Individuals with a criminal record in Stow Municipal Court are invited to participate in a Record Sealing and Expungement Clinic on Sept. 17 from 9 a.m. to noon at the court, 4400 Courthouse Blvd. in Stow.
Stow Clerk of Courts Amber Zibritosky is partnering with Community Legal Aid, Summit Legal Defenders and the Akron Bar Association to host this free event. The legal clinic will be a one-stop shop for advice from licensed attorneys 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. “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.”
Registration is required to participate in the clinic. Those who are interested should call 330-983-2622 by no later than Sept. 12. Registration is currently open and will be capped at 50 participants, with additional applicants placed on a waiting list.
A financial screening will be conducted at the time of registration, as some participants may qualify for a complete waiver of the filing fee and free legal follow-up services. Those who are not income-eligible may still receive free legal advice at the clinic about their application but 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,” said Ronya Lewis, Chief Community Control Officer at the Stow Municipal Court. “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 cancelled.”
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.