Having a criminal record can have a negative effect on many future plans.  When applying for a job, looking for an apartment, or getting certain permits or licenses, applicants are often subjected to a criminal background check.  However, your son or daughter may be able to seal their criminal record and minimize the chance that a criminal charge or conviction will leave a permanent scar on their record.

You often hear the term expungement when applied to criminal records. Technically, criminal convictions that arise after an individual is an adult in Ohio cannot be expunged, that is, they cannot be permanently removed from the individual's criminal record.  However, Ohio does allow for "sealing" a criminal record.  When a criminal charge is dismissed it can always be sealed. However, conviction of a criminal charge may be more difficult to hide. The records of individuals who have sealed their criminal records are filed separate and apart from other records and are only available in limited circumstances.  The general public, landlords, and most employers will not be privy to records that have been sealed.  However, sealed records will be available to law enforcement, the courts, and certain employers such as police departments, schools, day care centers, and nursing homes.

Determining whether a criminal record can be sealed requires looking at the final disposition of the record, the nature of the offense, the resulting sentence or punishment that was handed down, the time that has elapsed since the time of the charge, and the subsequent criminal history.  The staff of The Center for Student Legal Services is well-versed in the details associated with sealing a criminal record.  We can determine whether your son or daughter is eligible to seal their record and if so, represent them through that process.  If your son or daughter has been charged or convicted of a crime, they should make an appointment with our office to determine whether their criminal record can be sealed.  They can make an appointment by calling The Center for Student Legal Services at 740-594-8093.

The Center for Student Legal Services at Ohio University is a law office that is dedicated to serving OU students. Students can access our services by paying the $8.00 legal service fee included as an option on the quarterly tuition bill. Once you waive the fee, you cannot reverse it and your student will not be eligible for our services!

www.studentlegalrights.org