Expungement is the sealing of a criminal record so it is not publicly available. The statutes authorizing expungemnet are Ohio Revised Code section 2953.32 & 2953.52. While it is believed the following information is accurate, you should consider consulting an Ohio attorney to help you with the expungement process. If you cannot afford a lawyer, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, (216) 687-1900, may be able to help.
Eligibility guidelines
Only first time offenders can have a record expunged.
The expungement for a misdemeanor cannot be filed until at least one year from the defendant's final disposition. All court costs and any fines or restitution must have been paid at least 1 year before you can file. Convictions where your original felony charge was dropped to a misdemeanor, at least one full year must have passed, and the fine/costs, etc. must have been paid before an expungement is filed.
You must not have any other felony or misdemeanor conviction or any pending cases.
If you were found not guilty or the case was dismissed in court, you must wait until that finding is journalized before filing.
There are several other reasons your case may not qualify, such as a specific charge. Please seek legal advice.
If you qualify to have you record expunged, please obtain a record check from the Cleveland Police Department (third floor Police Headquarters', the cost is 5 cents per page.) and from the County Sheriff's Department (third floor Justice Center; cost is $6.00 cash/check/ money order). You would then see an attorney, public defender or go to the law library for the expungement motion.
The filing fee for Cleveland Municipal Court is $50.