What You Should Know About Expungements

Having your record expunged makes it as though no arrest or conviction ever occurred. Expunging the record is a process that involves filing an application with the court, paying a filing fee (unless it was a dismissal), and a hearing in front of a judge. Expungement occurs when the record of your case is permanently deleted and is no longer accessible.  Ohio law indicates that it should be treated as though the charge and conviction never occurred.

When reviewing your application, the court wants to know whether or not you have been rehabilitated. The judge will look at your age, how long ago the offense occurred, your education, employment history, your behavior since the offense, and the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. Additionally, the prosecuting attorney may comment on why they feel expungement is or is not appropriate. If the prosecuting attorney objects to expunging your record, the court will schedule a hearing.   What charges can be expunged from my record?

There are many advantages to having your record expunged. First and most important is your future. Anytime you apply for schooling or a job, they will run a criminal background check. Unless you have had that record expunged, you will face questions or your application will simply be rejected without further consideration. Background checks are now routine. Not only can potential schools and potential employers look up your record, but anyone with an internet connection can find it. This could impact your personal life as well as your career. Once your record is expunged, however, it is permanently deleted. Expungement allows you to honestly answer “no” to the question of whether you have ever been arrested or convicted.

Filing a motion for expungement is not a guarantee or an automatic process. If a clean slate is important to you, hire an attorney you can trust to help you through the process.

Do You Need an Attorney to Help Expunge Your Record?

Though this is a fairly routine process for us, it is important that you have someone on your side that can assure everything is done correctly.  Hiring an attorney shows the court that having your record expunged is important enough to pay someone to help you. Get the representation of a skilled and trusted expungement attorney who can give you the help you need. The Maher Law Firm can help make sure that your past no longer hinders your future. Call The Maher Law Firm today for a free consultation at 614-205-2208 or contact us online.