting a job such as caring for children, older persons, or developmentally handicapped persons; or a job that has a substantial connection with your offense. You must report sealed records when enlisting in the military.

And, even if your record has been sealed, the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation will still keep a record of your conviction. It also will be available to some employers for some jobs. Law enforcement officers will have access to your sealed record if you are charged with a crime later.

Read more in How to Get Your Criminal Record Sealed, a brochure published by Legal Aid.

Also of interest, please see Understanding and Sealing Criminal Records in Ohio.

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