Ohio OVI Defense
Can an OVI Be Expunged in Ohio? The Truth About Your Record
Ohio law explicitly excludes OVI convictions from expungement. This makes fighting the charge — rather than accepting a plea — critically important. However, if your OVI charge was dismissed, reduced to a non-OVI offense, or resulted in a not-guilty verdict, sealing your record may be possible. Understanding your options requires an attorney who knows Ohio expungement law.
Not eligible in Ohio
OVI Conviction Expungement
May be sealable
Dismissed OVI Charges
May be eligible depending on offense
Reduced Charges
1–3 years after case closure
Waiting Period
Time is critical. Ohio's Administrative License Suspension (ALS) challenge window is only 30 days from your arrest date. Contact Rutan Law immediately to protect your driving privileges.
How Rutan Law Defends Your Case
Every OVI case is different. We identify the strongest defenses available and pursue them aggressively from day one.
Fight the Charge Now
Since OVI convictions cannot be expunged, the only way to keep your record clean is to avoid a conviction in the first place. Every defense must be pursued aggressively.
Negotiate a Reducible Charge
A reduction to reckless operation or physical control may be eligible for expungement after the waiting period. We negotiate with this long-term goal in mind.
Seal Dismissed Charges
If your OVI charge was dismissed — through a successful motion to suppress or otherwise — we file to seal the arrest record immediately.
Expungement of Related Charges
If you were charged with additional offenses alongside the OVI, those charges may be separately eligible for expungement even if the OVI is not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often about this charge.
Ready to Fight Your Charge?
Protect your record from the start. Call Rutan Law at (614) 307-4343 — free consultation, 24/7.