{"id":181,"date":"2018-04-06T19:22:51","date_gmt":"2018-04-06T19:22:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.navigatingreentry.org\/?page_id=181"},"modified":"2025-02-08T14:48:14","modified_gmt":"2025-02-08T14:48:14","slug":"expungement","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.navigatingreentry.org\/index.php\/expungement\/","title":{"rendered":"Expungement"},"content":{"rendered":"

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WHAT IS EXPUNGEMENT?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Expungement removes the information about a criminal offense from court and law enforcement records. It usually applies to records that did not result in a conviction, although some convictions will qualify.\u00a0 In order to do this, a petition must be <\/span>filed with the court where the crime occurred<\/em><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n

A\u00a0 judge must determine whether or not the petition can be granted.\u00a0 <\/span>But your case must meet certain conditions and a timeline first.<\/span><\/p>\n

Time passed begins counting AFTER you complete your sentence (including probation) or court-orde<\/em><\/strong>red treatment.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

WHY IS EXPUNGEMENT IMPORTANT?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

There are many benefits to getting your criminal record expunged.\u00a0 Regardless of how much you have changed, and how much you are working to put your past behind you, your criminal record remains as a blemish that will create a barrier when seeking employment, housing, credit, or continuing your education.\u00a0 Although the process can be lengthy and somewhat daunting, it is well worth the effort. \u00a0And we are here to help you.<\/span><\/p>\n

CAN I HAVE A CONVICTION EXPUNGED?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

For most offenses, no – if you have been convicted (found guilty)<\/strong>, the records about that charge usually cannot<\/strong> be expunged.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>\n

There are some exceptions, so be sure to read all the information given here carefully to determine if you have records that can be expunged.\u00a0 It’s worth the time you’ll invest.<\/span><\/p>\n

REDEEM ACT OF 2023<\/span><\/h3>\n

The REDEEM Act of 2023<\/strong> (SB 37<\/a>) will significantly reduce the waiting period for several eligible expungements. This new law could cut waiting times in half for eligible misdemeanors, reducing the wait from ten years to five. However, you must satisfy the sentence(s) imposed for all convictions you wish to expunge.<\/span><\/p>\n

CAN A FELONY CHARGE BE EXPUNGED?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

In general, the outcome or disposition of your case will determine whether a specific record can be expunged or not. <\/span><\/p>\n

It doesn’t matter if your charge was a misdemeanor or a felony.<\/span><\/p>\n

WHAT RECORDS CAN BE EXPUNGED?<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

In general – you are likely to be able to file for expungement of a record relating to a criminal charge<\/strong> if the case ended with the following and you have satisfied the waiting period requirement:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

Not Guilty<\/strong> – You were acquitted or found not guilty<\/span><\/p>\n

Dismissed\u00a0<\/strong>– Your charge was dismissed<\/span><\/p>\n

PBJ\u00a0<\/strong> – You received Probation Before Judgement (except for certain alcohol related driving offenses)<\/span><\/p>\n

Nolle Prosequi (Noll Pros)<\/strong>\u00a0 – A Nolle Prosequi was entered in your case.\u00a0 This happens when the prosecutor decides to drop the case either before or during trial.<\/span><\/p>\n

Stet (STET)\u00a0<\/strong>–\u00a0Your case was placed on the “Stet docket” or indefinitely postponed.<\/span><\/p>\n

M<\/strong>oved to Juvenile Court\u00a0<\/strong>– Your case started in adult court but was moved to juvenile court.\u00a0 If you were originally charged as an adult and your case was transferred to juvenile court, you have two records – a criminal record and a juvenile record.\u00a0 There is a different procedure to follow to expunge a juvenile record, so the adult record is eligible for expungement.<\/span><\/p>\n

Not Criminally Responsible\u00a0<\/strong>– for Nuisance Crimes defined in MD Code, Criminal Procedure 10-105 (a)(9)<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 \u00a0Here’s the list of Nuisance Crimes:<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n