Dayton Expungement Lawyer
Clear Your Criminal Record in Montgomery County
In Ohio, expungement is considered a legal process in court which allows you to have all public records of a previous criminal conviction cleared and your court file sealed. In other words, an expungement makes it appear like the criminal offense or record never occurred.
Any person, business, future employer, or school can pull a background check to view your criminal record. While this may not be a fear for some, individuals with criminal records often face a lifetime of difficulties including:
- Difficulty obtaining a job
- Difficulty securing housing
- Difficulty obtaining a loan
- Difficulty obtaining custody of children
Although all crimes have the ability to follow a convicted person for a lifetime, expungements are available to help those charged with and acquitted of misdemeanor offenses.
If you or someone you love was charged with a misdemeanor and you would like it removed from your record, we urge you to get in touch with our Dayton record expungement attorneys right away. We can examine the details of your case and determine which legal strategies can help clear your criminal record.
Call L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC today at (937) 685-7006 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our Dayton expungement attorney!
Understanding the Expungement Process
The success of expungement is never guaranteed, and a judge can only make the decision. Although some judges are more lenient than others, having an experienced criminal lawyer on your side of the courtroom is crucial. A skilled Dayton expungement attorney will understand the intricacies of all the laws and how to speak to the judge to remove your charges.
In addition, a lawyer can help you understand the various options, depending on your offense, such as treatment instead of convictions and other procedures that can increase the likelihood of a successful expungement.
Advantages of Expungement in Ohio
There are a wide variety of benefits to having your criminal record expunged. Those reviewing your application may want to know if you have ever been convicted of a crime, whether you are seeking employment, professional licensing, citizenship, or even a place to live. If you have been convicted of a criminal offense in your record, it is highly unlikely that you will be given a job, promotion, a professional license, considered for citizenship, or even rent an apartment.
Are You Eligible for Expungement in Ohio?
The following are the six conditions which need to be met in order for you to be eligible for expungement in Ohio:
- You must not be convicted of one of the following crimes: First-degree felonies, second-degree felonies, first-degree misdemeanors or felonies where the victim is under the age of 18, rape, sexual assault, child pornography, obscenity involving a minor, corrupting a minor, gross sexual imposition, motor vehicle violations, all driver’s license violations, bail forfeitures in traffic cases, violent offenses that are misdemeanors of the first degree or felonies.
- You were not required to serve a mandatory prison term for the conviction.
- This conviction is your first and only conviction in Ohio or in any other jurisdiction. However, there are two exceptions to this. First, if two or more convictions resulted from the same criminal act or resulted from crimes committed at the same time, the convictions will be counted as one. Additionally, when two or three convictions are from the same complaint/indictment, or from the same guilty plea, and result from related criminal acts committed within three months of each other, the convictions will be counted as one. Second, if your other convictions were for minor misdemeanors, such as traffic offenses.
- If you wish to expunge a misdemeanor conviction, at least one year must have passed since its final discharge. If you wish to expunge a felony conviction, you must wait until three years since its final discharge has passed.
- You have no other criminal or traffic hearings pending in court at the time of the expungement application.
- You can only have one conviction expunged from your criminal record.
Steps to Apply for Expungement in Ohio
Once you determine your eligibility for expungement, you must obtain a copy of the final order of the conviction you wish to have sealed. Go to the Clerk of Court's criminal division and request a certified copy of the "Judgment Order of Conviction," which contains your case number.
You must also fill out two forms: the Application for Sealing of a Criminal Record according to ORC 2953.32 and the Judgment Entry for Sealing. Once completed, attach your Judgment Order of Conviction to the application, make at least three copies of the entire packet, and bring those three copies to the Clerk of the Court for the county where you were convicted. You must either pay a filing fee or provide a "poverty affidavit."
On the day of your hearing, you need to be present to offer evidence as to why your expungement application should be approved by the court, such as explaining to the judge that the appropriate amount of time has passed since the conviction was placed on your record and that the charges are eligible for sealing. If the court determines that your interest in having the records sealed outweigh the government's legitimate need to maintain records in public view, and the court certifies that you are a fully rehabilitated first-time offender, then your expungement and sealing request will be granted.
Why Choose L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates for Your Expungement Needs?
When it comes to clearing your criminal record, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, we pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge of Ohio's expungement laws and our commitment to providing personalized legal support tailored to your unique situation.
Here are a few reasons why our clients trust us with their expungement cases:
- Proven Track Record: We have successfully helped numerous clients navigate the expungement process, resulting in a clean slate and renewed opportunities.
- Comprehensive Legal Guidance: Our team will guide you through every step of the expungement process, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
- Personalized Attention: We take the time to listen to your concerns and tailor our approach to meet your specific needs, providing you with the support you deserve.
- Transparent Communication: We keep you informed at every stage of your case, so you know what to expect and can make informed decisions.
- Affordable Solutions: We offer competitive pricing and flexible payment plans to make our legal services accessible to everyone.
