Clear your Maryland record.

Expungement removes a record from public view. It covers a case that ended with no conviction, such as an acquittal, a dismissal or a nolle prosequi. It also covers a list of convictions. For those, the wait is three to fifteen years. You file the petition in the court where the case began. The State's Attorney has 30 days to object. A victim can object too, in a case under Crim. Proc. § 10-110. If no one objects, the court orders the expungement. If there is an objection, the court holds a hearing.

Shielding hides a conviction from the public. It is for a short list of crimes. Disorderly conduct and driving without a license are two of them. One petition can cover more than one of them, from one court in one county. You must wait three years after you finish your sentence. That includes probation, parole and mandatory supervision. A court can grant you only one shielding petition in your life.

A conviction for possession of cannabis can be expunged once you finish your sentence. Some cases are expunged with no petition. If every charge ended in an acquittal, a dismissal, a not guilty or a nolle prosequi, the court expunges the case three years after it ends. A nolle prosequi that required treatment does not count. This applies to cases from October 1, 2021 on. You do not have to file for those, but you can ask sooner.