Legal Question in Criminal Law in Ohio

Record expungment?

Hello, I have a question regarding domestic violence in Ohio. I was in VERBAL arguement with a girlfriend at age 20, I was charged with domestic violence and I accepted a plea aggreement to avoid jail time. Now at age 30 I'm married with children , I have never had an altercation with the law since I was charged with domestic violence 10 years prior. I am ashamed to have this on my record. I did not know at the time the seriousness of this charge, I did not realize that my right to own a firearm was gone, at the time it was an easy out for me to plead guilty. Is there a way to have this removed from my record? If so is this easy to do? Can you please point me in the right direction?


Asked on 11/06/04, 9:41 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Richard Cline Office of the Ohio Public Defender

Re: Record expungment?

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to have this Domestic Violence conviction removed from your record. The legislature has amended the expungment statute to make it illegal for a Judge to expunge a domestic violence conviction ---- no matter how long ago the conviction occurred.

I think the only options available to you are to (1) seek a Governor's pardon; or (2) seek to withdraw your guilty plea. There are very substantial obsticles related to each option, and neither one is likely to be successful. I wish that I could give you a more encouraging answer, but I cannot.

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Answered on 11/07/04, 7:32 pm
Joseph Jacobs Jacobs & Lowder

Re: Record expungment?

It will be tough but I can check the docket for you. Call me if you want:

Joe Jacobs

216-952-1990

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Answered on 11/11/04, 12:47 pm


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