Plain Press

  • Changes to Ohio law may increase chances of eligibility for record sealing or expungement of criminal records

    by Tonya Sams      In April, changes went into effect in Ohio to the record sealing and expungement law.  This allows even more people to be eligible than before.      The first change was clarifying the true definitions of “record sealing” and “expungement”. An expungement erases a criminal record. The record will be almost non-existent…

    plainpress

  • Legal Aid Can Help with Rental Housing Questions

    by Tonya Sams      There are a number of questions that may come up when you are tenant of a rental property. Renters may feel that they have very few rights because they do that own the property that they dwell in. If tenants are unaware of their rights, they can be taken advantage of…

    plainpress

  • Start 2023 right with help from Legal Aid

    by Tonya Sams      It’s time to enjoy the holiday season! 2022 is almost over, but it’s never too early to start getting your affairs in order for the new year and The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland can help!      Legal Aid has been offering free civil legal services to those with low incomes…

    plainpress

  • Legal Aid will host its annual meeting with keynote remarks from Dr. Henry Louis Gates, Jr

    by Tonya Sams      (Plain Press, December 2022) The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland will host its 117th Annual Meeting on Friday, December 2, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Cleveland. Legal Aid’s annual event will highlight hope, extend gratitude, and provide updates on high-impact community partnerships and initiatives. Additionally, Legal Aid…

    plainpress

  • Tremont residents should examine how to maintain a diverse neighborhood

    Tremont residents should examine how to maintain a diverse neighborhood by Chuck Hoven (Plain Press, October 2022)  Tremont residents should be encouraged to participate in Ideastream’s Justin Glanville My Changing Neighborhood discussions where there is an examination of how to maintain a diverse neighborhood when gentrification is occurring.    The Tremont neighborhood could use some…

    plainpress

  • Guardians for Fair Work support wage theft protection

    SCREEN SHOT BY BRUCE CHECEFSKYMonday, September 12, 2022; Public Comment, Cleveland City Council Meeting, Cleveland City Hall, 601 Lakeside Avenue: Matthew Ahn, a spokesperson for the Guardians for Fair Work, says legislation introduced at Cleveland City Council to address wage theft falls short of expectations. Guardians for Fair Work support wage theft protection by Bruce…

    plainpress

  • Civil protection orders can help keep domestic violence survivors safe

    Civil protection orders can help keep domestic violence survivors safe by Tonya Sams (Plain Press, October 2022)   Survivors of domestic violence may need to take extra precautions after leaving their abuser.      Filing a civil protection order (CPO) is one way that you can protect yourself. A CPO can be filed with the Domestic Relations…

    plainpress

  • New Neighborhood Housing Court Kiosk opens at the South Branch Library

    New Neighborhood Housing Court Kiosk opens at the South Branch Library by Bruce Checefsky Plain Press, August 2022        Cleveland Housing Court and Cleveland Public Library have teamed up to bring the court to the community. Starting this month, the new Neighborhood Housing Court Kiosk at the South Branch of the Cleveland Public Library, located at…

    plainpress

  • Books, buses and the unexpected – tips for the new school year

    Books, buses and the unexpected – tips for the new school year by Tonya Sams Plain Press, August 2022        August is here and we will soon hear the ringing of school bells. But preparing for the new year is more than just buying clothes and supplies – it is also about preparing for new situations…

    plainpress

  • How to address lead paint and other conditions in rental properties

    by Tonya Sams Plain Press, July 20220                             When housing conditions are endangering your family, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by worry and fear.      One common problem is the presence of lead in older homes. Most homes built prior to 1978 used paint that contained lead.       Children exposed to lead poisoning may suffer from learning and behavioral…

    plainpress