Record Sealing Lawyer Maryland — How to Clear Your Criminal Record
A Maryland record sealing lawyer from Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. can help you clear your criminal record under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 10-101. Record sealing, also called expungement, removes eligible charges from public view. Our firm, founded in 1997, has 4,739+ documented case results. Contact a record sealing lawyer Maryland today.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of Maryland | Maryland General Assembly
Maryland Record Sealing Law
Maryland law allows for the expungement, or sealing, of certain criminal records. The process is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 10-101 et seq. The Justice Reinvestment Act significantly expanded eligibility, allowing for the expungement of many non-violent misdemeanor and felony convictions after a waiting period. A successful expungement order directs all police, court, and correctional agencies to remove records of an arrest, charge, or conviction from public files. This is a critical step for employment, housing, and professional licensing.
Official Legal Resources
For the full text of Maryland’s expungement statutes, visit the Maryland General Assembly website. For court-specific forms and filing instructions, refer to the Maryland Judiciary website.
The Record Sealing Process in Maryland Courts
Filing for expungement in Maryland requires handling specific court procedures and strict deadlines. The petition must be filed in the court where the case was disposed. Prosecutors have 30 days to object. In District Court of Maryland locations, clerks routinely review petitions for completeness before a judge’s review. An experienced record sealing lawyer near me Maryland understands these local nuances.
- Determine your eligibility under current Maryland expungement law.
- Obtain your official Maryland criminal history record (CJIS).
- Complete the Petition for Expungement of Records (CC-DC-CR-072).
- File the petition with the correct court and pay the filing fee (if applicable).
- Serve notice on the State’s Attorney’s Office.
- Attend a hearing if one is scheduled, or await the judge’s order.
Potential Outcomes of a Record Sealing Petition
In Maryland, a successful record sealing petition results in the removal of police, court, and correctional records from public access, though some agencies retain internal copies.
| Petition Type | Typical Outcome | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Acquittal/Dismissal/Nolle Prosequi | Expungement granted | No waiting period for these dispositions. |
| Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) | Expungement after 3-year wait | Must complete probation successfully. |
| Qualifying Conviction | Expungement after 3-10 year wait | Depends on the specific offense. |
| Ineligible Offense | Petition denied | Certain violent crimes and sexual offenses are barred. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Maryland Record Sealing Lawyers
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm-wide experience includes over 4,739 documented case results. We understand how a criminal record can affect your future. Our team includes former Maryland prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who provide insight into the local legal process. We offer a case-specific approach to record sealing in Maryland.
Documented Case Results
Our firm has a documented history of achieving favorable outcomes for clients. In Baltimore County, Maryland, we secured a Nolle Prosequi (dismissal) for a client charged with Child Pornography Promote/Distribute. In another case, we obtained a disposition of 5 years of supervised probation with all incarceration suspended for a Possession of Child Pornography charge. Firm-wide, we have handled 4,739+ cases with a high rate of favorable outcomes.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Maryland Record Sealing Attorneys
Our Rockville location serves clients across Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Howard County, and all of Maryland. We are accessible via I-270 and I-495. We serve neighborhoods including Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Columbia, and Bowie. Looking for an affordable record sealing lawyer Maryland? Contact us for a consultation.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
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.
Maryland Record Sealing FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to seal my record in Maryland?
No, you can file a petition yourself, but a lawyer is highly recommended. The process involves complex forms, strict deadlines, and legal arguments. An attorney can ensure your petition is correct, respond to State objections, and represent you at a hearing, significantly improving your chance of success.
How long does record sealing take in Maryland?
It depends. After filing, the State’s Attorney has 30 days to object. If unopposed, a judge may sign the order in 60-90 days. If opposed, a hearing is scheduled, which can add several months. The entire process typically takes between 3 to 6 months from filing to completion.
What records can be sealed in Maryland?
Eligible records include acquittals, dismissals (nolle prosequi), probation before judgment (after 3 years), stet dockets, and many non-violent misdemeanor and felony convictions (after waiting periods of 3-10 years). Traffic offenses like DUI and certain violent or sexual offenses generally cannot be expunged.
How much does it cost to hire a record sealing lawyer near me Maryland?
Costs vary based on case complexity. Many attorneys offer flat fees for clear expungements of dismissals or PBJs. More complex cases, like contested felony conviction expungements, may require hourly rates. We recommend discussing fees directly during a consultation to find an affordable record sealing lawyer Maryland.
Will sealing my record help me get a job?
Yes. Once a record is sealed, you can legally state on most job applications that you were not arrested or convicted for that charge. Most public and private background checks will not reveal the expunged record, removing a major barrier to employment.
Related Legal Services in Maryland
If you are dealing with a current criminal charge, you may need a Maryland criminal defense lawyer. For charges in neighboring areas, consider a Prince George’s County criminal lawyer or a Howard County criminal defense lawyer. For other legal needs, we also handle DUI defense and family law matters throughout Maryland.
Last verified: April 2026. Information updated as of 2026-02-15. 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.