You May Now Be Eligible For Expungement
Published 02/18/15 by Andrew Jones
There may be good news for you if your application for expungement of a criminal conviction was previously denied. Under the previous statute Ohio used a definition for a “first time offender” whereby you could only have one conviction on your record to possibly be eligible.
Now the statute has been amended to an “eligible offender” definition. The new definition allows you to have up to two convictions on your record in some cases. You still may not have more than onefelony conviction on your record to be eligible, but you can have two misdemeanors or one felony and one misdemeanor and still be eligible. There are still other factors the Court will look at, but if you were denied before because you had more than one conviction you may now be eligible.
Expungement is the process where you apply to the Court for a sealing of your records. This sealing prevents the public from being able to see your conviction. There are a few exceptions where certain agencies can see your record after expungement such as if you are trying to enter law enforcement or other fields like teaching. Ultimately, the granting of an expungement is going to be in the Judge’s discretion though the statue must be followed.
You can find the statute and definitions located under sections 2953.31 and 2953.32 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Barr, Jones & Associates LLP Law Firm have the experienced Ohio Criminal defense Lawyer to help you on your questions and concerns.