Expungement of crimes in Maryland provides individuals with the opportunity to clear their criminal records, which can have far-reaching benefits for employment, housing, education, and overall quality of life. Maryland’s laws on expungement are evolving, now allowing for the removal of first-time DUI convictions, nolle prosequi (nolle pros) charges, not guilty verdicts, and even protective orders from your public record. At Turnbull Brockmeyer Law Group, our experienced expungement attorneys are here to help you navigate this process and secure a clean criminal record, essential for moving forward in life.

Having a clean record can significantly improve your chances when applying for jobs, professional licenses, housing rentals, or loans. Even minor offenses can impact your reputation and future opportunities. Maryland’s expungement laws allow for certain non-violent offenses, first-time DUI convictions, and cases with nolle prosequi, stet, or dismissed charges to be expunged. Additionally, with recent updates, you can petition to have protective orders shielded, which prevents them from appearing in background checks, further protecting your privacy.

Eligibility for Expungement in Maryland

Maryland offers various options for criminal record expungement, depending on the offense, case outcome, and time elapsed since conviction. Individuals may qualify for expungement if:

They were found not guilty or acquitted.

The charges were dismissed or placed on nolle prosequi (nolle pros).

They received a stet or probation before judgment (PBJ) for certain eligible offenses.

They were convicted of non-violent misdemeanors, including theft, assault, and certain drug offenses.

They have a first-time DUI conviction, which is now eligible for expungement under recent changes to the law.

They want to have protective orders shielded to keep them from public records and background checks.

The wait period for expungement varies depending on the charge, often ranging from 3 to 15 years after the sentence is completed. Some cases, like DUI or domestic violence protective orders, may have specific requirements that must be met before expungement eligibility.

The Expungement Process in Maryland

The process of expunging a criminal record involves multiple steps, beginning with a comprehensive review of your criminal history to identify eligible offenses. Our expungement lawyers at Turnbull Brockmeyer Law Group provide full support, including:

Reviewing your criminal record to determine eligibility for each charge.

Filing a Petition for Expungement with the court, ensuring all documentation is accurate and complete.

Responding to any objections from the State’s Attorney’s Office or other parties. Representing you at a court hearing (if required) to advocate for the expungement.

Ensuring the successful removal of records from public databases and shielding any eligible protective orders.

Importance of Expungement and a Clean Record

A clean record can profoundly impact your life, opening doors to job opportunities, educational advancement, housing approvals, and more. Expungement helps eliminate the stigma of a criminal record, restoring your reputation and allowing you to move forward without the weight of past mistakes. Employers, landlords, and licensing boards frequently conduct background checks, and a clean record can improve your chances of success across these areas.

If you have criminal charges, convictions, or want to have a protective order shielded, our expungement attorneys at Turnbull Brockmeyer Law Group are ready to help. We are dedicated to providing thorough, strategic, and compassionate representation throughout the expungement process, ensuring you have the best chance at a clean slate. Let us guide you through Maryland’s expungement laws, helping you restore your record, reputation, and future. Reach out to our firm today to discuss your eligibility and take the first step toward a fresh start.