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Maryland Expungement Laws: How to Clear or Seal a Criminal Record

How to expunge or seal a criminal record in Maryland: arrests, misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, juvenile records, waiting periods, fees and how to file.

Quick answers for Maryland

What relief the state offers
Maryland offers expungement, which removes information about a case from court and police records, and "shielding" under the Maryland Second Chance Act, which hides certain convictions from Case Search and the public but leaves them visible to law enforcement and some agencies. Md. Code, Crim. Proc. §§ 10-105, 10-110; Maryland Judiciary, Expungement (Adult) and Shielding Criminal Records pages
Misdemeanor convictions
Only misdemeanors on the list in the statute can be expunged. The list includes, for example, many theft, trespass, disorderly conduct, malicious destruction, possession of controlled substances, prostitution, second-degree assault and common-law battery offenses. Md. Code, Crim. Proc. §§ 10-110(a)(1), (c), (d); 10-105(a)(9), (c)(6)
Felony convictions
Only a few felonies can be expunged: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, felony theft, and first-, second- and third-degree burglary under certain sections. Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-110(a)(2), (c), (f)
Automatic (clean slate) relief
Partly. For cases with a disposition on or after October 1, 2021, where every charge ended in acquittal, dismissal, not guilty or nolle prosequi (other than nolle prosequi with required drug or alcohol treatment), the records are expunged automatically 3 years after the disposition. Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-105.1; Maryland Judiciary, Expungement Part 7: Expungement of Cannabis Charges (transcript)

Last verified: 2026-10-27

Who qualifies

What relief the state offersMaryland offers expungement, which removes information about a case from court and police records, and "shielding" under the Maryland Second Chance Act, which hides certain convictions from Case Search and the public but leaves them visible to law enforcement and some agencies. Juvenile records can also be expunged, and the Governor can grant pardons.
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. §§ 10-105, 10-110; Maryland Judiciary, Expungement (Adult) and Shielding Criminal Records pages
Arrests and dismissed chargesA person can petition to expunge a charge that ended in acquittal, dismissal, probation before judgment (PBJ), nolle prosequi, stet, a compromise, or a transfer to juvenile court. Waiting periods: acquittal, nolle prosequi or dismissal – 3 years, unless the person files a general waiver and release of tort claims; PBJ – the later of discharge from probation or 3 years after it was granted; stet or compromise – 3 years. PBJ for most DUI and DWI offenses has a 15-year wait. A court may grant a petition earlier for good cause. There is no filing fee for these petitions.
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-105(a), (c)
Misdemeanor convictionsOnly misdemeanors on the list in the statute can be expunged. The list includes, for example, many theft, trespass, disorderly conduct, malicious destruction, possession of controlled substances, prostitution, second-degree assault and common-law battery offenses. The wait is generally 5 years after the sentence is completed; 7 years for second-degree assault or common-law battery; and 15 years for domestically related crimes. A new conviction during the waiting period makes the earlier conviction ineligible unless the new one is also eligible. A person with a pending criminal case is not eligible, and if any conviction in a group of related charges (a "unit") is ineligible, none of the convictions in that unit can be expunged. Some minor nuisance offenses (such as loitering, panhandling or public drinking) can be expunged 3 years after the sentence.
The Judiciary publishes a list of expungeable misdemeanors: https://mdcourts.gov/sites/default/files/court-forms/courtforms/joint/ccdccr072g2.pdf/ccdccr072g2.pdf
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. §§ 10-110(a)(1), (c), (d); 10-105(a)(9), (c)(6)
Felony convictionsOnly a few felonies can be expunged: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, felony theft, and first-, second- and third-degree burglary under certain sections. The wait is 7 years after the sentence is completed, but 10 years for felony theft and first- and second-degree burglary (Crim. Law §§ 7-104, 6-202(a), 6-203), and 3 years for possession with intent to distribute cannabis. If the prosecutor or a victim objects, the court holds a hearing. It must find that the person is not a risk to public safety, has paid any restitution or cannot pay it, and that expungement is in the interest of justice.
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-110(a)(2), (c), (f)
DUI / DWI convictionsDUI and DWI convictions are not on the list of expungeable convictions. A probation before judgment (PBJ) for DUI or DWI can be expunged, but not until 15 years after discharge from probation, and not if the person had another conviction (other than a minor traffic violation) or another DUI/DWI PBJ within 15 years after the PBJ.
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. §§ 10-105(c)(2)(ii), (e)(4)(ii); 10-110(a)
Juvenile recordsA person can petition the juvenile court to expunge a juvenile record. The court may grant it if the person is at least 18 and 2 years have passed since the last official action in the record, and the case ended in one of the qualifying ways (such as nolle prosequi, dismissal, allegations not found true, or a disposition hearing). The person must not have been adjudicated delinquent more than once, must have no later conviction and no pending case, and must have fully paid any restitution. Records cannot be expunged if the adjudication was for an act that would be a crime of violence or felony for an adult, or that required sex offender registration. The Judiciary states there is no fee to file a juvenile expungement petition.
Source: Md. Code, Cts. & Jud. Proc. § 3-8A-27.1; Maryland Judiciary, Juvenile Record Expungement
Past marijuana convictionsA conviction for possession of cannabis can be expunged once the sentence (including probation) is completed, and it does not block expungement of other charges in the same case. Possession with intent to distribute cannabis can be expunged 3 years after the sentence is completed. Stand-alone cannabis possession charges issued before July 1, 2023 were subject to limited automatic expungement from the state criminal records system. On June 17, 2024, the Governor signed an executive order pardoning about 175,000 convictions for misdemeanor cannabis possession and related misdemeanor drug paraphernalia possession; the Judiciary was to mark each pardoned conviction on the electronic docket.
Governor's announcement: https://governor.maryland.gov/news/press/pages/governor-moore-signs-nationally-historic-executive-order-pardoning-175000-maryland-cannabis-convictions.aspx
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. §§ 10-105(a)(12), (c)(8), 10-110(c)(5); Office of the Governor press release (June 17, 2024)

