Columbus Expungement Attorney — Criminal Record Sealing

Expungement and Record Sealing in Columbus, Ohio

A criminal conviction in Columbus — whether a misdemeanor in Franklin County Municipal Court or a felony in Franklin County Court of Common Pleas — creates a permanent public record that appears in background checks used by employers, landlords, and professional licensing boards. For many Ohio residents, this record is the most lasting consequence of a past arrest: it follows them into every job application, housing search, and licensing review for years or decades. Ohio's expungement statute, R.C. 2953.32, provides a legal mechanism to seal eligible convictions from public view — effectively removing them from the background check systems that most employers and landlords use. Jwayyed Law LLC handles expungement and record sealing petitions in Franklin County Municipal Court and Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. Call (614) 285-5482 to evaluate your eligibility.

Ohio's expungement law was significantly expanded by HB 96, effective September 30, 2025. More people are now eligible than ever before — including persons with multiple prior convictions who previously did not qualify, and persons with F3 felonies that were previously ineligible. If you were told years ago that you were not eligible for expungement, that assessment may be outdated. Our firm re-evaluates eligibility for returning clients and for anyone whose prior assessment predates the HB 96 amendments.

What Expungement Does — And Does Not Do

When a Columbus court grants an expungement under R.C. 2953.32, it issues an order sealing the records of the conviction — removing them from the public-access sections of court databases, directing the Bureau of Criminal Identification to seal the record in its statewide database, and directing the BMV to seal any related entries. For most purposes, the conviction then no longer appears in background checks conducted by employers, landlords, and private background check services. Ohio law allows persons with sealed records to answer “no” to questions about prior convictions on most applications.

However, expungement is not erasure. Law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and courts retain access to sealed records for future criminal proceedings. The sealed conviction is also disclosed in applications for employment with law enforcement, federal employment, and certain licensed professions where the state licensing statute requires complete disclosure. Expungement removes a conviction from public view; it does not pretend the conviction never happened for all purposes. Our firm advises every client fully on the scope of what a particular sealed record will and will not affect before filing.

Eligible and Ineligible Offenses for Expungement in Columbus

Most misdemeanor convictions in Columbus are eligible for expungement under R.C. 2953.32, including: first-degree misdemeanor assault (R.C. 2903.13), petty theft (R.C. 2913.02), disorderly conduct (R.C. 2917.11), drug possession (R.C. 2925.11), driving under suspension, criminal damaging, obstructing official business, and most other misdemeanor offenses. Third, fourth, and fifth-degree felony convictions are also eligible after applicable waiting periods under the HB 96 amendments. Minor misdemeanor convictions are generally eligible after 6 months.

Ineligible offenses in Columbus include: OVI convictions under R.C. 4511.19 (not sealable regardless of how long ago); domestic violence convictions under R.C. 2919.25; most traffic offenses classified under chapters 4506–4511 and 4549; first and second-degree felonies generally; sexually oriented offenses with registration requirements; and offenses against victims under 13. When an OVI charge was reduced to reckless operation (R.C. 4511.20) by plea agreement, the reckless operation conviction may be eligible for sealing — this is a meaningful distinction for OVI defendants who negotiated a plea reduction.

The Expungement Process at Franklin County Municipal Court

For Columbus misdemeanor convictions, the expungement application is filed at Franklin County Municipal Court, 375 S. High Street. The application includes the case number, conviction information, certification that the waiting period has passed, and a statement of why expungement is in the interest of justice. The Franklin County prosecutor's office is served with the application and has 60 days to file an objection. Even if the prosecutor objects, the court conducts its own analysis weighing the applicant's interest in rehabilitation against any interest in maintaining the public record. An attorney can represent you at this hearing and advocate effectively for the granting of the expungement.

For Columbus felony convictions, the application is filed at Franklin County Court of Common Pleas. The process is similar — application, prosecutor notification, 60-day period, hearing. Felony expungements face more scrutiny than misdemeanor expungements, and having an attorney argue on your behalf at the hearing significantly improves the likelihood of a favorable outcome. Once an expungement is granted, our firm ensures that all required notifications go to BCI, the BMV, and any other agencies holding records of the conviction.

How We Can Help

• Eligibility evaluation: Complete review of your criminal history under current R.C. 2953.32 eligibility rules, including HB 96 amendments
• Waiting period calculation: Confirming whether your waiting period has elapsed from final discharge
• Application preparation: Drafting the expungement application, supporting documents, and statement for the court
• Hearing representation: Appearing on your behalf before Franklin County Municipal Court or Common Pleas to argue for expungement
• Post-order compliance: Ensuring BCI, BMV, and all relevant agencies receive and process the sealing order
• Multi-conviction expungements: Filing comprehensive applications covering all eligible convictions in your history

If you have a conviction in Columbus or Franklin County that you want to seal, contact Jwayyed Law LLC at (614) 285-5482 or schedule a consultation. We will evaluate your eligibility under current Ohio law and advise you on the best path forward.