Pro Bono News

Five years after landmark criminal expungement law passed, Ohio attorneys remain busy with record sealing requests

Friday, October 06, 2017

Five years after landmark criminal expungement law passed, Ohio attorneys remain busy with record sealing requests

 

"Five years ago, a new state law was passed that expanded opportunities for people to have criminal convictions expunged from their records.

Prior to Ohio Sen. Bill 337, which became effective on Sept. 28, 2012, those with more than one conviction and people convicted of nonsupport of a dependent were ineligible for record sealing.

Before the bill became law, only first offenders could have criminal convictions expunged. Senate Bill 337 allowed those with two unrelated misdemeanor convictions or a combination of one felony and one misdemeanor conviction to apply to have their convictions sealed.

Since then, Ohio attorneys have continued to see an influx of clients hoping to start over and rebuild their lives through expungement..."

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