Expungement laws can give a person convicted of a crime a chance to rebuild their lives. Like all states, Ohio has specific laws relating to expungement and how it can be utilized in the legal system.

Michael D. Doyle, Attorney at Law, is an OVI attorney serving clients throughout the Elyria, OH, area; below he shares three important facts about expungement laws in Ohio.

3 Facts You Need to Know About Expungement Laws in Ohio

1. Expungement & Sealing of Records Is Simultaneous

Some states consider expungement a separate matter from getting one's criminal records sealed. In Ohio, however, both expungement and record sealing occur at the same time, through the same legal action—so the two terms are interchangeable. Essentially, expungement and sealing erase a person's criminal record and, from a legal perspective, that record has never existed.

2. Expungement Involves a Waiting Period

Expungement is a legal action, and, as such, it requires a specific set of legal channels be followed. Before you can apply for an expungement and begin this process, you must wait a certain period of time, the length of which is determined by the type of conviction you've received. For a felony conviction, you must wait three years from the termination of your case, which includes your completion of parole. For misdemeanors, the wait time is one year.

3. A Lawyer Can Give You the Highest Chances of a Successful Expungement

The laws surrounding expungement are complex. You want someone on your side who can help you make sense of these laws and work on your behalf to get your records purged. Just as representing yourself in a criminal law case is not advisable, taking on an expungement on your own can lead to insurmountable challenges. You will have the highest chances of success by hiring a criminal or OVI attorney to represent you.

Contact Michael D. Doyle, Attorney at Law, to schedule a consultation today. You can reach his firm by phone at (440) 323-0001 or through their website. Let an experienced criminal and OVI attorney guide you through the expungement process and ensure your rights are protected and your interests looked after.