Login | October 27, 2026
Akron Municipal Court to hold second Expungement Day event
SHERRY KARABIN
Legal News Reporter
Published: October 23, 2026
A criminal record — even if it involves misdemeanors — can keep a person from securing employment, housing or volunteering in public schools.
And while obtaining an expungement or getting one’s records sealed may remedy many of those situations, the process can be lengthy and involve costs that not everyone can afford.
But on Nov. 6, some Summit County residents with misdemeanor offenses will have a chance to seek relief without the financial burden during an Expungement Day event.
Akron Municipal Court Administrative/Presiding Judge David Hamilton and his staff are partnering with the Summit Legal Defenders office and the Akron Urban League to host the clinic for the second consecutive year.
“This is a chance for residents who qualify to move forward with their lives,” said Judge Hamilton, who started the event in 2025. “A lot of times, there are people who may want a fresh start but don’t have the time, money or resources to do so.
“On Nov. 6, we are providing on-site sealings and expungements and waiving all fines and court costs.”
The six-hour event gets underway at 9 a.m. at the Akron Urban League.
Though walk-ins are welcome, Judge Hamilton said he is hoping many people will register in advance with the Akron Urban League, so they can be pre-qualified by the Summit Legal Defenders office.
“The more people we can pre-qualify, the faster and more efficient the process will be,” said Judge Hamilton.
“The expungement and record sealing laws continue to change in Ohio, so we are encouraging people to inquire,” said Russ Nichols, director of the Clean Slate program at Summit Legal Defenders. “Some people who’ve been told no in the past may now be eligible.”
There are differences between an expungement and a record sealing, said Nichols.
An expungement deletes an individual’s criminal records, making them inaccessible to the public, except for the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, which may utilize them for the limited purpose of determining whether the person is qualified for a law enforcement position.
Sealing restricts most employers from obtaining the information, but the courts, law enforcement and some state licensing boards may still be able to access it.
Last year’s event assisted about 100 people for a total of 410 cases.
“Because the law now allows people to have multiple records expunged or sealed, we handle more cases,” said Nichols.
In addition to Judge Hamilton, his staff and public defenders, members of the clerk’s office and the City of Akron law department will be on hand at the clinic.
Community groups will also be passing out information about their services.
This year’s event will include a guest speaker.
Former Ohio State Buckeyes running back Maurice Clarett will reflect on his experiences, including his dismissal from the university, 2006 convictions for aggravated robbery and carrying a concealed weapon and his post-incarceration success as a social entrepreneur.
“I think sharing my story will help others believe in themselves and their ability to achieve their goals,” said Clarett.
At the time of his suspension in 2003, Clarett was considered a top NFL prospect after helping lead the Buckeyes to a national championship the previous year.
“I was suspended from the team for accepting illegal benefits,” said Clarett. “Being taken off track from what I thought my future would look like caused me to become depressed and gravitate toward the streets.”
In 2006, he pleaded guilty to charges stemming from an armed robbery and a separate concealed weapons case.
He was sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison and served time at the Toledo Correctional Institution before being granted early release in 2010.
“The warden offered me some harsh advice and a lot of support to go with it,” said Clarett. “He essentially told me to smarten up and that’s what I did.
“I started reading and learning and it gave me a big boost in my confidence and self-esteem.”
When he got out, he moved to Nebraska and played football for the Omaha Nighthawks.
He later returned to his hometown of Youngstown, where he and his former coach at Ohio State, Jim Tressel, now the lieutenant governor, were featured in the ESPN documentary "Youngstown Boys."
The publicity generated a lot of speaking engagements, enabling him to save money and start his journey into social entrepreneurship.
“I began in the transportation industry,” said Clarett. “I went from buying one truck to having a fleet of 12.”
Clarett now owns 53 podiatry practices in the state of Ohio and a few hundred homes.
In 2016, Clarett founded the Red Zone in Youngstown, which offers support to individuals, including children, struggling with mental and behavioral health issues and substance use disorders.
He is currently repurposing a former hotel property on Columbus’ North Side through his social impact organization, Champion’s Bridge.
The project includes a 100-unit development that will offer free, supportive housing to seniors and pregnant women in need and a 68-unit child wellness campus that will provide therapy and temporary housing to youth.
“Maurice’s story is one of resilience that I think will resonate with people at the event,” said Judge Hamilton. “He is a friend of mine and I asked him to share his motivational journey.
“I expect that some of those who show up will not be looking to seal or expunge their records but may turn out just to hear him speak.”
Anyone who would like more information on the Nov. 6 Expungement Day event can call 234-542-4169.