📅 2026 Update: Recent Changes in Expungement Laws

Since the original article on Ohio expungement laws, several key changes have occurred across the U.S. These updates affect how individuals can seek to clear their criminal records, especially for certain groups. The information in the article below will continue to provide foundational knowledge about expungement in Ohio.

🆕 📜 Federal Expungement for Human Trafficking Survivors

On January 23, 2026, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (TSRA) became law. This law allows survivors of human trafficking to seek expungement for nonviolent federal crimes. These crimes must have happened as a direct result of their victimization.

This is a significant step towards providing relief for those who have faced such severe circumstances.

🏛️ 📈 Changes in State Laws

Several states, including Colorado and Delaware, have made strides in automatic expungement since 2024. Colorado's Clean Slate Act automatically seals certain misdemeanors after seven years and some felonies after ten years. By mid-2025, hundreds of thousands of records had already been sealed.

Delaware has also started automatic expungement for low-level offenses, clearing 805 records by November 2024.

🌐 👩‍⚖️ Oklahoma's New Legislation

Oklahoma has enacted new expungement legislation. Senate Bill 2030 requires an online portal for expungement by November 1, 2026. Automatic expungement for eligible records is set to start by November 1, 2027.

By November 1, 2029, all eligible electronic records must be processed.

💸 💰 Current Fees and Costs

As of March 2026, the filing fee for expungement in Ohio is $50. This is a change from earlier costs reported in the original article. In comparison, some states like Delaware, Illinois, and New York offer automatic expungement at no cost.

📌 Key Points Summary

  • Federal Expungement for trafficking survivors allows record relief for nonviolent crimes.
  • Colorado and Delaware have implemented automatic expungement laws.
  • Oklahoma will launch an online expungement portal in November 2026.
  • Ohio's filing fee for expungement is currently $50.
  • Automatic expungement is available at no charge in some states.

💡 Tips for Understanding Expungement

It's important to discuss your specific situation with your attorney to understand your options.

📜 ✔️ Confirm Eligibility

Before pursuing expungement, check if your criminal record qualifies. Eligibility can vary based on the type of crime and the state laws.

📑 🗃️ Gather Necessary Documents

Collect all required documents for the expungement process. This may include court records and identification proofs, which are essential for filing the petition.

🏛️ ⏳ Understand Processing Times

Be aware of the expected processing times for expungement in your state. Some states, like Colorado, have already expedited the sealing process under new laws.

💰 🆓 Know the Costs

Understand the filing fees associated with expungement in your state. For example, Ohio's fee is currently $50, while some states offer free automatic expungement.

🏷️ 🔍 Stay Informed

Keep up with changes to expungement laws in your state. Laws can evolve, and staying informed ensures you understand your rights and options.

🏆 Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

Several services can assist individuals in navigating the expungement process. These services are listed based on Trustpilot data checked in October 2026. Ratings can fluctuate, and it's important to consider that unhappy customers tend to leave more reviews.

🥇 1. CILA

CILA has been rated 5.0. It is recognized for its expungement eligibility checks and record clearing services. However, it is important to note that CILA services are limited to specific jurisdictions, which might affect some users.

🥈 2. RecordGone

RecordGone holds a score of 4.9. It is known for providing national expungement services and record clearing. Reviewers appreciate its thorough approach, but processing times can vary by state, leading to potential delays.

🆓 Free Government Options

Some states offer free options for expungement. For instance, Delaware, Illinois, and New York have implemented automatic expungement at no charge. These programs aim to simplify the process for eligible individuals facing low-level offenses.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Expungement Services

  • 🌟 Trustpilot scores and reviews
  • 📅 Processing times for expungement requests
  • 💸 Fees associated with services
  • 📍 Jurisdictions covered by the service
  • 📄 Types of records eligible for expungement

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What is expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that allows individuals to remove certain criminal records from public view. This can help improve employment prospects and social standing.

🕒 How long does the expungement process take?

Processing times vary by state and the type of offense. Some states have made efforts to expedite the process through automatic sealing laws.

📋 Who can apply for expungement?

Eligibility for expungement depends on state laws and the nature of the conviction. Some states allow expungement for misdemeanors and non-violent felonies, while others have stricter criteria.

📝 What documents are needed for expungement?

Individuals typically need court records, identification, and sometimes proof of rehabilitation. Gathering these documents is a crucial step in the process.

💵 Are there fees associated with expungement?

Fees for filing an expungement petition can vary by state. For example, Ohio charges a $50 fee, while some states offer automatic expungement free of charge.

🌐 Can I get help with the expungement process?

Yes, there are services and organizations that assist with expungement applications. Some states have free programs to help individuals navigate the process.

⚖️ Recent Court Cases and Connections

Several court rulings have recently impacted expungement laws. These decisions highlight ongoing changes in how records can be cleared and the rights of individuals seeking expungement.

For more recent rulings, feel free to explore more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update





Records that are expunged in Ohio are sealed and blocked from viewing by the public. The purpose of an Ohio expungement is to make it seem as if the crime someone was convicted of or charged with never happened. It is that person's right to legally deny any involvement in a crime that has been expunged.

An Ohio expungement can greatly benefit someone who is applying for a job, permit, or license that would be affected negatively by a criminal record. Once a record is expunged in Ohio, agencies performing background checks will not come across the record of someone who has had their record expunged.


Ohio Expungement Laws


Expunged records in Ohio are not completely lost. They may be unsealed if:

      A court, law enforcement agency, or prosecutor requests to view all records including those that have been expunged.


      The person commits another crime. The expunged record can then be used against that person during sentencing.


      A sealed record may be used to show character or credibility during court proceedings.


Juvenile records that are subject to an Ohio expungement must be destroyed; there are no exceptions.


Ohio Expungement Eligibility

A record may not be expunged if the record mentions one of the following crimes:

         ● Rape


         ● Sexual battery


         ● Corrupting a minor


         ● Gross sexual imposition


         ● Obscenity involving a minor


         ● Pornography involving a minor


         ● Motor vehicle violations


         ● Bail forfeitures in traffic cases


         ● Misdemeanors or felonies where the victim is a minor


         ● Violence against a minor.

A record is eligible to be expunged if no jail time was served. First time offenders have a better chance of receiving an Ohio expungement. Minor misdemeanors such as minor traffic violations do not count as prior criminal convictions. Those that have completed one year since their final discharge from a misdemeanor and completed three years since their final discharge from a felony may be eligible for an expungement. Other requirements for an Ohio expungement include having no ongoing or upcoming criminal or traffic cases and no prior expungements.



Ohio Expungement Process

Simply meeting the requirements to have a record expunged does not guarantee it will be expunged. A person must convince the judge hearing the expungement case that they have been rehabilitated and can function as a productive member of society. The steps to follow to receive an Ohio expungement are:

●    Acquiring a copy of the final order of conviction. This can be obtained after contacting the clerk of the court.


●    Two forms need to be completed: "Application for Sealing of a Criminal Record Pursuant to ORC§2953.32" and "Judgment Entry for Sealing".


●    There is a $50 fee to file forms to have your record expunged. Those who cannot afford to pay must file a "Poverty Affidavit".


●    Make copies of all forms. They must be brought into court to be signed by the judge.


●    The court will set a date for a hearing to expunge the record.


●    Prepare statements that will be said to the judge.


●    Explain why you think your record should be expunged. A prosecutor may fight against the expungement during the hearing.


●    The judge will make a decision. This decision may be made right away in court or the decision will be mailed to the person requesting their record be sealed and expunged.