Expunging or Sealing a Felony in Maine
Which felony convictions can be expunged or sealed in Maine, the waiting period, and how to file.
Short answer: Maine's more serious crimes (Classes A, B and C) cannot be sealed under the general sealing law. The only exception is the separate process for people whose crimes were a substantial result of their being victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation, which can apply to any conviction. 15 M.R.S. §§ 2261(6), 2262-B
| Felony convictions | Maine's more serious crimes (Classes A, B and C) cannot be sealed under the general sealing law. The only exception is the separate process for people whose crimes were a substantial result of their being victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation, which can apply to any conviction. Source: 15 M.R.S. §§ 2261(6), 2262-B |
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| How to apply | File a Motion to Seal Criminal History (form CR-218) in the underlying criminal case, with the clerk of the court where the conviction happened. The motion must briefly address each requirement. The person may file without a lawyer but has no right to a court-appointed lawyer. The prosecutor's office that handled the case represents the State. The court holds a hearing, where the rules of evidence do not apply, and must grant the motion if the person proves each requirement by a preponderance of the evidence. The court then notifies the State Bureau of Identification, which seals the record and mails the person a notice. |
| What clearing a record does | A sealed conviction is confidential and generally may not be given to the public. Criminal justice agencies, the person, victims, the Secretary of State, financial regulators, professional licensing agencies, financial institutions required by law to run checks, and entities required to run fingerprint-based checks can still get it. The person may answer inquiries from others (such as employers, lenders and landlords) without disclosing the sealed conviction. The Judicial Branch notes the record is not erased. If the person is later convicted of a new crime, the record must be unsealed, and the person must notify the court. The sealing statutes do not address firearm rights or immigration; state sealing may not control how federal authorities treat a record. Source: 15 M.R.S. §§ 2264(7), 2265, 2266 |
Where to get help in Maine
More Maine expungement & criminal records
- Getting a Copy of Your Maine Criminal Record
- Clearing a DUI From Your Record in Maine
- How to File for Expungement in Maine
- Sealing or Expunging Juvenile Records in Maine
- All Maine expungement & criminal records rules
FAQ
Can a felony be expunged in Maine?
Maine's more serious crimes (Classes A, B and C) cannot be sealed under the general sealing law. The only exception is the separate process for people whose crimes were a substantial result of their being victims of sex trafficking or sexual exploitation, which can apply to any conviction.
How do you file for expungement in Maine?
File a Motion to Seal Criminal History (form CR-218) in the underlying criminal case, with the clerk of the court where the conviction happened. The motion must briefly address each requirement. The person may file without a lawyer but has no right to a court-appointed lawyer. The prosecutor's office that handled the case represents the State. The court holds a hearing, where the rules of evidence do not apply, and must grant the motion if the person proves each requirement by a preponderance of the evidence. The court then notifies the State Bureau of Identification, which seals the record and mails the person a notice.
What happens after a record is expunged or sealed in Maine?
A sealed conviction is confidential and generally may not be given to the public. Criminal justice agencies, the person, victims, the Secretary of State, financial regulators, professional licensing agencies, financial institutions required by law to run checks, and entities required to run fingerprint-based checks can still get it. The person may answer inquiries from others (such as employers, lenders and landlords) without disclosing the sealed conviction. The Judicial Branch notes the record is not erased. If the person is later convicted of a new crime, the record must be unsealed, and the person must notify the court.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.