Yes. A Maryland law that went into effect in 2023 has shortened the wait times for getting certain criminal convictions removed from your record.
Under previous Maryland law, misdemeanor convictions could only be expunged 10 years after completion of a sentence. The REDEEM Act slashed those timespans. Starting October 2023, nonviolent misdemeanors can be expunged after 5 years.
Earlier expungements may be granted in certain instances. For example, if you are experiencing discrimination in obtaining employment, housing or getting into a college or trade school to further your education. Having minor crimes expunged sooner can open doors to jobs, housing and education opportunities previously not available. You will have to provide proof of the bias.
Expungement is the process of asking the court to remove certain court and police records from public view. A criminal conviction or record of charges can create difficulties when applying for a job or an apartment because employers and landlords often ask about a person’s criminal record.
The expedited expungements come as Maryland’s job market continues to be tight. Because of difficulty hiring workers, employers in some fields have relaxed criminal record requirements, especially those involving minor drug use and non-violent crimes.
Expungements occur at the court’s discretion. Prosecutors have 30 days after filing to object with valid cause. The process typically takes 120 days after filing to complete.
Expunged Information Might Show Up On Private, Federal Databases
There are instances, however, where expunged information might show up in a background check. If a private database has information about your public record, expungement will not remove the information from that database.
In addition, state expungement means that no publicly available information will show up on a state website such as Maryland Judiciary Case Search. However, Maryland does not have authority over federal governmental organizations such as the FBI. A case that is expunged by Maryland officials will probably appear on an FBI record and could appear on a background check that uses federal records as part of its search.
An expungement attorney can advise you on eligibility waiting periods and whether you meet the qualifying criteria for expungement. Violations of probation or parole may invalidate eligibility. Consulting an Ocean City expungement lawyer is highly recommended.
If you have a criminal record, an Ocean City expungement lawyer can help. The attorneys at Maronick Law LLC have experience with Annapolis, Baltimore, Essex, Ocean City, Towson, White Marsh expungement matters.
Maronick Law LLC continues to meet your legal needs. We can meet with you remotely if you have access to Zoom. You can contact Thomas Maronick on his cellphone at 202-288-0167, the law office at 443-551-2747 or via our online contact form for a free consultation.