What does "sealing a criminal record" mean?
The word “expungement” implies that a criminal conviction or charge can be completely erased from your record, as if it never happened. However, 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.” When a record is sealed, the record of your criminal conviction or charges is filed separately from other persons’ records. The record still exists (it is not expunged) but the record cannot be seen by anyone, with a few exceptions.

Can a record be sealed for a juvenile?
In juvenile court, sealing a record and expunging a record are two different processes. When a record is sealed in juvenile court, the records are moved to a separate file, similar to the process for sealing adult records. Expunging a juvenile record means the record is permanently destroyed and never available to be viewed by anyone ever again.

Why should I have my criminal record sealed?
When you apply for jobs, apartments, and licenses, the people reviewing your application will likely look up your criminal record. If you have a criminal record, even if it is not a conviction, it is less likely that you will be chosen for the job, given the apartment, or allowed to get a license.  After your record is sealed, if you are asked on applications if you have a criminal record, you can honestly say that you do not. You can act as if the arrest or conviction never took place.  However, even if your record is sealed, your past criminal record can be used against you for sentencing if you are convicted of another crime. In certain situations, police, prosecutors, and probation officers can view your sealed records. Sealed criminal records may also be reviewed if you apply for a job in law enforcement, working with children, or working with the elderly.

What is the first step in sealing a criminal record?
There are several different processes for sealing criminal records. To decide which process to use, you MUST know what type of record you want sealed. Is there a conviction, dismissal, bail forfeiture, or not guilty finding on your record? The easiest way to find this information is to get a copy of your record. In many counties you can go online and look up your criminal record. Remember to go to the court website for the court your case was handled in. This could be common pleas court, municipal court, or juvenile court. If your county doesn’t have records online, you need to go to the clerk of courts office in the county where you were convicted or arrested.

After you determine the type of offense that you want sealed, please review the instructions on the following document Sealing Criminal Records.

After reading this brochure, go to your local court's website or call your court to learn if it has forms and instructions to seal your criminal record.