Judge Amber Zibritosky of Stow Municipal Court is partnering with three community legal organizations to host a record sealing and expungement clinic on Sept. 16.

Individuals with a criminal record in the court, which hears misdemeanor and traffic cases, can participate in the free legal clinic. In an announcement, the court described the clinic as “a one-stop shop” offering advice from licensed attorneys on whether someone is eligible under state law to seal or expunge a court conviction or case dismissal.

To seal a court record is to restrict it from being publicly available, allowing access only by certain people for specific reasons. Expunging a record means to delete, erase, or destroy it to make it permanently irretrievable. Clients who are eligible for sealing or expunging their record will be able to submit their application 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,” Judge Zibritosky said. “Giving a second chance to those who have shown they are committed to being law-abiding citizens is the right thing to do.”

The clinic, which will be held from 9 a.m. to noon, is a joint endeavor among the court, Community Legal Aid, Summit Legal Defenders, and the Akron Bar Association.

Register by Sept. 11
Registration is required, and the deadline to register is Sept. 11. The court directs those who want to participate in the clinic to call Community Legal Aid at 330-982-2511 or register online. Registration will be capped at 50 participants, with additional applicants placed on a waiting list, the court noted. 

A financial screening will be conducted at the time of registration to determine whether an applicant qualifies for a complete waiver of the filing fee and for free follow-up legal services. The court stated that those who aren’t income-eligible may still receive free legal advice at the clinic about their application, but will be charged the $100 filing fee. The fee is payable at the court by cash, check, or credit card. Those who plan to attend should bring a valid form of identification to the clinic for the notarization of documents.

A publication from the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission in collaboration with the Ohio Judicial Conference details how individuals can seek to have rights restored. “Adult Rights Restoration & Record Sealing” explains the collateral consequences that arise from criminal charges and that can be ameliorated through sealing, expungement, or other types of relief.

To obtain more information about the clinic, or the sealing or expungement process generally, contact the Stow Clerk of Courts Office at 330-564-4110 or clerk@stowmc.com.

For Those Eligible, Court Hearings Will Be Scheduled
Participants at the clinic who file an application for sealing or expungement will be given a court date for a hearing before they leave that day.

Ronya Lewis, chief community control officer at the court, explained that hearings are held only if the prosecutor or a 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 client’s rehabilitation.

Crime victims have certain rights in these types of proceedings. The rights conferred to crime victims are described in a Supreme Court of Ohio toolkit, “Understanding Marsy’s Law.” This resource describes the processes law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, clerks, and courts must follow to ensure the rights of victims are upheld.

Lewis noted that the Stow Municipal Court expects to rule on most unopposed applications before the scheduled hearing dates.

“If the application is granted, the participant will be notified, and the hearing date will be cancelled,” she said.

Further Legal Assistance Available for Other Jurisdictions, Unusual Situations
Judge Zibritosky added that participants with records in other municipalities can receive additional guidance on expunging or sealing those records. Others who may have unique or special circumstances will also have a chance to make follow-up appointments with the Summit Legal Defenders for more specific legal advice.

The Stow Municipal Court serves 16 communities in northern Summit County and handles about 20,000 cases per year.

Courts are encouraged to share news of events, initiatives, programs, and other announcements with Court News Ohio. Ideas can be submitted to CNO@sc.ohio.gov.