ExpungeReady
Menu
Find an Attorney Background Checks File Yourself Consultation Prep
FloridaNorth CarolinaGeorgiaMichiganTexasOhioWashingtonArizonaVirginiaPennsylvaniaIllinoisNew JerseyNew YorkIndianaCaliforniaColoradoMarylandMassachusettsMinnesotaMissouri
Attorney sign in

Free Expungement Help in Ohio

Last reviewed: May 27, 2026

Ohio changed the game in 2023 with its Sealing of Records Act. The old law was famously restrictive — you could only seal one or two convictions and almost no felonies qualified. The new law removed the numeric cap and opened sealing to most non-violent felonies of the third, fourth, and fifth degree. If you looked into Ohio sealing before 2023 and were told you didn't qualify, check again — the rules are fundamentally different now. Ohio Legal Help has a free online tool that runs eligibility in under 5 minutes.

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing

Ohio Sealing of Records Act (2023) expanded eligibility substantially and added limited automatic sealing for minor misdemeanors with no other activity.

How to get a fee waiver in Ohio

File an Affidavit of Indigency to waive the $50 sealing application fee. The affidavit is available at the court clerk's office in every county.

Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.

Verified free legal aid organizations in Ohio

Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.

Free expungement help by city in Ohio

Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.

Columbus / Franklin County

The Columbus Bar Volunteer Lawyers Project matches low-income Franklin County residents with private attorneys for free legal help including sealing and expungement. Franklin County Court of Common Pleas typically holds expungement hearings monthly. OSU Moritz runs an active clinical program — contact their clinics office for the expungement project.

Cleveland / Cuyahoga County

Legal Aid Society of Cleveland runs a dedicated expungement project — call their intake line and specifically ask for the expungement team. They are well-versed in the 2023 amendments. CWRU Law runs a criminal justice clinic that handles sealing petitions under attorney supervision at no cost.

Cincinnati / Hamilton County

LASCO covers Hamilton, Butler, Clermont, Brown, and Warren counties. Hamilton County Court of Common Pleas schedules sealing hearings every other week. The Cincinnati Bar VLP runs regular evening clinics at community centers for low-income residents.

Ohio free expungement — frequently asked questions

Did the 2023 Ohio law change who can seal their record?

Yes — dramatically. The 2023 Sealing of Records Act removed the prior numeric cap (which limited sealing to 1–2 convictions) and opened eligibility to most non-violent third-, fourth-, and fifth-degree felonies after a waiting period. Many Ohioans who were previously ineligible now qualify. If you were told "no" before 2023, get a new evaluation.

How much does it cost to seal an Ohio record?

The court filing fee is $50. Attorney fees vary by county — free legal aid is available through the organizations above for income-qualifying applicants. If you make too much for legal aid, Ohio Legal Help has free DIY forms for straightforward sealing petitions.

Can an OVI conviction be sealed in Ohio?

No — OVI convictions are expressly excluded from sealing and expungement under Ohio law. However, if your OVI was dismissed or amended down to a non-OVI charge (like reckless operation), that resulting dismissal or reduced conviction may be eligible. An attorney can review the final judgment entry.

More Ohio expungement resources