Cincinnati Expungement Lawyer

Living in the state of Ohio with a criminal record can be incredibly challenging. Landlords don’t want to rent to you, employers don’t want to hire you, and professional organizations don’t want to welcome you into their ranks. Worst of all, every time you meet a new person, they can learn all about your past misdeeds in a matter of seconds by taking out their phone and searching your name.

Fortunately, you may not need to deal with the drawbacks of your criminal record for the rest of your life. With the help of a skilled Cincinnati expungement lawyer, like those here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, it may be possible to get your record sealed and have your rights restored. Contact us today at (513) 333-0014.

How Our Cincinnati, OH., Attorneys Can Help You Get Your Criminal Convictions Expunged

Our Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys are committed to providing the people of Cincinnati with outstanding legal services. When you ask us to help you get your record sealed, we will:

Check if You Qualify for Expungement

Like most states, Ohio does not offer expungement to all of its convicted criminals. As such, if you wish to avoid wasting time chasing a lost cause, you would be wise to check if you are eligible to have your record sealed before submitting an application.

Over the years, the attorneys here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, have helped countless Cincinnati residents get their records expunged. As such, we know how to tell which applications are likely to be approved and which ones will be denied. When you meet with us, we will review your case and tell you if we believe you qualify to have your record sealed.

Complete and Submit Your Expungement Paperwork

As with most legal matters in the state of Ohio, the process of applying to have a criminal conviction expunged typically requires a lot of paperwork. And if any of these forms are filled out incorrectly, the application may be denied or delayed.

Fortunately, the lawyers, paralegals, and administrative assistants here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, have spent years processing Ohio expungement cases. As such, we know how to ensure that all forms are completed correctly and filed on time. When you hire us, you won’t need to spend a single second worrying about paperwork.

Represent You at Your Expungement Hearing

Before a judge can decide whether your expungement application should be approved or denied, you will need to appear at a hearing. This hearing is your last chance to convince the court that you deserve a second chance at life.

Of course, when you work with our Cincinnati law firm, you won’t need to figure out how to sway the judge on your own. Our lawyers will represent you at your hearing and will make sure that the judge understands the difference an expungement would make to you and your family.

Are you ready to hire a criminal defense attorney from the law firm of Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, to help you get your record expunged? Then please give us a call or contact us online to set up a free consultation at our headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Understanding the Ohio Expungement Process

The processes and procedures that an individual must follow to get their criminal record sealed in the Buckeye State are set forth in section 2953.32 of the Ohio Revised Code. This statute explains that to start the expungement process, offenders should submit an application form to the court and pay a filing fee of $50.

When the court receives the application form, it will set a date for a hearing to determine whether or not the offender ought to have their record sealed. In most cases, this hearing is scheduled for no more than six weeks into the future.

Under Ohio law, when a court selects a date for an expungement hearing, they don’t just notify the offender. They must also let the county prosecutor know about the upcoming proceedings. 

If the prosecutor has an issue with the sealing of the offender’s record, they may file a formal objection with the court. Should they choose to make such a filing, however, they must also provide their reason or reasons for doing so.

Once the expungement hearing date arrives, the court will hear from the offender’s attorney and (if an objection has been submitted) the county prosecutor. The court will then:

  • Consider the objections of the prosecutor
  • Determine whether or not the offender qualifies for expungement
  • Determine whether or not the offender has been fully rehabilitated
  • Consider all other matters pertaining to the offender’s application

When the court has taken these steps, it will decide whether or not it should approve the offender’s expungement request. The entire hearing process typically happens in less than a day.

If the expungement is approved, the offender’s criminal record will no longer be viewable by the public. However, it may still be seen by judges and law enforcement officers under certain circumstances.

Would you like to have our Cincinnati expungement attorneys help you navigate the often-confusing record sealing process? If so, please give us a call and schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our experienced legal team.

Who is Eligible for Expungement in the State of Ohio?

Not all convicted criminals in the Buckeye State are eligible to have their records sealed. Per section 2953.32 of the Ohio Revised Code, offenders are eligible for expungement if they meet the following strict requirements:

  • They must be a first-time offender (minor misdemeanors do not count as criminal offenses)
  • They must not have any current criminal proceedings pending against them
  • If applying to seal a felony conviction, it must have been at least three years since they completed their sentence
  • If applying to seal misdemeanor convictions, it must have been at least a year since they completed their sentence
  • If applying to seal a criminal charge, they must have been acquitted or had their case dismissed

If you are a resident of Hamilton County or Butler County who has a criminal conviction that you believe may be eligible to be expunged, please contact the team here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, today. We would love to assist you with the record sealing process.

Who is Disqualified from Having Their Ohio Criminal Record Sealed?

Section 2953.36 of the Ohio Revised Code stipulates that a person cannot have their record expunged if they were found guilty of any of the following offenses:

At Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, we offer free initial consultations to all of our friends and neighbors here in Cincinnati. So, if you aren’t sure whether or not your conviction disqualifies you from expungement, please do not hesitate to reach out and speak with one of our skilled attorneys.

The Benefits of Having a Criminal Record Sealed

Having their criminal record expunged can have a sizable positive impact on many facets of an offender’s life, including:

Housing

When a landlord or apartment community runs a background check on an applicant, they will not see any sealed convictions. As such, offenders who have their records expunged typically find it much easier to find a place to live.

Employment

Many businesses have strict policies against the hiring of employees with criminal records. Fortunately, when an offender has their record sealed, the hiring manager will not be able to find out about their criminal history.

Education

People with criminal records often have a great deal of trouble getting approved for student loans. When an offender gets their criminal record expunged, they will find it easier to get these loans and enroll in further education.

Professional Licensing

Most professional licensing authorities do not allow people with criminal records into their ranks. However, these organizations cannot see expunged records – making it much easier for offenders to join.

Gun Ownership

The state of Ohio does not allow convicted felons to buy, carry, or use guns. However, when an offender gets their felony conviction sealed, they can regain their right to bear arms.

Privacy

When a new friend or work colleague does an online search for a convicted felon’s name, they will immediately see their criminal record. When an offender gets their record expunged, it will no longer be viewable online, allowing them to enjoy a much greater degree of privacy.

Would you like to experience the many benefits of having your record sealed? Then please contact the legal team here at Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, in Cincinnati, today. We are ready to help you fight for a brighter future.

Your Skilled Cincinnati Expungement Lawyer

The attorneys here at the law firm of Suhre & Associates DUI and Criminal Defense Lawyers, have been helping the people of Cincinnati get their lives back on track after their criminal convictions for many years. We would love to do the same for you. When you are ready to get started, all you have to do is pick up the phone and call our Cincinnati, OH, office.