Can you expunge a DUI or OVI from your criminal record in Ohio?

No. Under Ohio Revised Code section 2953.36, OVI convictions are permanently excluded from the list of offenses that can be sealed or expunged. Senate Bill 288, the 2023 record sealing reform, expanded eligibility for many low-level offenses but left the OVI bar in place. An OVI conviction stays on your Ohio criminal record for life.

What is the difference between expungement and sealing in Ohio?

Sealing closes a record to the public, so most employers, landlords, and licensing boards cannot see it. Expungement is the more limited remedy that actually destroys the record, and it is available only in narrow situations, such as certain juvenile cases or for victims of human trafficking. For OVI charges, neither remedy is available for the conviction itself.

Can a wet reckless plea be sealed in Ohio?

Often yes. A wet reckless is the informal name for an OVI charge that is reduced to reckless operation under ORC 4511.20 or a similar reckless driving offense as part of a plea agreement. Unlike OVI, a wet reckless is not on Ohio's permanent ineligibility list, so the resulting record may qualify for sealing once the waiting period under ORC 2953.32 has passed. For most misdemeanors, that waiting period is one year from final discharge.

Can an OVI arrest be removed if you are not convicted?

Yes. If you are ruled not guilty or the charges are dismissed, you can have the OVI arrest removed from your Ohio record. This is one reason it is so important to fight an OVI charge aggressively before judgment is entered, because an arrest with no conviction can be cleaned up, while an OVI conviction itself cannot.

Where do you file an Application for Sealing of Conviction Record in Hamilton County?

Most misdemeanor OVI-related cases in this area run through the Hamilton County Municipal Court, while felony cases go through the Hamilton County Common Pleas Court. The application is filed with the original sentencing court. A filing fee applies, the court sets a hearing date, and the prosecutor receives notice and has the right to object. Neighboring counties follow the same general framework in their Common Pleas Courts.

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April 22nd, 2026

How To Remove a DUI / OVI from Your Record in Ohio

Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI, Legal Blog, OVI

Drunk driving charges are some of Ohio’s most common criminal offenses. If you have been convicted or are facing DUI charges, you may be hoping to put the entire experience behind you and move forward with your life. With a DUI conviction on your record,…

April 21st, 2026

What to Do at a DUI Checkpoint in Cincinnati

Categories: Alcohol, Criminal Defense, DUI, Legal Blog, OVI

DUI checkpoints, also called sobriety checkpoints or OVI roadblocks, are a common sight in Cincinnati, especially on weekends, holidays, and nights when police expect higher volumes of impaired drivers. While these stops are legal under Ohio law, they can feel intimidating even if you haven’t…

January 21st, 2026

How a DUI Impacts Your Driving Record

Categories: Alcohol, DUI, Legal Blog

A DUI conviction can change how your driving record looks in Ohio and can lead to added DUI license points. It can also result in license restrictions or a suspension, depending on the circumstances. These changes can stay on your record longer than many people…

Christmas OVIs in Cincinnati & How to Handle a Holiday DUI

November 21st, 2025

Thanksgiving DUI Enforcement & How to Avoid an OVI

Categories: DUI

Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest — and riskiest — travel periods of the year. Not only are millions of Ohioans on the road, but it’s also the start of the holiday DUI season. In fact, the night before Thanksgiving has earned names like…

August 4th, 2025

4 Ways OVIs Get Dismissed in Cincinnati, Ohio

Categories: DUI

If you or a loved one has recently been charged with OVI in Cincinnati (Operating a Vehicle While Impaired), you may be anxious about the possibility of jail, fines, and losing your license. After all, Ohio law takes these DUIs seriously, and prosecutors in Hamilton…

July 14th, 2025

Should You Go to Trial for a DUI in Cincinnati & What Are the Odds of Acquittal?

Categories: Criminal Defense, DUI, Traffic

If you’ve been charged with DUI or OVI in Cincinnati, you’re likely wondering: Should I take this to trial—or accept a plea deal? The answer isn’t always straightforward, but knowing the risks, opportunities, and what’s at stake is essential. At Luftman, Heck & Associates, we’ve…

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If you have been charged with any crime in Hamilton County, contact the Cincinnati criminal defense attorneys with LHA today for a free, initial consultation.

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