Expungement in Maryland
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Maryland allows expungement of certain convictions and all acquittals/dismissals, with waiting periods of 3 to 15 years depending on offense.
How Maryland treats Expungement
Maryland permits expungement under Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-105, allowing immediate expungement of acquittals and dismissals, while convictions require waiting periods of 3 to 15 years based on offense severity. Violent crimes and sex offenses face longer waiting periods. Once expunged, records are removed from public access, though certain agencies retain sealed copies for specific 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 Maryland.