People with a criminal record in Stow Municipal Court are invited to participate in a Record Sealing and Expungement Clinic from 9 a.m. to noon June 25 at the court, 4400 Courthouse Blvd. in Stow.
Stow Clerk of Courts Amber Zibritosky stated in a news release she is partnering with Community Legal Aid, Summit Legal Defenders and the Akron Bar Association to host this free event. Attorneys will be there to advise on whether the client is eligible to seal or expunge their Stow court conviction or dismissal record. If the client is eligible, they can file with the Clerk of Courts that day.
“Having a criminal record can be a barrier for so many people as they seek employment or housing,” Zibritosky said in the release. “Giving a second chance to those who have shown they are committed to being law-abiding citizens is the right thing to do, and we are happy to partner with some of our community partners in this effort.”
The clinic is walk-in only with no registration required.
Upon arrival, participants will meet with a volunteer attorney from Community Legal Aid, a nonprofit law firm that serves Summit County residents, or Summit Legal Defenders at no cost.
If participants decide to file an application to seal or expunge their record, Community Legal Aid will screen participants to evaluate their eligibility for a waiver of the filing fee. Those who qualify can proceed with record sealing or expungement at no cost. Those who are not income-eligible will be charged the $100 filing fee payable at the court by cash, check or credit card.
“While the clinic will focus on those who have a criminal record through the Stow court, participants with records in other municipalities can receive guidance on expunging or sealing those records,” Zibritosky said. “Participants with unique or special circumstances, like immigrants or those with professional licenses, will also have an opportunity to make follow-up appointments with the Summit Legal Defenders for more specific legal advice.”
All participants filing at the clinic will be given a court date for a hearing on their application before they leave the building.
“The hearing will only go forward if the prosecutor or victim in the case objects to the client’s application or if the court’s standard investigation reveals new concerning information that casts doubt on the participant’s rehabilitation,” Ronya Lewis, chief community control officer at the Stow Municipal Court, said in the release. “We expect the Court will rule on the vast majority of applications well ahead of the scheduled hearing date. If the application is granted, the participant will be notified and the hearing date will be canceled.”
Those who plan to attend should bring a valid form of identification to the clinic for notarization. For more information, contact the Stow Clerk of Courts Office at 330-564-4110 or clerk@stowmc.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Stow court event offers help with sealing or expunging criminal record