CLEAN SLATE PROGRAM
The Summit Legal Defenders established the Clean Slate Program to assist Summit County individuals in starting over with a “clean slate”. The program is run by Attorney Russel Nichols and he can be reached at cleanslate@legaldefenders.org or 330-434-3461. Please see below for further details on the program.
Sealing and Expungements
We assist individuals with the sealing and expungement of criminal convictions within Summit County with the hope that our clients are better able to access employment and housing opportunities.
VALID Clinic
Reliable transportation is integral to being meaningfully employed. Partnering with the University of Akron School of Law, we offer guidance and assistance for reinstating and maintaining valid driving privileges.
Notice of Availability
Many incarcerated individuals have open cases or warrants in other jurisdictions. Unfortunately, if those are not addressed, it can prevent people from being released from custody or from doing some programming while they are incarcerated. We believe that incarcerated individuals are better served by being able to engage in programming so that they can be more productive upon their release. We are happy to help assist individuals in resolving cases while they are incarcerated so that they may make a smoother transition into stable and meaningful employment upon their release.
Specialty Expungment
Many people believe a juvenile conviction cannot follow them into adulthood. Unfortunately, juvenile convictions can still appear on background checks as an adult. We provide education and assistance with the juvenile sealing and expungement process. We also provide specialty expungement services for victims of human trafficking.
Community Outreach
We are happy to partner with various community organizations to provide informational and educational resources for community partners to better assist their clients