Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Ohio
How juvenile records are sealed or expunged in Ohio, and whether it happens automatically.
Short answer: Records of juvenile adjudications for aggravated murder, murder or rape cannot be sealed. For other delinquent, unruly or juvenile-traffic adjudications, the juvenile court considers sealing on its own motion or on application once the waiting period has passed. Ohio Rev. Code §§ 2151.356, 2151.358
| Juvenile records | Records of juvenile adjudications for aggravated murder, murder or rape cannot be sealed. For other delinquent, unruly or juvenile-traffic adjudications, the juvenile court considers sealing on its own motion or on application once the waiting period has passed. For a person under 18, that is six months after the court's orders end or after discharge from the Department of Youth Services. No fee may be charged for the application. Sealed juvenile records are automatically expunged five years after sealing or at age 23, whichever comes first. The person may also apply for earlier expungement, and the prosecutor receives notice. |
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Where to get help in Ohio
More Ohio expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Ohio Criminal Record
- Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Ohio
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Ohio
- How to File for Expungement in Ohio
- All Ohio expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
How do you seal a juvenile record in Ohio?
Records of juvenile adjudications for aggravated murder, murder or rape cannot be sealed. For other delinquent, unruly or juvenile-traffic adjudications, the juvenile court considers sealing on its own motion or on application once the waiting period has passed. For a person under 18, that is six months after the court's orders end or after discharge from the Department of Youth Services. No fee may be charged for the application. Sealed juvenile records are automatically expunged five years after sealing or at age 23, whichever comes first. The person may also apply for earlier expungement, and the prosecutor receives notice.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.