How to Expunge Your Criminal Record in Maryland

By / April 9, 2026

How to Expunge Your Criminal Record in Maryland

As a Maryland resident, you may be eligible to expunge your criminal record, which can significantly improve your chances of employment, housing, and other opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the step-by-step process of expunging your record in Maryland, including the specific laws, statutes, filing fees, and deadlines.

Key Takeaways:

  • You may be eligible to expunge your record if you were convicted of a misdemeanor or felony that is no longer a crime or has been modified to a lesser offense.
  • You must submit an application to the Maryland courts within a certain timeframe, usually 3 years after the completion of your sentence.
  • You will need to pay a filing fee, which currently ranges from $250 to $400, depending on the court.
  • You may need to provide documentation and attend a hearing to support your application.
  • A successful expungement can help you avoid disclosure of your record to potential employers, landlords, and other parties.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

#Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility

To be eligible for expungement in Maryland, you must meet certain criteria:

  • You must have been convicted of a misdemeanor or felony that is no longer a crime or has been modified to a lesser offense.
  • You must not have any outstanding warrants or pending charges.
  • You must have completed your sentence, including any probation or parole.

#Step 2: Gather Required Documents

You will need to provide the following documents to support your application:

  • A copy of your conviction record from the Maryland Judiciary’s Case Search tool.
  • A copy of your sentencing order or judgment.
  • A copy of any documents related to your completion of sentence, such as a certificate of discharge or a letter from your probation officer.

#Step 3: Complete the Expungement Application

You can obtain the expungement application from the Maryland courts or online through the Maryland Judiciary’s website. The application will require you to provide personal and contact information, as well as details about your conviction and sentence.

#Step 4: File the Application and Pay the Filing Fee

Once you have completed the application, you must file it with the Maryland courts and pay the required filing fee. The fee currently ranges from $250 to $400, depending on the court.

#Step 5: Attend a Hearing (If Required)

In some cases, you may be required to attend a hearing to support your application. This will be determined by the court and can be scheduled in advance.

#Step 6: Receive the Expungement Order

If your application is approved, you will receive an expungement order from the court. This order will seal your conviction record from public view.

#Step 7: Update Your Records (Optional)

If you wish to update your records to reflect the expungement, you can submit a request to the Maryland courts or the agency that maintained your record.

Filing Fees:

  • Circuit Court: $350
  • District Court: $250
  • Orphans’ Court: $300

Deadlines:

  • 3 years after the completion of your sentence

Maryland Laws and Statutes:

  • Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure Article, § 10-101 et seq.
  • Maryland Code, Public Safety Article, § 14-101 et seq.

How to Find a Maryland Attorney:

If you are unsure about the expungement process or need assistance with your application, consider consulting an attorney. You can find a qualified attorney in Maryland through the following resources:

  • Maryland State Bar Association (www.msba.org)
  • Maryland Courts (courts.gov)
  • USA.gov (usa.gov/legal-aid)
  • LawHelp.org (lawhelp.org)

FAQ:

#Q: What is the difference between expungement and record sealing?

A: Expungement is the process of removing or sealing a conviction record from public view, while record sealing is the process of restricting access to a conviction record for certain purposes.

#Q: Can I expunge my record if I have multiple convictions?

A: Yes, but you may need to meet additional requirements and provide additional documentation.

#Q: Do I need to disclose my expunged record to potential employers or landlords?

A: No, a successful expungement can help you avoid disclosure of your record to potential employers, landlords, and other parties.

#Q: Can I expunge my record if I am currently on probation or parole?

A: No, you must have completed your sentence, including any probation or parole, to be eligible for expungement.

#Q: How long does the expungement process take?

A: The expungement process can take several months to a year or more, depending on the complexity of your case and the workload of the court.

Legal Disclaimer:

This guide is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. If you are seeking to expunge your criminal record in Maryland, you should consult with an attorney to ensure you meet the eligibility requirements and follow the correct procedures.

Official Resources

Visit our Find a Lawyer page for more resources.

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