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Ohio Expungement Form

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STATE OF OHIO EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

Control Number – OH - EXPCRI - 01

Prepared by U.S. Legal Forms, Inc.

Copyright 2016 - U.S. Legal Forms, Inc.

I. EXPLANATION OF PETITION FOR AN EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS

A. In Ohio, an Application for Expungement or Sealing of Criminal Records in Ohio shall be made to the sentencing court if a first offender, or to a court of common pleas if convicted in another state or in a federal court.

B. You can use this packet if:

1. For sealing of records of a conviction or bail forfeiture, if:

a. For felonies, 3 years have elapsed since the defendant’s final discharge.

b. For a misdemeanor, 1 year has elapsed since the defendant’s final discharge.

II. WHAT FORMS ARE INCLUDED

A. Application for Expungement and Sealing of Conviction

B. Entry Granting Application to Expunge and Seal Conviction Record

C. Application for Entry Sealing Record of Arrest (Non-Conviction)

D. Entry Granting Application for Entry Sealing Record of Arrest

III. PROCEDURE FOR AN EXPUNGEMENT OF CRIMINAL RECORDS IN THE STATE OF OHIO

A. Preliminary Note:

1. The attached forms may be completed by printing the forms and completing by hand, using a typewriter, or completing them on your computer.

2. Use complete names and not initials. Check your spelling carefully.

3. Print three (3) complete sets of forms.

APPLICATION FOR EXPUNGEMENT AND SEALING OF CONVICTION RECORD

_________________ COUNTY _________________ COURT

Criminal Division

________________ County, Ohio

___________________________

CASE NO.

IN RE: THE APPLICATION OF APPLICATION FOR EXPUNGEMENT AND SEALING OF CONVICTION RECORD PURSUANT TO R.C. 2953.32

COMES NOW the Petitioner seeking an Order of Expungement pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §2953.32 and respectfully states under oath as follows:

A. Preliminary Facts

1. Petitioner's:

Full Name:

Name used at time of arrest:

Sex:

Race:

Date of Birth (day/month/year)

Driver's License Number:

Social Security Number:

2. The offense charged against the Petitioner:

3. The date the offense charged against the Petitioner was alleged to have been committed: (day/month/year)

4. The date the Petitioner was arrested: (day/month/year)

5. County where arrested: Municipality (if applicable):

6. Name of the agency that arrested the Petitioner:

7. Case number and court of offense:

Case No:

Court:

8. Final disposition of the criminal charge was on: (day/month/year)

9. Petitioner was sentenced by the Court to:

B. Basis for Expunction

OR

2. The Petitioner was convicted and sentenced to .

The Petitioner was released from after serving years and was placed on (select one).

He/She completed all conditions of his/her sentence and/or conditional release on: (month/day/year)

3. The Defendant would show unto the Court that he/she has:

4. The Petitioner would further show that the Petitioner has been rehabilitated and that the interests of the applicant in having the records pertaining to his conviction sealed are not outweighed by any legitimate governmental needs to maintain such records.

5. Petitioner would suggest that it would best serve the interest of justice that this motion be sustained and that the maintenance of records of the Petitioner’s arrest and disposition of this cause would serve no function as a police investigative tool; and that the maintenance of said police records would invade the Defendant's right to privacy, due process and equal protection.

Signature of Petitioner

Print/Type Full Name

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged to me on by .

Notary Public, State of

My Commission expires

ENTRY GRANTING APPLICATION FOR EXPUNGEMENT AND SEALING OF MISDEMEANOR CONVICTION RECORD

CASE NO.

This matter came before the Court on the application of the above named individual for expungement and sealing of applicant's criminal arrest and conviction record. Upon hearing the application, the Court finds that the applicant has only one conviction as defined in R.C. Section 2953.31, and that one year has expired since applicant's final discharge.

The Court further finds that there are no proceedings against applicant, that the applicant's rehabilitation has been attained to the satisfaction of the Court, and that the interests of the applicant in having the records pertaining to his conviction sealed are not outweighed by any legitimate governmental needs to maintain such records.

It is further ordered that copies of this entry be forwarded by the Clerk to the following agencies.

Attorney for Applicant / Applicant Pro Se

Judge / Prosecutor / Date

APPLICATION FOR ENTRY SEALING RECORD OF ARREST (NON-CONVICTION)

CASE NO.

