# Criminal Record Help Resources - Ohio ## National Resources - **National Expungement Week** - **Website:** [https://www.nationalexpungementweek.org](https://www.nationalexpungementweek.org/) - **Description:** Provides free legal aid events and workshops focused on expungement, record sealing, and reentry services nationwide. - **Legal Aid Hotline** - **Phone:** 1-888-534-1432 - **Text:** N/A - **Website:** [https://www.legalaidline.org](https://www.legalaidline.org/) - **Description:** Offers free legal advice and referrals for individuals seeking assistance with criminal records, including expungement and sealing. ## Statewide Criminal Record Help Services - **Ohio Justice & Policy Center** - **Phone:** 1-513-421-1108 - **Text:** N/A - **Website:** [https://www.ohiojpc.org](https://www.ohiojpc.org/) - **Office Locations:** 215 E 9th St. Suite 601, Cincinnati, OH 45202 - **Services Provided:** Offers expungement guidance, legal aid, and reentry programs to help individuals with criminal records reintegrate into society. - **Ohio Legal Help – Criminal Record Expungement** - **Phone:** N/A (online service) - **Text:** N/A - **Website:** [https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org](https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/) - **Services Provided:** Provides an online resource for understanding Ohio's expungement and sealing process, with detailed instructions on how to begin. ## Regional Criminal Record Help Services ### Cleveland - **Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association – Reentry Program** - **Phone:** 1-216-696-3525 - **Text:** N/A - **Website:** [https://www.clemetrobar.org](https://www.clemetrobar.org/) - **Office Location:** 1375 E 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44114 - **Specialized Services:** Offers free legal workshops and assistance for expungement, sealing, and reentry support. ### Columbus - **Legal Aid Society of Columbus** - **Phone:** 1-614-224-8374 - **Text:** N/A - **Website:** [https://www.columbuslegalaid.org](https://www.columbuslegalaid.org/) - **Office Location:** 175 S 3rd St, Columbus, OH 43215 - **Specialized Services:** Provides expungement assistance, legal advice for sealing criminal records, and workshops for individuals with criminal records. ## How to Start the Process 1. **Eligibility Check:** - You can check eligibility for expungement through Ohio's official online portal or by consulting with a legal aid service. - For Ohio residents, eligibility is typically based on whether you have completed your sentence, have no pending charges, and the offense qualifies for sealing under Ohio law. 2. **Required Documents:** - Court records from all cases you wish to expunge, including final disposition forms. - Your ID or proof of residency. - Any other documents requested by the court, such as a certificate of rehabilitation. 3. **Where to File:** - You can file a petition for expungement at the court where your conviction occurred. Some counties have online filing options, while others may require in-person submissions. ## Online Legal Aid & Support - **Ohio Legal Help – Expungement Resources** - **Website:** [https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/criminal-record-expungement](https://www.ohiolegalhelp.org/criminal-record-expungement) - **Features:** Provides a detailed guide for Ohio residents on how to seal criminal records, including document preparation tools and information about the filing process. ## Additional Resources - **Expunge Ohio** - **Phone:** 1-800-686-1532 - **Text:** N/A - **Website:** [https://www.expungeohio.com](https://www.expungeohio.com/) - **Services Provided:** Provides free or low-cost legal assistance for Ohioans looking to expunge or seal their criminal records. Also offers workshops to educate individuals on the process. --- _Updated as of December 2024. For updates or corrections, please contact the Ohio Legal Help or other listed organizations._