Helping You Move Forward From A Criminal Record

Life after a conviction can be made difficult due to your criminal record. Even a minor offense can make finding employment, applying for housing or obtaining a loan challenging.

Fortunately, there is a way to potentially move forward from your criminal record. Attorney Michael A. Newland can determine whether your misdemeanor or felony conviction is eligible for expungement. Representing individuals in Hamilton and across Butler County since 1989, attorney Newland can provide seasoned, dedicated legal counsel to allow you to move forward with your life.

Ohio Law Has Become More Favorable For Expungements

Expungement allows you to move forward from a criminal offense by sealing or expunging the record from view. When applying for a job, loan, schooling, professional license, housing and more, your background check will not reveal the expunged offense. Law enforcement officers, however, can still view such records.

Previously, Ohio had strict guidelines for those seeking expungement. Such laws prohibited the sealing of more than one offense or expunging the offense if you had multiple convictions on your record.

Now, the law has become much more favorable for those seeking a clear criminal record. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to seek the expungement of up to five felony offenses and unlimited misdemeanor offenses.

When Is Expungement An Option?

You may be eligible for expungement if:

• You have waited the appropriate statutory waiting period, typically one to five years.
• Your conviction did not require a mandatory prison sentence.
• You have no pending criminal charges against you.
• Your offense is approved by the court for expungement.

Understand that expungement is not always an option. For instance, violent felonies, DUI or OVI conviction and sexually oriented offenses are generally not eligible for sealing or expungement. However, some examples of specific offenses that can often be expunged in Ohio:

• Shoplifting/theft
• Bribery
• Misdemeanor drug offenses
• Minor-in-possession (underage alcohol)
• Misdemeanor criminal damaging (vandalism)

Even if you have more than one conviction on your record, you may still qualify for expungement, depending on the nature of convictions, statutory limits and your criminal history.

As the requirements can be complex, Mr. Newland can advise on when your record may be eligible for expungement and how to proceed. He will represent you in court to assert that you have served your time and deserve the opportunity to move forward.

Benefits Of Expunging Your Record

Expungement can have significant, practical benefits, including:

• Improved employment prospects
• Easier access to housing and rental applications
• Greater eligibility for student loans and professional licenses
• Peace of mind and reduced stigma

Mr. Newland can review your situation and help you pursue an expungement so you can take full advantage of these benefits.

The Expungement Process And The Role Of An Attorney

The expungement process generally includes an eligibility review, gathering court and police records, filing a petition with the appropriate court, providing notice to the prosecutor and any victims, and possibly attending a hearing.

You don’t have to navigate these complex court steps alone. As a dedicated expungement attorney, Mr. Newland will:

• Confirm eligibility and gather court/police records
• File the expungement petition, notify parties and advocate at any hearing
• Secure the court order and ensure records are updated or sealed

With 36 years of criminal defense experience, attorney Newland provides direct, hands‑on representation from your first call through resolution. Based in Hamilton, he leverages long‑standing relationships with local judges and prosecutors and a deep familiarity with diversion and expungement options to pursue outcomes that protect your future.

What Happens After Expungement?

Once a court grants expungement, the offense is removed from routine public background checks and most employment, housing and licensing screenings.

Expungement does not destroy the underlying court or law‑enforcement records, meaning courts, prosecutors and certain agencies may still access them. Further, third‑party background companies and online aggregators may continue to show old information until they are notified.
An attorney can obtain the expungement order, send required notices and ask private vendors to update their databases while advising you about any remaining disclosure limits.

Consult With A Lawyer To Determine Your Eligibility

The expungement process can vary based on your prior offense, record and more. Mr. Newland can determine whether you may pursue expungement and how to do so. Learn more by scheduling a free initial consultation at his Hamilton office. Call 513-816-0307 or send him an email.