Expungement in Maine
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Maine allows expungement of arrests and convictions under a relatively permissive standard, with shorter waiting periods than many states.
How Maine treats Expungement
Maine permits expungement of arrests and convictions under 15 M.R.S.A. § 2001, with waiting periods as short as 3 years for some misdemeanors and 5 years for many felonies. The state applies a balancing test considering rehabilitation, time elapsed, and public safety. Once expunged, records are sealed and you may legally deny the arrest or conviction occurred, with limited exceptions for certain government and law enforcement purposes.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Maine.