AKRON, OH – Today, Summit County Prosecutor Elliot Kolkovich, Summit County Clerk of Courts Tavia Galonski, and the Summit Legal Defenders hosted their 2nd Annual One-Stop Expungement Filing Day Event for individuals who have convictions from cases disposed of in Summit County Court of Common Pleas. Individuals with convictions eligible to be sealed or expunged under Ohio Law received assistance from attending Summit Legal Defenders, Assistant Prosecutors, and Clerk of Courts Staff to file applications to seal or expunge records. The event attracted 27 applicants and over 40 different cases were addressed.
“When people with lower-level convictions have done everything our justice system has asked of them, they deserve a chance at a clean slate. One small mistake from the past shouldn’t affect someone’s ability to seek jobs and housing for the rest of their lives,” said Prosecutor Kolkovich. “This expungement event is part of my ongoing commitment to give deserving offenders in Summit County a second chance.”
“Once our returning citizens have completed all outstanding court orders and if the Judge agrees that they are ready, they may seek to have their records destroyed,” said Clerk of Courts Tavia Galonski. “As Clerk, I seek to assist in this sort of restorative justice in order to help these citizens go on to be productive neighbors who are able to seek employment and housing.”
“We are excited to be part of the Clinic because justice doesn’t end with punishment; it continues with the opportunity for redemption. These Clinics are about giving people a fair chance to build a brighter future for themselves, their families, and their communities,” said Andrea Whitaker, Director of Summit Legal Defenders.