Expungement Lawyer Maryland — How to Clear Your Criminal Record
An expungement lawyer Maryland from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. helps you seal or erase eligible criminal records under Maryland law. Expungement can remove arrests, charges, and certain convictions from public view, improving job, housing, and education prospects. Our firm has documented results in Maryland courts. Call (888) 437-7747 for a case review.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Expungement Law
In Maryland, expungement is governed by the Criminal Procedure Article, Title 10. The law allows for the removal of police and court records for specific case outcomes, including acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, stet, and probation before judgment (PBJ) after a waiting period. The Justice Reinvestment Act significantly expanded eligibility to include many non-violent misdemeanor and felony convictions. An experienced criminal record expungement lawyer Maryland can determine if your record qualifies.
Official Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s expungement statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. To file a petition, you must use the forms and procedures of the specific court where your case was heard, such as the Maryland District Court.
The Local Expungement Process in Maryland
Filing for expungement in Maryland requires a precise, court-specific petition. The State’s Attorney’s office in the county where the case originated has the right to object. In our experience, prosecutors in counties like Montgomery and Prince George’s routinely review petitions for completeness and legal sufficiency before deciding whether to object. A mistake on the form is a common reason for denial.
- Obtain your official Maryland criminal history record (CPR) from the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).
- Identify all eligible dispositions and confirm waiting periods (e.g., 3 years for PBJ, 10 years for many misdemeanor convictions).
- Complete the Petition for Expungement of Records (DC/CR 78 form) with exact case numbers, dates, and charges.
- File the petition, filing fee (or fee waiver request), and CPR with the clerk of the court where the case was final.
- Serve a copy of the filed petition on the State’s Attorney’s office for that jurisdiction.
- Await the court’s order; if unopposed, it is typically granted without a hearing.
Potential Benefits of a Clean Record
In Maryland, a successful expungement legally allows you to deny the occurrence of the expunged proceeding, removing barriers to employment, licensing, and housing.
| Record Type | Typical Eligibility | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Acquittal / Dismissal / Nolle Prosequi | Immediate (no waiting period) | Complete removal of arrest and charge records. |
| Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) | After 3-year waiting period, discharge | Erase record of case where you received PBJ. |
| Qualifying Misdemeanor Conviction | After 10-year waiting period, no new convictions | Remove conviction for theft, drug possession, etc. |
| Qualifying Felony Conviction | After 15-year waiting period, no new convictions | Remove conviction for certain non-violent felonies. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Maryland Expungement Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who understand how records are built and how to argue effectively for their removal. With combined experience exceeding 120 years and over 4,739 documented case results firm-wide, we provide knowledgeable guidance on how to clear criminal record lawyer Maryland clients need.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented record of favorable outcomes in Maryland. For example, we have secured nolle prosequi (dismissals) in serious cases in Baltimore County. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ cases with a favorable outcome rate exceeding 93%.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Our founding attorney, Mr. Sris, a former prosecutor with a background in information systems, provides strategic oversight on complex record-clearing matters.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. — Maryland
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Our Rockville location serves clients across Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and all Maryland counties. We are accessible via I-270 and I-495. As an expungement lawyer Maryland near Rockville, we represent clients in communities like Bethesda, Silver Spring, Columbia, and Bowie.
Maryland Expungement Lawyer FAQ
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Montgomery County are expunged through the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
How long does the expungement process take in Maryland?
It depends. An uncontested petition typically takes 3 to 6 months from filing to receiving the court order. If the State’s Attorney objects, the process can extend several months longer for a hearing. Timing varies by county court workload.
Do I need a lawyer to file for expungement in Maryland?
No, you can file pro se, but a lawyer is highly recommended. The forms are technical, and errors cause denial. An attorney ensures all eligible records are identified, waiting periods are met, and the petition is legally sufficient to avoid objections.
What is the difference between expungement and shielding in Maryland?
Expungement destroys or seals the official record. “Shielding” (for cannabis possession convictions) only removes the record from public view but not from law enforcement. True expungement provides a more complete legal clean slate.
Can a felony be expunged in Maryland?
Yes, under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Many non-violent felony convictions are eligible for expungement 15 years after sentence completion, provided you have no subsequent convictions. A lawyer can review your specific felony to confirm eligibility.
For more information, see our Maryland Criminal Defense hub page. We also assist clients in Prince George’s County and with DUI defense in Montgomery County.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.