My shoplifting case was dismissed in January of 2008 in Ohio and today I applied to have the record sealed/expunged. I got to a copy of my Records Check and went to the expungement office. I was asked to fill a form and was told I didn't need to attach anything. The form just needed my full names, address and SSN. There wasn't a section to explain how I've reformed. They guy that assisted me told me I should wait for a hearing date to be sent to me in the mail and that the judge handling my case doesn't require that I appear for the hearing but if I really want to I can. My question is what do they base the decision on in such a scenario given I haven't explained how I've reformed? I'm a first time offender and don't have anything else on my record...not even a speeding ticket (yet). I'm also trying to do the expungement pro se. Do you have any guidance that would increase my chances? Thanks in advance for all your help.

