Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb Takes Action to Expunge Low-Level Cannabis Convictions

Cleveland, Ohio is accelerating the process to expunge records for low-level, misdemeanor cannabis convictions after a state bill empowered Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb to take action.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, who assumed office at age 34 as the city’s first millennial mayor, is responding to community requests for cannabis expungements.

“Many residents struggle to find jobs, secure student loans, or qualify for housing due to low-level marijuana convictions on their records,” Bibb explained.

Grants are being allocated to cover filing fees, and expungement clinics are being established to facilitate the process. “We anticipated challenges within the legal system,” he added.

Bibb also supported Senate Bill 288, signed into law by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine last January, which removes obstacles that previously prevented the city from expunging records sooner.

“We strive to advocate for our residents,” Bibb stated.

With the approval of SB 288, Bibb and the city can proceed further. The administration is notifying eligible individuals with cannabis convictions and will file motions on their behalf using a $10,000 grant to cover filing fees and record sealing costs. The city is collaborating with organizations to host expungement clinics, enabling people to resolve their cases without court appearances.

“Cities and counties across Ohio now have the authority to expunge minor marijuana misdemeanors,” Bibb noted.

Spectrum News 1 reports that Bibb’s efforts were praised by the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML). “During college, I experienced the justice system firsthand after being arrested for simple possession,” said NORML Program Director Morgan Fox.

“I saw individuals with identical charges and legal histories to mine receiving harsher penalties, such as larger fines, longer probation, or even jail time, often because they didn’t look like me.”

Bibb’s proactive steps serve as a model for other leaders.

“Mayor Bibb has shown exceptional leadership on this issue,” Fox said. “From a national perspective, I wish more leaders would implement programs that directly benefit their communities as he has.”

The Bibb administration reports that 838 individuals have received expungements through coordination with the Biden administration. On April 4, the mayor announced assistance with over 4,000 court cases aimed at sealing records. “We will continue to communicate that Cleveland is ready to help citizens move forward positively,” Mayor Bibb said.

The goal is to simplify the process. “We recognize that interacting with the criminal justice system can be challenging and inaccessible,” said Chief Prosecutor Aqueelah Jordan. “As a city, we can assist residents who have been adversely affected by historical inequities.”