Record Sealing Lawyer Maryland, MD
You made a mistake years ago. Maybe a misdemeanor arrest, a charge that was dismissed, or a conviction for something you have long since put behind you. Today, you are applying for a job, a professional license, or a rental home, and that record keeps coming up. In Maryland, you may not have to live with the consequences forever. Record sealing—often called expungement—gives eligible individuals a legal path to remove certain criminal records from public view. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. represents clients across Maryland who are ready to move forward and seal their past so it no longer defines their future. To discuss your eligibility for record sealing, call (888) 437-7747. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. – Advocacy Without Borders.
What Record Sealing Means in Maryland
In Maryland, “record sealing” and “expungement” are often used interchangeably, but they are distinct. Expungement removes police and court records from public inspection entirely, as if the incident never happened. Record sealing can restrict access to certain records even if full expungement is not available. Under the Justice Reinvestment Act, Maryland significantly expanded expungement eligibility, creating a more forgiving framework for people with non‑violent convictions, probation‑before‑judgment (PBJ) outcomes, and charges that ended in a nolle prosequi or dismissal.
Eligibility depends on the nature of the charge, the disposition, and the time that has passed. Generally, acquittals, dismissals, and stet docket cases are eligible for expungement. PBJ dispositions—where the court defers judgment without entering a conviction—may become eligible after a waiting period. Even some misdemeanor and felony convictions can be sealed if they meet the statute’s criteria. The process requires filing a petition in the circuit court where the case originated, along with supporting documentation. Having a lawyer who understands Maryland’s expungement statutes, including Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 10‑105, can help you determine whether your record is eligible and avoid procedural missteps that delay relief.
How Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Handle Record Sealing Cases
The first step is always a careful review of your criminal case history. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel obtain certified court records, identify which charges and dispositions are eligible, and map out a clear timeline for when each item can be sealed. Maryland’s waiting periods vary by offense type—for example, PBJ expungement requires a period of good behavior—but our team has extensive experience guiding clients through the timing requirements.
Once eligibility is confirmed, we prepare and file the petition for expungement with the appropriate circuit court. The petition includes the required statutory declarations and the case disposition details. After filing, the State’s Attorney’s Office and any other law enforcement agencies identified in the petition have an opportunity to object. If an objection is raised, we advocate at a hearing to argue that the statutory criteria are met. In many cases, petitions are granted without objection, and the court enters an order directing all government agencies to remove the specified records from public access. Our firm manages this process from start to finish, handling every administrative step so you can focus on the future.
About Mr. Sris and His Of Counsel Team
Mr. Sris, Owner and Founder of Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C., has practiced since 1997. He is a former prosecutor and is admitted to practice in Virginia, Maryland, the District of Columbia, New Jersey, and New York. His background on both sides of the courtroom gives him insight into how the state evaluates expungement petitions and what objections prosecutors may raise.
Our Of Counsel team includes attorneys with extensive experience in Maryland criminal law, including prior service as prosecutors in the Maryland court system. Their familiarity with local courts—from the District Court for Montgomery County to the Circuit Court for Howard County—informs a practical approach to record sealing. Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel bring over 120 years of combined legal experience and have achieved 4,739+ documented firm-wide results. Results may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
What records can be sealed in Maryland?
Many types of criminal records can be sealed under Maryland law, including arrests that did not lead to a conviction, charges that were dismissed, stet docket entries, and certain non‑violent convictions. Misdemeanor convictions for offenses such as theft, disorderly conduct, or drug possession may become eligible after a waiting period. Some felony convictions can be sealed if they meet the specific criteria outlined in the Justice Reinvestment Act. Traffic offenses that carry only a fine and no jail time are generally not eligible. An attorney can examine your case to confirm which items qualify.
Am I eligible for record sealing in Maryland?
Your eligibility depends on the outcome of your case, the type of offense, and how much time has passed since the case concluded. Charges that were dismissed, resolved with a nolle prosequi, or placed on the stet docket are typically eligible without a waiting period. If you received a Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), you may need to wait before filing. Certain non‑violent misdemeanor and felony convictions become eligible after a statutory period during which you must remain free of new criminal charges. A detailed review of your record is the only way to know for sure.
How does the record sealing process work in Maryland?
The process begins with a petition filed in the circuit court that handled your case, followed by notice to the State’s Attorney and any law enforcement agency that was involved. You must submit a sworn statement that details each case you want sealed. The state has an opportunity to object, and if they do, a hearing is scheduled. At the hearing, the court decides whether you meet the statutory requirements. If the petition is granted, the clerk sends the order to all relevant agencies, and the records are removed from public inspection.
Do I need a lawyer to seal my records in Maryland?
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to file for expungement, but having an experienced attorney increases the likelihood that your petition is properly prepared and that any objections are effectively addressed. The petition must conform to strict statutory requirements, and a mistake can cause delay or outright denial. If the State objects, you will be facing a prosecutor in court; having counsel who is familiar with Maryland criminal procedure ensures that your rights are protected. For a consultation, reach Mr. Sris and his Of Counsel at (888) 437-7747.
Will sealed records still appear on background checks?
Once a record is sealed in Maryland, it should not appear on most commercial background checks, employment screenings, or housing applications. Law enforcement agencies and certain government employers may still access sealed records, but for the general public, the information is treated as if it never existed. It is important to follow through with all agencies named in the order to confirm they have removed the records. If a background check company later reports sealed information, you may have a legal right to dispute it.
Can I seal a felony conviction in Maryland?
Some felony convictions can be sealed under Maryland law, but eligibility is more limited than for misdemeanors. The Justice Reinvestment Act opened the door for certain non‑violent felony offenses to be expunged after a waiting period, provided you have no subsequent convictions. Crimes of violence and certain enumerated serious felonies are generally not eligible. Each case must be evaluated individually because the statutes list specific offenses. An attorney can review your conviction and advise whether it falls within the permissible categories.
What is the difference between a PBJ and expungement in Maryland?
A Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) is a disposition in which the court defers further proceedings without entering a conviction, while expungement removes the record of the case altogether. A PBJ stays on your record unless you later petition to have it expunged. Many clients believe that a PBJ means the case is automatically gone; in reality, the charge and the PBJ disposition remain visible until you take action to seal it. Once the required waiting period passes, a PBJ is one of the most straightforward records to expunge.
For more information on record sealing in specific Maryland counties, see our related pages: Montgomery County Criminal Defense | Prince George’s County Criminal Defense | Howard County Criminal Defense | Anne Arundel County Criminal Defense | Frederick County Criminal Defense
For authoritative information on the expungement statute, please visit the Maryland Courts Expungement Help page and the Maryland Criminal Procedure Article § 10-105.
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Case results depend on a variety of factors unique to each case.