Ohio’s Criminal Record Law: A Pathway to Second Chances and New Opportunities
Sealing and expunging criminal records offers individuals a chance to access safe housing and secure better employment opportunities, allowing many to start anew.
In 2022, the Ohio legislature passed a law aimed at simplifying this process, prompting NBC4 Investigates to examine its impact in central Ohio.
“Sometimes just knowing is the first step to helping somebody,” said a client of Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio (LASCO), who successfully expunged his record.
One individual who shared his story with NBC4 Investigates experienced the benefits of having his record cleared a few years ago. He hopes to inspire others to transform their lives.
Statistics indicate that the legislative changes in Ohio have been effective in facilitating record sealing and expungement. “It was almost like a fresh start to life, honestly. It was a big relief,” he remarked about his experience with LASCO.
Before expungement, he faced obstacles, including being unable to coach his son’s little league team due to background checks. Housing applications were similarly challenging, as many landlords reject individuals with criminal records. “That motivated me to see what I could do to clear up the mistakes I made in my past,” he added.
This past summer, Columbus allocated approximately $250,000 to agencies assisting with record sealing and expungement. These organizations host resource fairs and clinics to guide individuals through the process.
Franklin County Municipal Court Judge Jessica D’Varga explained, “If someone’s record is sealed, it cannot be seen by the public. If their record is expunged, it is completely destroyed.”
However, not everyone qualifies for this relief; the most serious felonies, including violent crimes and felony sex offenses, cannot be cleared. “Our probation department reviews all files to confirm eligibility for sealing and expunging,” Judge D’Varga noted.
For those who are eligible, this opportunity represents a fresh start. In 2022, the Franklin County Clerk of Courts processed 153 requests for sealing records, a number that surged to 1,225 in 2023. Meanwhile, the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office received 1,287 applications for expungement and sealing, nearly doubling to 2,099 the following year.
“I’ve bought a house, I’ve started a business,” the man shared, reflecting on his achievements since expungement. “It’s just a breath of relief, like a weight off your shoulders. You can move through life without being held back by past mistakes.”
As of August, the Franklin County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office had received over 1,000 applications for record sealing and expungement, while the Clerk of Courts reported more than 1,500 requests.
