Ohio Expungement Process in Columbus

Learn About the Most Recent Changes in the Law

On October 29, 2018 Ohio made significant changes to Ohio’s Expungement law which dramatically expanded who is eligible to expunge or seal prior criminal convictions. Our expungement attorneys in Columbus help with expungement for a felony, criminal, or juvenile record.

Under Ohio’s new Expungement Law (Ohio Revised Code section 2953.31) multiple criminal convictions that were not previously eligible to seal or expunge could now be eligible. This allows our lawyers to assist more people criminal record expungement in Columbus.

Ohio law now permits a person with multiple convictions, up to five felony convictions (only F4/F5 offenses with no violent or sexually oriented offenses) and an unlimited number of misdemeanors criminal convictions (no crimes of violence), can be eligible to have their record sealed. You can read the new law for yourself here.

Funkhouser Law’s Columbus based lawyers with expungement experience will help those who are trying to seal juvenile, felony, or criminal records. There are still waiting periods to file to seal/expunge a conviction following discharge:

• Misdemeanors require a one year waiting period.
• One conviction for a F4/F5 offense requires a three-year waiting period.
• Two convictions for an F4/F5 offense require a four-year waiting period.
• Three to Five convictions of an F4/F5 felony require a five-year waiting period.

Don't hesitate to get the help you need. Reach out to our expungement attorneys in Columbus or call us at (614) 756-2154 today.

Choose Our Expungement Attorneys in Columbus

If you are seeking the guidance of an expungement lawyer Columbus trusts, our experience navigating the local courts in Central Ohio gives us insight into how applications are evaluated. Since every situation is unique, we review each conviction and tailor a strategy—whether your case involves a single misdemeanor or several non-violent felony offenses. We carefully review the law, including requirements issued by the specific court in Columbus, to maximize your chances for a favorable outcome. This local focus ensures your expungement petition is managed with a thorough understanding of both Ohio law and the procedures in the courts serving Columbus and the surrounding counties.

Choosing the right expungement attorney in Columbus can make the difference in successfully sealing your record or facing unnecessary obstacles. We have handled cases before key courts in the Columbus area, such as the Franklin County Municipal Court and the Franklin County Juvenile Court, and understand local procedures that may affect your application timeline. Our team also monitors updates to Ohio’s expungement laws, so we can provide timely advice, even as state and county rules evolve. We are committed to keeping clients informed and prepared from your initial eligibility review through to the final court decision.

Funkhouser Law’s Columbus-based lawyers with expungement experience will help those who are trying to seal juvenile, felony, or criminal records. There are still waiting periods to file to seal/expunge a conviction following discharge.

What Sets Our Approach to Expungement Apart in Columbus

When considering who to trust with your expungement case, it is important to understand what makes our approach different from other law firms in Columbus. Our team draws on a history of service to the Central Ohio community and brings unique knowledge from both criminal defense and prior prosecutorial experience. This helps us evaluate each case from all angles and anticipate issues that may arise when filing for a record seal or expungement.

We recognize that every client comes with their own background and challenges, so our expungement attorneys in Columbus dedicate significant time to explaining eligibility and procedural details based on each individual situation. Whether you are trying to clear a juvenile incident or multiple adult convictions, our goal is to provide honest, thorough guidance on your options as permitted by Ohio law. We also ensure clients remain informed during all stages, such as preparing documents for the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas or responding to questions raised by prosecutors during the hearing process.

Some of the ways our firm supports your expungement in Columbus include:

• Direct attorney access so you can ask urgent questions about court timelines or paperwork requirements at any time.
• Military prosecution perspective from our founding attorney, offering insight into how the other side may challenge your expungement case.
• Local court experience in both Franklin County Municipal and Common Pleas Courts, as well as juvenile courts in the greater Columbus area.

For those navigating criminal record expungement in Columbus, this comprehensive and personal approach means you are never left wondering about next steps or critical requirements specific to the local courts. We guide clients through every phase, so you can move forward with confidence.

Reach out to us online to get support from our expungement attorneys in Columbus.