Why You May Want Your Charges Sealed
In this tight job market, it is imperative that you present the best impression of yourself and getting any arrests or convictions sealed improves your chances of success. If a charge is sealed, you do not have to list it on a job application (unless it is a government position), or if asked during an interview you can honestly say you do not have a conviction. Even if you are not applying for a job, do you want potential dates, co-workers, church members, or even your own family to know you have had a charge or a conviction? We have had clients who came to us because someone posted a conviction on Facebook.
It is important that you have a sealing done correctly and using an experienced attorney with familiarity in the county where the charge occurred is essential to ensuring a lifetime of invisibility to the general public. No matter where you live, if you have a record in Athens County, Ohio, it must be sealed in the Athens County courts. It is even important to seal charges that were dismissed as they can still be seen by the general public.
What Things Cannot Be Sealed
Not all charges can be sealed and we can tell you which ones can be sealed and which ones cannot. In Ohio, you can seal two offenses in your lifetime, whether felony or misdemeanor. Offenses sealed at the same or a similar time are usually counted as only one for purposes of this law. Traffic offenses may be able to be sealed, but it is a complex issue so call if you have questions. Dismissals can be sealed in most cases.
