COLUMBUS EXPUNGEMENT LAWYER

Seal your criminal record in Ohio

a man smiling with friends after having his record expunged

A criminal record can follow you long after your case is over—affecting your job, housing, licensing, and even basic opportunities.

The good news is this: in Ohio, many people qualify to have their record sealed through expungement (record sealing).

I’m Nathan Akamine, a former prosecutor with over 20 years of criminal defense experience in Columbus. I help clients clear eligible records and move forward with a clean slate.

If you want to know whether you qualify, I can review your record and tell you exactly where you stand.

Call now for a free, confidential expungement case review.

What Is Expungement in Ohio?

In Ohio, “expungement” typically refers to record sealing.

When a record is sealed:

It is removed from most background checks
Employers and landlords generally cannot see it
You can legally say the record does not exist in most situations

However, the record is not destroyed. It can still be accessed in limited situations such as law enforcement or certain court proceedings.

👉 Related: If your case was dismissed or you were found not guilty, you may be eligible for immediate sealing. See also: Criminal Defense Overview

What Cannot Be Expunged in Ohio?

Some offenses are not eligible for sealing, including:

First- and second-degree felony convictions
Violent crimes in many circumstances
Sexual offenses
Offenses involving children (in most cases)
Certain high-level felony convictions

Even if you don’t qualify for expungement, other post-conviction relief options may still exist.

How the Expungement Process Works in Ohio

The process is legal, procedural, and detail-heavy—which is where mistakes usually happen when people file on their own.

Step 1: Eligibility Review
We analyze your full criminal record across counties.

Step 2: Filing the Application
A formal petition is filed in the court where your case occurred.

Step 3: Prosecutor Review & Hearing
The prosecutor may object. A judge may require a hearing.

Step 4: Court Decision
If granted, your record is sealed and removed from most background checks.

Timing: typically 2–4 months depending on the court.

Why Expungement Matters

A sealed record can dramatically change your life:

Better job opportunities
Improved housing approval rates
Professional licensing eligibility
Reduced background check barriers
A real chance to restart without your past defining you

This is not just legal relief—it’s a reset button.

Expungement vs Record Sealing (Important Difference)

Ohio technically uses “record sealing” in most cases.

Sealed record: hidden from public view
Expunged record: fully deleted (rare in Ohio)

Most people searching “expungement” are actually eligible for sealing—not deletion.

Why Hire an Attorney for Expungement?

People lose expungement cases for simple reasons:

Wrong filing location
Missed eligibility requirements
ncorrect waiting period calculation
Prosecutor objections not handled properly

As a former prosecutor, I understand exactly what the state looks for—and what causes them to object.

I use that experience to maximize your chances of approval.

Recognized Excellence

We have a strong track record of winning dismissals, reductions, and acquittals including serious cases like murder, sexual assault, drug possession, family violence assault, and driving while intoxicated.

Our ultimate goal is to get your case dismissed and help you reclaim control of your life.

FREE CASE REVIEW

What Our Clients
Are Saying

"Mr. Akamine’s representation allowed me to learn and grow from my mistakes without having to pay for them for the rest of my life. I would highly recommend Mr. Akamine’s services to anyone in need of representation in the Central Ohio area."

Anthony N., ★★★★★ Google Review

"Thank you for a job well done. I appreciate that you took my calls and treated me with respect. I can’t thank you enough for everything you've done. I will recommend you to everyone I know."

- Angie R. ★★★★★

"He was a great attorney defending my case."

Requel King, ★★★★★ Google Review

"My husband was facing serious jail time because of his prior DUI cases. Mr. Akamine encouraged him to get the help he needed in a treatment program and convinced the Prosecutor and Judge to allow him to do house arrest instead of jail. We can't thank you enough."

-Amy and John K.★★★★★

"I didn't hire a lawyer for my first DUI. That was a mistake. Mr. Akamine goes above and beyond. Lawyer of the year in my option. I'll never go anywhere else for my legal issues."

-Adam D.★★★★★

"Mr. Akamine represented my son several times in the past. He recommended the best actions to take in court and he truly cared about us. I called often and Mr. Akamine always was able to make me feel better about my son's situation. Thank you, thank you."

-Donna F. ★★★★★