IN RE: THE APPLICATION OF APPLICATION FOR ENTRY SEALING RECORD OF ARREST (NON-CONVICTION) RECORD PURSUANT TO R.C. 2953.52

COMES NOW the Petitioner seeking an Order Sealing Record of Arrest (Non-Conviction) pursuant to Ohio Revised Code §2953.52 and respectfully states under oath as follows:

A. Preliminary Facts

1. Petitioner's:

Full Name:

Name used at time of arrest:

Sex:

Race:

Date of Birth: (day/month/year)

Driver's License Number:

Social Security Number:

2. The offense charged against the Petitioner:

3. The date the offense charged against the Petitioner was alleged to have been committed: (day/month/year)

4. The date the Petitioner was arrested: (day/month/year)

5. County where arrested: Municipality (if applicable):

6. Name of the agency that arrested the Petitioner:

7. Case number and court of offense:

Case No:

Court:

8. Final disposition of the criminal charge was on: (day/month/year)

B. Basis for Expunction

OR

2. Final action (dismissal, finding of no bill, or acquittal) was entered on .

3. The Petitioner would further show that interests of the applicant in having the records pertaining to his conviction sealed are not outweighed by any legitimate governmental needs to maintain such records.

4. Petitioner would suggest that it would best serve the interest of justice that this motion be sustained and that the maintenance of records of the Petitioner’s arrest and disposition of this cause would serve no function as a police investigative tool; and that the maintenance of said police records would invade the Defendant's right to privacy, due process and equal protection.

Signature of Petitioner

Print Full Name

STATE OF

COUNTY OF

This instrument was acknowledged to me on by .

Notary Public, State of

My Commission expires

ENTRY SEALING RECORD OF ARREST (NON-CONVICTION)

CASE NO.

This matter came before the Court on the application of the above named individual. Upon conclusion of the hearing heard on , the Court finds the following:

That the person was not convicted in the case; that no criminal proceedings are pending against the person; and the interests of the person in having the records pertaining to the case sealed are not outweighed by any legitimate governmental needs to maintain such records.

Therefore, it is hereby ordered that all official records pertaining to this case shall be sealed.

Attorney for Applicant / Applicant Pro Se

Judge / Prosecutor / Date

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION RECORD

For purposes of identification of the record to be sealed, the following information will be provided to arresting agencies and any and all known custodians of arrest and conviction records:

1. Applicant’s full name

2. Applicant’s maiden name

3. Applicant’s full address

4. Applicant’s Gender Applicant’s Race

5. Applicant’s date of birth

6. Court Case Number

7. Charge at Arrest

8. Charge CONVICTED of

9. Ohio BCI Number (if known)

10. FBI Number (if known)

11. Social Security Number

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What the Ohio Expungement Form Is and who it serves

The Ohio Expungement Form is the court filing used to request sealing or expungement of a criminal record in Ohio. It identifies the petitioner, lists the case(s) and charges to be sealed, and asks the court to find statutory eligibility under Ohio law. The form is filed with the clerk of the court that handled the underlying case and must include disposition details, case numbers, and any required attachments such as certified dispositions or proof of completion of sentence, fines, or community control. Accurate, complete filings reduce processing delays and improve the chance of judicial review.

Why the Ohio Expungement Form matters

Filing the Ohio Expungement Form can restore certain civil rights and limit public access to past records, improving employment and housing prospects while maintaining compliance with state disclosure rules.

Why the Ohio Expungement Form matters

Who prepares and files the Ohio Expungement Form

Typical filers include individuals seeking record relief, attorneys acting for petitioners, and legal-aid or reentry organizations that assist clients through eligibility assessment and document assembly.

  • Individuals seeking relief who prepare personal identification, case numbers, and proof of disposition before filing with the court clerk.
  • Private attorneys who gather court records, draft the petition, and represent clients at any hearing required by the court.
  • Legal aid clinics and reentry services that screen eligibility under Ohio law and help complete the packet for filing.

Clerks, judges, and prosecutors also review filings; timely, accurate documents reduce administrative rework and help courts resolve petitions efficiently.

How to prepare and submit the Ohio Expungement Form

Follow these sequential steps to prepare documents, confirm eligibility, and file the Ohio Expungement Form with the proper court and clerk.

  • 01
    Check eligibility: Confirm statute and waiting period for your offense type before starting the petition.
  • 02
    Collect records: Obtain certified disposition and sentencing documents to attach to the petition.
  • 03
    Complete form: Fill fields precisely using MM/DD/YYYY and exact case citations where required.
  • 04
    File and serve: Submit to the clerk and serve the prosecutor as the court rules require.

Common questions and answers about the Ohio Expungement Form

Answers to frequent procedural and eligibility questions for petitioners, clerks, and attorneys handling Ohio expungement filings.


