For many Akron residents, a low-level felony conviction can make a fresh start feel out of reach. A criminal record can frequently block access to steady work, stable housing and community life. 

Akron has several local programs, including legal clinics, workforce training and re-entry services, that can help residents rebuild their lives by helping to expunge or seal a criminal record.

What is considered a minor felony in Ohio?

Ohio categorizes felonies into five degrees. The lowest levels, fourth- (F4) and fifth (F5) felonies, often include offenses such as drug possession, low-level theft, probation violations and other non-violent crimes. They are the offenses typically eligible for expungement.

  • F4 penalties generally mean sentences of six to 18 months in prison and fines of up to $5,000
  • F5 penalties generally mean sentences of six to 12 months in prison and fines of up to $2,500

The state offers two options that can give residents a clean slate:

  • Record sealing, where the case is hidden from public background checks.
  • Expungement, where the case is removed from the public record entirely.

Eligibility for one of the options depends on the type of charge, the number of convictions and how much time has passed since the offense. 

In Ohio, you cannot expunge the following convictions, according to the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s website:

  • Traffic and OVI/DUI offenses.
  • Felony crimes of violence.
  • Sex offenses while registration is required.
  • Crimes involving children under the age of 13 (failure to pay child support can be expunged / sealed regardless of age of child).
  • 1st and 2nd degree felonies.
  • Three or more 3rd degree felonies in a single case.
  • Convictions for domestic violence or violating a protection order.

The Akron Municipal Court website has more information about expungements and sealing records, including related costs, here.

Signal background

Where can Akron-area residents get legal help?

The University of Akron law school offers four free re-entry clinics staffed by volunteer law students and supervised by attorneys or faculty members. 

They include:

  • Expungement Clinic: Staff helps residents run background checks, review driver’s license suspensions, prepare filings and in some cases represent clients in court.
  • Certificate of Qualification for Employment (CQE) Clinic: Assists with applying for a CQE, which allows people with certain convictions to apply for professional licenses or jobs that would otherwise be off-limits.
  • Clemency Project: Helps low-income residents apply for a pardon and provides representation during formal pardon hearings.
  • Human Trafficking Clinic: Supports survivors of trafficking in expunging solicitation or prostitution-related convictions that resulted from coercion.

The clinic is located at 150 University Ave. at the law school — call them at 330-972-7751. The next clinic is Saturday, Jan. 24, from 9 a.m. to noon.

Community events and expungement support programs

Goodyear and Community Legal Aid free online clinic: record-sealing and expungement
Second Tuesday of each month starting at 5 p.m. — the next date is Dec. 9. Designed to help legal aid-eligible clients overcome the barriers of a criminal record. Goodyear attorneys meet with registered clients to help them complete the required court forms so they can represent themselves in a sealing or expungement matter. Advanced registration is required — call 800-998-9454 or apply online. 

Clean Slate Program
A partnership between the Summit County Legal Defender’s Office, Juvenile Court, Prosecutor’s Office and Sheriff’s Office. The program helps young people clear juvenile records as they transition into adulthood.

Goodwill Industries — Reentry Program
Supports incarcerated and formerly incarcerated people as they transition back into the community. Services include GED and ESL classes, resume help, interview preparation, job placement assistance and life-skills training.
Phone: 880-989-8428
570 E. Waterloo Road

South Street Ministries
Provides a reentry program rooted in spiritual and personal restoration. Offers a weekly support group Tuesdays at 4 p.m.
Phone: 330-761-1992
798 Grant St.

Truly Reaching You (TRY), Inc.
A faith-based re-entry program offering workforce training in lawn care and landscaping, commercial cleaning, housing rehabilitation, construction and manual labor. TRY also provides services to local businesses, governments, nonprofits, churches and homeowners, which helps fund its reentry efforts.
Phone: 330-785-9294
587 Baird St.