Don’t let a past mistake hold you back any longer. Trust the experienced team at L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates to help you reclaim your future.
Get in Touch with Our Dayton Expungement Attorney
If you were accused of committing a crime and would like to pursue an expungement, we urge you to call our Dayton expungement attorneys immediately. Because we have handled hundreds of similar cases, we know how to form a sturdy defense on your behalf. These cases are time-sensitive and should be handled as soon as possible for a better chance of success.
Contact L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC online or call (937) 685-7006 today to schedule a FREE consultation with our expungement lawyer in Dayton!
Frequently Asked Questions About Expungement
Understanding the expungement process can be overwhelming, especially if you're navigating it for the first time. To help clarify some common concerns, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions that many clients have when considering expungement in Ohio.
1. How long does the expungement process take?
The timeframe for expungement can vary based on several factors, including the complexity of your case and the court's schedule. Generally, it can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Our experienced team at L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC will keep you informed every step of the way.
2. Will an expungement completely erase my criminal record?
While expungement can seal your criminal record from public view, it does not completely erase it. Certain government agencies may still have access to sealed records. However, for most employers and the general public, your record will appear clean.
3. Can I apply for expungement more than once?
Yes, you can apply for expungement multiple times, but eligibility depends on the nature of each offense. Some offenses may not be eligible for expungement at all. Our legal team can help determine your eligibility based on your specific circumstances.
4. How much does it cost to file for expungement?
The cost of filing for expungement can vary, including court fees and attorney fees. We offer transparent pricing and can provide a detailed breakdown of costs during your initial consultation.
If you have more questions or need personalized guidance, don't hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team. We're here to help you navigate the expungement process with confidence!
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Proof of Our Success
Read Our Client Testimonials
At L. Patrick Mulligan & Associates, LLC, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"I had a very difficult case that took longer than usual but they never gave up on it."
Extremely pleased with L. Patrick Mulligan and Associates. They helped me through every step of the process and worked hard for me. I had a very difficult case that took longer than usual but they never gave up on it. Thank you!
- Megan -
"Patrick and his team are the only choice!"My husband was forced to defend himself at our home but that put him in jail. I first went with another lawyer, Mike Mills, who took my money and that was it. Feeling hopeless, I contacted Patrick’s team and they didn’t disappoint. Within 3 hours, Patrick was at jail speaking with my husband and a few days later, Patrick had him home. When you call the office, everyone helps you. You are not just another case to them; I know and experienced it. They are a team you want to be on your family’s side! Thank you Patrick and Laura and team - you are the best, thank you!- Jackson
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"When he walks in, all the fear melts away and he comes out swinging."My family and I have used Patrick for different cases. A child custody as well as DUI. Initially you may feel scared and want to keep calling but in the end he has always proven that he is the best of the best. When he walks in, all the fear melts away and he comes out swinging. He knows what he's doing. Child custody WON! DUI best possible outcome! I wouldn't hire anyone but him. I highly recommend! Thanks Mr. Mulligan and staff!- Satisfied Client
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"You helped me with a life changing situation and I'm a better father and son with your help and support."I want to personally thank you, Patrick and everyone else who did an amazing job on my cases. I've unfortunately dealt with a lot of attorney's over the years and you guys were the first one's I've ever trusted or felt that you really did what you said you were going to do!! Myself and my family couldn't thank you enough. You helped me with a life changing situation and I'm a better father and son with your help and support.- Brian
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"Best Lawyer ever."Patrick Mulligan took on my case in May 1996 not knowing how things would go. My case being his first Big case. He saved my life. I have still to this day will always remember and be Thankful to him for trusting and believing in me. I was a mother of a daughter 19 months old who as killed by my boyfriend at the time. The state tried to prove me for child endangering and wanting me to serve 18 months in prison. Parick didnt know until that point what he had gotten into . Patrick did everything he could to prove I was a good mother. It was almost a year after my daughters life was taken. We went to trail and I stood on the stand with all my friends and Dr.'s. Patrick worked so hard for me and we won and here I am 15 years later . I found his web site and had to tell my story. Anyone who needs his help he will work as hard as he can for anyone he believs in. I'm so gald to see he is still in Cinti helping people. Thank you Patrick. I will talk to you soon.- Stacy
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"I would recommend him to anybody."Patrick Mulligan is one of the few attorney's in Dayton that takes no bullshit I would recommend him to anybody- Justin
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"Help in the Middle of the Night"Mr. Mulligan made all the difference in my case. Through his yellow page ad, I was able to reach him in the middle of the night, after my ex-wife had me falsely arrested for Domestic Violence Verbal. He was prompt in coming to my assistance. He went out of his way to help reach my family so that they could get me released from holding. He answered all my questions and walked me through the entire process. He was able to get the results I was hoping for at the pre-trial, so that we did not actually have to go through an actual trial. Mr. Mulligan exceeded all my expectations and I would recommend him to anyone who finds themselves in a similar unfortunate situation. He was a Godsend for me.- Mark