That mistake you made as a teen in Ohio doesn’t have to follow you forever. Ohio law lets you seal juvenile misdemeanor records, which means you can start fresh without your past holding you back.
What does record sealing do?
When you seal your juvenile record in Ohio, the public can’t see it anymore. Most employers, schools and landlords won’t know about your past offense. Only certain government agencies and law enforcement can still access these records in specific situations.
Getting started with record sealing
You’ll need to meet some basic requirements before you apply to seal your record:
- You must be at least 18 years old
- You need to pay all court costs and restitution
- Your case must be finished
- You can’t have any current charges
Take note that some serious crimes don’t qualify for sealing.
Steps to seal your record
The process involves clear steps that you’ll need to follow:
- Get an application from your juvenile court
- Fill out all required forms
- Pay the filing fee (or ask for a fee waiver)
- Go to court if the judge wants a hearing
- Show proof that you’ve changed since the offense
The judge will look at your age when the offense happened, what type of crime it was and how you’ve behaved since then. They’ll use this info to make their decision.
You don’t have to handle this alone. Free legal help exists in many Ohio counties. Legal aid offices often help people seal their records at no cost or low cost. A local lawyer can guide you through each step and boost your chances of success.
Taking action to seal your record opens doors for your future. You can apply for jobs, housing and education without worrying about your juvenile record getting in the way. The sooner you start the process, the sooner you can move ahead with a clean slate.