How to apply

How to applyFile a Petition for Expungement of Records in the court where the case began (or the court it was transferred to). Use CC-DC-CR-072A for acquittal, dismissal, PBJ, nolle prosequi, stet or not criminally responsible; CC-DC-CR-072C to speed up an automatic expungement; and CC-DC-CR-072B or CC-DC-CR-072D for guilty dispositions. The court serves the State's Attorney (and, for convictions, sends notice to listed victims). If no one objects within 30 days, the court orders expungement. If someone objects, the court holds a hearing. Agencies have 60 days to confirm they have complied. Shielding is requested on form CC-DC-CR-148, and each person may get only one shielding petition granted in a lifetime.
The Judiciary offers an online Guide and File interview for expungement petitions.
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. §§ 10-105(b), (d)–(f), 10-110(b), (e)–(h); Maryland Judiciary, Expungement (Adult) and Shielding Criminal Records
Filing feeNo fee to expunge a case that ended in acquittal, dismissal, PBJ, nolle prosequi, stet or not criminally responsible, or to speed up an automatic expungement. Expunging eligible guilty dispositions costs $30 per case; the fee is nonrefundable even if the petition is denied. A person who cannot afford the fee may ask the court to waive it. There is no fee for a shielding petition or a juvenile record expungement petition.
Source: Maryland Judiciary, Expungement (Adult) – Filing Fees for Expungement; Shielding Criminal Records
Automatic (clean slate) reliefPartly. For cases with a disposition on or after October 1, 2021, where every charge ended in acquittal, dismissal, not guilty or nolle prosequi (other than nolle prosequi with required drug or alcohol treatment), the records are expunged automatically 3 years after the disposition. This does not cover Transportation Article violations where no court appearance is required. A person can ask for expungement sooner, at no cost, using form CC-DC-CR-072C. The Judiciary also describes a limited automatic expungement from the state's Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) of stand-alone cannabis possession charges issued before July 1, 2023; the court's own record is not destroyed.
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-105.1; Maryland Judiciary, Expungement Part 7: Expungement of Cannabis Charges (transcript)
Getting a copy of your criminal recordMaryland criminal history records are kept by the CJIS Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). Requesting your own record (an Individual Review) is a two-part process: submit the CJIS 015 form to the Central Repository with the $18.00 Individual Review fee, and be fingerprinted, since state law requires fingerprints for each background check. The CJIS Fingerprinting Office is at 6776 Reisterstown Road, 1st Floor, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Results of the state check are usually mailed within 10 working days. For a nationwide check on yourself, contact the FBI.
CJIS Customer Service: 410-764-4501 or 1-888-795-0011.
Source: Maryland DPSCS, Criminal Justice Information Services FAQ

