Cincinnati Expungement Lawyers: Opening Doors To New Beginnings
A criminal record can cast a long shadow over your life long after you’ve served your sentence. It can hinder your opportunities for housing, education, employment and more.
Everyone deserves a second chance. Expungement or record sealing may be the key to freeing you from the weight of the past.
At Rittgers Rittgers & Nakajima, we believe in new beginnings. As the go-to Cincinnati-based expungement attorneys, we can help you explore all options for clearing your criminal record. We are leaders in the field of criminal defense, with more than 200 years of collective experience fighting for the rights of the accused in Hamilton County.
The Many Benefits Of Having Your Record Sealed Or Expunged
Imagine a life where background checks no longer cloud your reputation or hold you back from the opportunities you wish to explore. Expunging or sealing your criminal record can open doors that have been long closed. With a clean slate, you will be free to pursue the future you’ve dreamed of without barriers. You can pursue higher education, professional licensure and greater employment opportunities.
Understanding The Expungement Process In Ohio
There are two avenues for clearing your criminal record in Ohio:
- Expungement will permanently destroy the records, making it appear as though the offense never occurred.
- Record sealing will shield your records from public view. They may still be accessed under limited circumstances.
Both are powerful tools for getting your life back after being haunted by a criminal conviction. We can clarify the process and help you pursue the strongest path toward a clean slate. When you work with us, you can get clarity on whether you qualify. We’ll sit down with you to go over your record, determine your eligibility and discuss the best approach to setting you free from the weight of a criminal record.
Who Is Eligible, And Who Is Disqualified?
Not everyone qualifies for expungement or record sealing. Ohio law specifies which offenses are eligible. Factors such as the nature of the offense, the number of convictions you have and the time that has passed since the conviction all play a role in determining your eligibility.
Offenses that might qualify for expungement or record sealing include:
- Nonviolent misdemeanors
- Drug possession charges
- Records from a case where you were found not guilty or the charges were dropped
Offenses that aren’t eligible include:
- Violent and sexual crimes
- OVIs (DUIs), including first-time offenses
- Serious felonies
Many people think that felonies aren’t eligible for expungement or record sealing. That’s not necessarily true. Fourth- or fifth-degree felonies, which are less serious, may qualify. Much depends on the circumstances of your unique situation, which is why it’s so critical to seek legal advice.
How Can A Cincinnati Expungement Lawyer Help You?
Expungement and record sealing are complicated processes. You must file a thorough application and correct paperwork in the appropriate court. You must also attend a court hearing. A lawyer can ensure that everything goes smoothly.
We know how to manage your case from start to finish. We’ll prepare all the right paperwork and make a strong case for you in court.
Contact Our Expungement Lawyers | Handling Felony And Misdemeanor Records
No matter the shadows of your past, you deserve a fresh start. We can offer insight and support throughout the expungement or record sealing process. We will take the time to get to know you, understand your story and grasp the details of your case.
Don’t let your past define your future any longer. Contact our team today at 513-496-0134. We’re here to help you turn over a new leaf.
