Maryland Expungement Attorney

Maryland Expungement Attorney

An arrest or criminal record — even one that did not result in a conviction — can follow you for years, affecting your ability to find employment, secure housing, obtain professional licenses, and more. Maryland law provides a process called expungement that allows eligible individuals to have certain records shielded from public access. Adam Sean Cohen has helped Marylanders clear their records for over 30 years.

What Is Expungement in Maryland?

Expungement under Maryland Criminal Procedure Article §10-101 et seq. is the removal of a criminal charge or record from public inspection. An expunged record is not destroyed but is shielded from access by the general public and most employers. Law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access expunged records in limited circumstances.

Maryland's 2023 Expungement Reform Act

Maryland's Second Chance Act of 2023 significantly expanded expungement eligibility. Effective October 1, 2023, certain nonviolent misdemeanor convictions that were previously ineligible became eligible for expungement after a waiting period. Additionally, certain minor drug convictions became eligible. The law represents the most significant expansion of expungement eligibility in Maryland's history and opened the door for many Marylanders who were previously unable to seek relief.

Who Is Eligible for Expungement in Maryland?

Eligibility depends on the disposition of the case and the nature of the charge. Generally eligible for expungement:

• Cases that resulted in acquittal (not guilty verdict)
• Cases that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or stetted
• Cases where charges were not filed (no paper)
• Cases where Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) was granted — after the applicable waiting period
• Certain misdemeanor convictions — after the applicable waiting period under the 2023 Reform Act
• Certain drug possession convictions
• Pardoned convictions

Convictions for crimes of violence, certain sex offenses, and other specified serious crimes are generally not eligible for expungement regardless of when they occurred.

Waiting Periods

Most expungements require a waiting period after the disposition of the case. For PBJ, the waiting period is generally 3 years from the date of PBJ. For eligible misdemeanor convictions, waiting periods vary by offense under the 2023 reform. For acquittals, dismissals, and nolle prosequi, there is typically no mandatory waiting period, though the State has a right to object within 30 days of being served with the petition.

The Expungement Process

Expungement requires filing a Petition for Expungement in the court where the case was heard. The petition must identify the specific case and charge, and it must be served on the State's Attorney's office. The State has 30 days to object. If no objection is filed — or if the court overrules any objection — an Order for Expungement is entered. Adam Cohen handles the entire process, from evaluating eligibility through filing, service, and obtaining the final order.

Why It Matters

Even arrests without convictions show up in background checks and can cost you job opportunities, housing applications, and professional licenses. Expungement removes that barrier. If you are eligible, there is no good reason to wait. Adam Cohen evaluates eligibility at no charge during an initial consultation.