Ohio criminal laws have been reformed by Senate Bill 288 which took effect on April 4, 2023. Timing for sealing:
The most remarkable addition of SB 288 is that for the first time in Ohio’s history, people will have the opportunity to have a true “Expungement”, in addition to the existing process for “Sealing of Records”. Before the passage of Ohio’s new law, the courts and the legal community commonly referred to the process for removing criminal records from a person’s background as “Expungement” or “Sealing.” Ohio had just one process, but these terms were used interchangeably to refer to the same process for criminal record removal.
Ohio’s new law will distinguish between Expungement and Sealing and their effect. A “Sealed Record” is removed from all public records, and the public no longer has access to the criminal record, including anyone who pulls a background check – employers, landlords, etc. However, a sealed record is still maintained by the government for access for limited purposes. An “Expungement” shall delete, destroy, and erase a record so that the record is permanently irretrievable. While there are some exceptions for access to expunged records, there is far less access to Expunged records compared to Sealed records.
Franklin County is fortunate to have the Franklin County Municipal Court Self Help Resource Center helping with expungements.
The Franklin County Municipal Court's Sealing and Expungement Office is located on the 2nd Floor of 375 S. High Street, Columbus, Ohio. The phone number is (614) 645-1706. An expungement application form can be obtained from that office. The filing fee is $50 for sealing a conviction. No filing fee for sealing a dismissal.