Judge David Hamilton of the Akron Municipal Court is partnering with two community organizations to host a clinic to seal or expunge records for those who qualify. The event will take place on Nov. 6.

Former Ohio State Buckeyes running back Maurice Clarett will be a guest speaker at the event. Clarett is a public speaker who openly discusses his dismissal from Ohio State University, his imprisonment, and what inspired him to establish The Red Zone, which is a behavioral health agency in Youngstown, his hometown. The municipal court’s announcement about the event states that Clarett is deeply dedicated to mental health advocacy, entrepreneurship, and community development with a special focus on aiding homeless youth, senior citizens, and expectant mothers.

Joining the municipal court in organizing the clinic are the Akron Urban League and the Summit County Legal Defenders. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Akron Urban League, located at 440 Vernon Odom Blvd. in Akron.

Fines and costs may be waived for individuals who are qualified to have their records sealed or expunged, the court noted. 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.

Registration is preferred and can be completed through an online form. The deadline to register is Oct. 23 or until all spots are filled. The court stated that walk-ins are also welcome the day of the event.

Summit County community organizations will have tables at the event offering resources to attendees.

“I am grateful to be serving alongside the Akron Urban League to grant sealings and expungements once again,” said Judge Hamilton, referring to events in past years. He serves as the court’s administrative and presiding judge.

Judge Hamilton added that he believes Clarett’s journey will be relatable to those in attendance at the event.

“His triumph over adversity is inspirational to all,” he said.

Information about how to restore one’s rights in Ohio can be found in a publication from the Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission produced in collaboration with the Ohio Judicial Conference. “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.

Crime victims also have specific rights in these 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 that law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, clerks, and courts must follow to ensure the rights of victims are upheld.

Anyone with questions about the Akron event can call 234-542-4169.

The municipal court’s jurisdiction includes the cities of Akron and Fairlawn; the townships of Bath, Richfield, and Springfield; the villages of Lakemore and Richfield; and the part of Mogadore located in Summit County.

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.