Need help? Contact support

Security and privacy items to include with digital filings

Encryption in transit: TLS 1.2/1.3
Encryption at rest: AES-256
Audit trail: Timestamped actions
HIPAA readiness: BAA available
Access controls: Role-based access
Certifications: SOC 2 Type II

Risks and consequences of an incorrect or incomplete filing

Rejection or delay: Missing info causes clerk rejection
Wrong party: Incorrect names can misidentify the record
Service errors: Improper service may void hearing notice
Statute issues: Ineligible charges lead to denial
Perjury exposure: False statements risk criminal penalties
Fee loss: Filing fees are often nonrefundable

Common preparation mistakes to avoid

  • Using nicknames or initials instead of full legal name leads to mismatched records and processing delays.
  • Failing to attach certified dispositions or judgment entries is the most frequent cause of clerk rejection.
  • Not confirming eligibility periods or statutory exclusions before filing results in denied petitions and wasted fees.
  • Neglecting service requirements for the prosecutor or agency can result in hearing continuances or dismissal.

Essential sections of a professional Ohio Expungement Form packet

A complete packet includes identifying details, case specifics, statutory citations, attachments, signature, and proof of notice or service — each documented to support the court’s eligibility review.

Case Caption

Court name, case number, and caption must match the original court record to allow clerk matching and judicial review.

Petitioner ID

Full legal name, DOB, address and contact information to identify the petitioner and distinguish similar records.

Offense Details

List each charge, disposition date, and sentencing entry so the court can assess statutory eligibility and waiting periods.

Requested Relief

Clear statement of the relief sought (seal, expunge, or set-aside) with statutory citations supporting authority.

Attachments

Certified disposition, judgment entries, proof of compliance, and any required certificates demonstrating completion of sentence requirements.

Service Documentation

Proof of service on the prosecutor, arresting agency, or other parties as required by local rules.

Filing flow: from preparation to court order

This simplified flow shows how documents move from petitioner to clerk, through prosecutor review, then to judicial decision and entry.

  • Prepare packet: Assemble form and certified attachments for filing.
  • File with clerk: Submit to the appropriate county clerk’s office.
  • Serve stakeholders: Provide required service to the prosecutor or agency.
  • Court decision: Judge issues order granting or denying relief.

How to configure an electronic workflow for the Ohio Expungement Form

Configuring an e-filing workflow reduces manual steps: place required fields, set signer roles, select authentication, and attach certified documents.

Field Configuration
Signature block Require signer signature and date
Document attach Make certified disposition mandatory
Authentication Email + SMS code or court-required method
Notifications Auto-send copies to petitioner and counsel

Technical considerations for eSubmitting the Ohio Expungement Form

Confirm the court accepts electronic filings and required authentication; review file type, size limits, and signature acceptance rules before eSubmission.

  • File formats: PDF, searchable preferred
  • Integrations: Salesforce, Microsoft 365, NetSuite
  • Authentication: Email, SMS, or court-specified MFA

Retain a copy of the signed packet with audit trail metadata and confirm the clerk’s acceptance receipt to document filing and service.

Timing and typical deadlines for Ohio expungement petitions

Deadlines and processing windows are set by statute and local court scheduling; petitioners should track waiting periods, service deadlines, and possible hearing dates to manage expectations.

Eligibility waiting period:

Varies by offense and disposition; consult statute or counsel

Service window:

Serve prosecutor as required before hearing

Hearing scheduling:

Courts typically set hearing within weeks to months

Appeal period:

Statutory appeal windows apply when relief is denied

Record update:

Allow weeks for agencies to update sealed records

Key milestones in an Ohio expungement petition

Sequential milestones show the petition lifecycle from preparation through entry of order and administrative record updates.

01

Prepare Petition

Assemble form, certified dispositions, and proof of compliance.

02

File with Clerk

Submit petition and pay applicable filing fee to the clerk.

03

Serve Prosecutor

Provide required service and file proof with the court.

04

Court Decision

Judge issues an order granting or denying relief.

Representative scenarios showing how the Ohio Expungement Form is used

These anonymized examples illustrate common petitioner journeys, typical documentation, and expected court handling in Ohio expungement matters.

Public Defender Clinic

A community legal clinic prepares a petition for a client with a misdemeanor conviction who completed all sentence terms and probation.

  • Clinic attached certified disposition and proof of fines paid.
  • The court granted sealing after a brief hearing and the county clerk updated public records; the client regained access to employment and housing opportunities without disclosure obstacles.

Private Attorney Filing

A private attorney filed on behalf of a client whose nonviolent felony met the statutory waiting period and completed post-release requirements.

  • Attorney included certified entries and a proposed order.
  • The judge ordered sealing with notice to relevant agencies; the attorney provided certified copies to clear employment background checks.

Who signs and certifies the Ohio Expungement Form

Petitioner — Individual

The petitioner or their authorized attorney signs the petition under penalty of perjury when required; signatures must match identification and be dated to validate the request.

Court Official — Clerk

A clerk accepts the filing, stamps the petition, records payment of fees, and later enters the court’s order into official records for dissemination to agencies.

eSignature vendor comparison for handling the Ohio Expungement Form

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