After your record is cleared

What clearing a record doesExpunged court and police records are removed from public inspection. Employers and schools may not require applicants to disclose expunged charges, and neither may state or local agencies for licenses or permits. A person need not mention an expunged charge when asked about charges that did not lead to conviction or about pardoned convictions, and refusing to disclose expunged information may not be the only reason to fire, refuse to hire, or deny an application. Violations are a misdemeanor. Shielding removes convictions from Case Search and public view, but law enforcement and certain agencies and individuals can still see them. The Judiciary advises non-citizens to talk to an immigration attorney before filing, because they may need the case record for immigration matters.
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-109; Maryland Judiciary, Expungement (Adult) and Shielding Criminal Records
PardonsThe Governor can grant pardons. A person who was convicted of only one criminal act, which was not a crime of violence, and who received a full and unconditional pardon from the Governor may petition to expunge the record. The petition must be filed within 10 years after the Governor signed the pardon.
Source: Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-105(a)(8), (c)(4)

Where to get help in Maryland

Expungement & Criminal Records FAQ

Can you get a criminal record expunged in Maryland?
Maryland offers expungement, which removes information about a case from court and police records, and "shielding" under the Maryland Second Chance Act, which hides certain convictions from Case Search and the public but leaves them visible to law enforcement and some agencies. Juvenile records can also be expunged, and the Governor can grant pardons.
Can you clear an arrest or dismissed charge in Maryland?
A person can petition to expunge a charge that ended in acquittal, dismissal, probation before judgment (PBJ), nolle prosequi, stet, a compromise, or a transfer to juvenile court. Waiting periods: acquittal, nolle prosequi or dismissal – 3 years, unless the person files a general waiver and release of tort claims; PBJ – the later of discharge from probation or 3 years after it was granted; stet or compromise – 3 years. PBJ for most DUI and DWI offenses has a 15-year wait. A court may grant a petition earlier for good cause. There is no filing fee for these petitions.
Can a misdemeanor be expunged in Maryland?
Only misdemeanors on the list in the statute can be expunged. The list includes, for example, many theft, trespass, disorderly conduct, malicious destruction, possession of controlled substances, prostitution, second-degree assault and common-law battery offenses. The wait is generally 5 years after the sentence is completed; 7 years for second-degree assault or common-law battery; and 15 years for domestically related crimes. A new conviction during the waiting period makes the earlier conviction ineligible unless the new one is also eligible. A person with a pending criminal case is not eligible, and if any conviction in a group of related charges (a "unit") is ineligible, none of the convictions in that unit can be expunged. Some minor nuisance offenses (such as loitering, panhandling or public drinking) can be expunged 3 years after the sentence.
Can a felony be expunged in Maryland?
Only a few felonies can be expunged: possession with intent to distribute a controlled dangerous substance, felony theft, and first-, second- and third-degree burglary under certain sections. The wait is 7 years after the sentence is completed, but 10 years for felony theft and first- and second-degree burglary (Crim. Law §§ 7-104, 6-202(a), 6-203), and 3 years for possession with intent to distribute cannabis. If the prosecutor or a victim objects, the court holds a hearing. It must find that the person is not a risk to public safety, has paid any restitution or cannot pay it, and that expungement is in the interest of justice.
Does Maryland have automatic record clearing (clean slate)?
Partly. For cases with a disposition on or after October 1, 2021, where every charge ended in acquittal, dismissal, not guilty or nolle prosequi (other than nolle prosequi with required drug or alcohol treatment), the records are expunged automatically 3 years after the disposition. This does not cover Transportation Article violations where no court appearance is required. A person can ask for expungement sooner, at no cost, using form CC-DC-CR-072C. The Judiciary also describes a limited automatic expungement from the state's Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS) of stand-alone cannabis possession charges issued before July 1, 2023; the court's own record is not destroyed.
Can a DUI be expunged in Maryland?
