How to File for Expungement in Maryland

A Plain-Language Guide for Self-Represented Persons

What This Document Does

This guide helps you clear (expunge) your criminal record in Maryland. Expungement means the court orders your records to be removed from public inspection — most employers, landlords, and others won't be able to see them.

This is not legal advice. Some cases are complicated. If you're unsure about your eligibility, consider talking to a lawyer or legal aid.

When to Use This Guide

Use this guide if:

• You were acquitted (found not guilty)
• Your charges were dismissed
• The State entered a nolle prosequi (dropped the charges)
• You received Probation Before Judgment (PBJ)
• Your case was stet (indefinitely postponed)
• You were arrested but never charged

Do NOT use this guide if:

• You were convicted of a serious crime (certain felonies cannot be expunged)
• You have pending criminal charges
• You are currently on probation or parole for another offense

Before You Start

Gather this information:

Maryland Judiciary Case Search: mdcourts.gov/casesearch (free online search)

Know the waiting periods:

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

You CAN expunge if:

• [ ] You were found not guilty (acquitted)
• [ ] Your charges were dismissed
• [ ] The State dropped the charges (nolle prosequi)
• [ ] You received Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) — wait 3 years
• [ ] Your case was marked "stet" (postponed indefinitely)
• [ ] You were arrested but never charged

You CANNOT expunge if:

• [ ] You were convicted of certain serious crimes (crimes of violence, certain felonies)
• [ ] You have pending criminal charges
• [ ] You are currently on probation or parole for another offense
• [ ] The charges you want expunged are part of a "unit" with a conviction you can't expunge

Step 2: Understand "Unit" Rule

What is a "unit"?

If multiple charges came from the same incident, they are considered a "unit." You must be able to expunge ALL charges in the unit, or you cannot expunge ANY of them.

Example: You were arrested and charged with:

• Charge A: Dismissed
• Charge B: Convicted

Because Charge B resulted in a conviction, you cannot expunge Charge A — they are part of the same unit.

Step 3: Get Your Court Records

Option 1: Maryland Judiciary Case Search

1. Go to: mdcourts.gov/casesearch
2. Read and agree to the terms
3. Search by your name
4. Find your case and write down:

• Case number
• Charges
• Disposition
• Disposition date

Option 2: Contact the Court

1. Call or visit the court where your case was heard
2. Request copies of your case file (small fee may apply)

Step 4: Fill Out the Petition

On the first page:

1. Write the court name: "Circuit Court" or "District Court"
2. Write the county name
3. Write your full legal name as "Petitioner"
4. Leave the case number blank — the court will assign this

Section I (Petitioner Information):

• Write your full legal name
• Write your date of birth
• Write your current address
• Write the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number

Section II (Jurisdiction):

• Check why you're filing in this court (where charges were filed or arrest occurred)

Section III (Arrest and Charge Information):

• Write the exact date you were arrested
• Write the name of the police department
• Write the case number from court documents
• List all the charges against you
• Write the Maryland Code section numbers

Section IV (Disposition):

• Check the box that matches what happened:
• Acquitted = Found not guilty
• Dismissed = Charges thrown out
• Nolle Prosequi = State dropped the charges
• Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) = No conviction, but you got probation
• Stet = Case postponed indefinitely
• Write the date this happened
• Write what sentence you got (if any)
• Write when you completed the sentence (paid fines, finished probation)

Section V (Eligibility):

• Confirm you meet the requirements
• Confirm you've waited the required time
• Check the box about "unit" charges

Section VI (Records to Expunge):

• Check all the boxes for records you want expunged

Sign and date the Verification page.

Step 5: Complete the Waiver and Release Form

Maryland requires a General Waiver and Release form with your petition. This form:

• Waives any claims against the State for destroying your records
• Allows agencies to expunge your records

Get this form:

• Online: mdcourts.gov/expungement
• At the courthouse clerk's office

Step 6: Make Copies

Make copies for:

1. Original — for the court
2. Copy for yourself
3. Copy for State's Attorney
4. Copy for Arresting Agency
5. Copy for Central Repository (if required by your court)

Total: Usually 4-5 copies

Step 7: File with the Court

Where to go:

File in the same court where your case was heard (District Court or Circuit Court).

What to bring:

• Original petition (signed)
• General Waiver and Release form
• Copies for all parties
• Filing fee: $30 (cash, money order, or credit card)
• If you can't afford the fee, ask for a fee waiver

What happens:

1. Clerk reviews your petition
2. You pay the filing fee
3. Clerk assigns a case number
4. Clerk gives you a filed copy with the case number

Step 8: Serve the Other Parties

You must give copies to:

How to serve:

• Mail by first class mail, OR
• Hand deliver

Keep proof of mailing (certified mail receipt or affidavit of service).

Step 9: Wait for Response

Timeline:

If no one objects:

• The court may grant your petition without a hearing
• You'll receive a copy of the expungement order in the mail

If someone objects:

• The court will schedule a hearing
• You must attend and explain why you should get expungement
• The judge will decide

Step 10: After the Order

If granted:

1. Keep your copy of the expungement order in a safe place
2. Agencies have 60 days to remove your records from public view
3. After 60 days, you can verify your record is cleared on Maryland Judiciary Case Search

What expungement means:

• Your records are removed from public inspection
• Most employers won't see these records on background checks
• The records still exist but are sealed and only accessible in limited circumstances
• You can usually answer "No" when asked if you've been convicted

What to Expect

Timeline:

Costs:

Where to Get Help

Free Legal Help:

Court Resources:

Common Questions

Q: Will expungement completely erase my record?

A: The records are removed from public inspection, not destroyed. They still exist in sealed form and can be accessed by law enforcement and courts in limited circumstances.

Q: What's the difference between PBJ and a conviction?

A: Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) means you were not convicted. You were placed on probation instead. PBJ can be expunged after 3 years.

Q: What does "stet" mean?

A: "Stet" means the case was postponed indefinitely. It's not a conviction and can be expunged immediately.

Q: Can I expunge multiple cases at once?

A: Yes, but each case requires a separate petition and filing fee.

Q: Do I need a lawyer?

A: No, you can file on your own. But if the State objects or your case is complicated, a lawyer can help.

Q: How will I know if my record is expunged?

A: Check Maryland Judiciary Case Search (mdcourts.gov/casesearch) 60+ days after your order. The case should no longer appear.

Q: Can I answer "No" on job applications after expungement?

A: Generally yes, for most private employers. Read each application carefully.

Important Reminders

• Be completely honest on your petition. False statements can result in criminal charges.
• File in the correct court — the same court where your case was heard.
• Don't miss deadlines. Serve all parties promptly after filing.
• Keep copies of everything. You may need them later.
• Wait 60 days after the order before checking if your record is cleared.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information about expungement in Maryland. It is not legal advice and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change, and every situation is different. If you have questions about your specific circumstances, please consult with a licensed attorney in Maryland.

Expungement eligibility depends on specific facts about your case. This guide does not guarantee that you are eligible for expungement.

Document Version: MD-EXP-GUIDE-2026-01

Last Updated: March 2026

Jurisdiction: State of Maryland