The CQE allows individuals in the community who have a previous felony or misdemeanor conviction to apply to the court to lift the barrier that prevents them from obtaining general employment or licensure.

This website allows the applicant to complete an online petition and submit it to the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction for the initial review. After review, by the Department, the applicant will receive an email message that allows them to print off their petition and submit it to the Common Pleas Clerk of Courts in their county of residence. If the petitioner lives outside of Ohio, the petitioner may file their petition with the County Common Pleas Court Clerk’s office where they have an Ohio conviction. If the petitioner lives outside of Ohio and has multiple Ohio county convictions, you may file your petition with one of the County Common Pleas Court Clerk’s office that you have an Ohio conviction(s).