DUI and DWI convictions are not on the list of expungeable convictions. A probation before judgment (PBJ) for DUI or DWI can be expunged, but not until 15 years after discharge from probation, and not if the person had another conviction (other than a minor traffic violation) or another DUI/DWI PBJ within 15 years after the PBJ.
How do you seal a juvenile record in Maryland?
A person can petition the juvenile court to expunge a juvenile record. The court may grant it if the person is at least 18 and 2 years have passed since the last official action in the record, and the case ended in one of the qualifying ways (such as nolle prosequi, dismissal, allegations not found true, or a disposition hearing). The person must not have been adjudicated delinquent more than once, must have no later conviction and no pending case, and must have fully paid any restitution. Records cannot be expunged if the adjudication was for an act that would be a crime of violence or felony for an adult, or that required sex offender registration. The Judiciary states there is no fee to file a juvenile expungement petition.
How do you file for expungement in Maryland?
File a Petition for Expungement of Records in the court where the case began (or the court it was transferred to). Use CC-DC-CR-072A for acquittal, dismissal, PBJ, nolle prosequi, stet or not criminally responsible; CC-DC-CR-072C to speed up an automatic expungement; and CC-DC-CR-072B or CC-DC-CR-072D for guilty dispositions. The court serves the State's Attorney (and, for convictions, sends notice to listed victims). If no one objects within 30 days, the court orders expungement. If someone objects, the court holds a hearing. Agencies have 60 days to confirm they have complied. Shielding is requested on form CC-DC-CR-148, and each person may get only one shielding petition granted in a lifetime.
How much does expungement cost in Maryland?
No fee to expunge a case that ended in acquittal, dismissal, PBJ, nolle prosequi, stet or not criminally responsible, or to speed up an automatic expungement. Expunging eligible guilty dispositions costs $30 per case; the fee is nonrefundable even if the petition is denied. A person who cannot afford the fee may ask the court to waive it. There is no fee for a shielding petition or a juvenile record expungement petition.
What happens after a record is expunged or sealed in Maryland?
Expunged court and police records are removed from public inspection. Employers and schools may not require applicants to disclose expunged charges, and neither may state or local agencies for licenses or permits. A person need not mention an expunged charge when asked about charges that did not lead to conviction or about pardoned convictions, and refusing to disclose expunged information may not be the only reason to fire, refuse to hire, or deny an application. Violations are a misdemeanor. Shielding removes convictions from Case Search and public view, but law enforcement and certain agencies and individuals can still see them. The Judiciary advises non-citizens to talk to an immigration attorney before filing, because they may need the case record for immigration matters.
How do you get a pardon in Maryland?
The Governor can grant pardons. A person who was convicted of only one criminal act, which was not a crime of violence, and who received a full and unconditional pardon from the Governor may petition to expunge the record. The petition must be filed within 10 years after the Governor signed the pardon.
Can old marijuana convictions be cleared in Maryland?
A conviction for possession of cannabis can be expunged once the sentence (including probation) is completed, and it does not block expungement of other charges in the same case. Possession with intent to distribute cannabis can be expunged 3 years after the sentence is completed. Stand-alone cannabis possession charges issued before July 1, 2023 were subject to limited automatic expungement from the state criminal records system. On June 17, 2024, the Governor signed an executive order pardoning about 175,000 convictions for misdemeanor cannabis possession and related misdemeanor drug paraphernalia possession; the Judiciary was to mark each pardoned conviction on the electronic docket.
How do I check my own criminal record in Maryland?
Maryland criminal history records are kept by the CJIS Central Repository of the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS). Requesting your own record (an Individual Review) is a two-part process: submit the CJIS 015 form to the Central Repository with the $18.00 Individual Review fee, and be fingerprinted, since state law requires fingerprints for each background check. The CJIS Fingerprinting Office is at 6776 Reisterstown Road, 1st Floor, Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Results of the state check are usually mailed within 10 working days. For a nationwide check on yourself, contact the FBI.

Expungement & Criminal Records in other states

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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.