A Criminal Past Can Destroy Your Future.
I Can Help.
“How do I get this off my record?” is a common question. But unfortunately, with some exceptions, if you’ve been convicted, you can’t, or you have to wait for a substantial time.
This surprises a lot of people, but the reality is, society wants to have a record of those convicted of crimes. However, if your case is dismissed, placed on a stet docket, or you received an acquittal or probation before judgment, then you may be eligible to have your record expunged.
What Convictions Can Be Expunged?
Maryland law now allows for the expungement of conviction of the following crimes, among others:
- § 3–203 of the Criminal Law Article [second-degree assault];
- § 5–601, § 5–618, § 5–619, § 5–620 of the Criminal Law Article [CDS and paraphernaliaExpungement Attorney Baltimore | Maryland Defense Lawyer | Eric T. Kirk – baltimore_premises_liability_lawyer related crimes];
- § 6–105 of the Criminal Law Article;
- § 7–104 of the Criminal Law Article [simple theft];
- § 8–103 of the Criminal Law Article [bad check];
- § 10–110 of the Criminal Law Article [some littering offenses];
- § 11–306(a) of the Criminal Law Article [prostitution];
- § 12–102 of the Criminal Law Article [betting and wagering];
- Public urination
- Begging
- Open container
- Passed out in a public park
- Hopping a bus
- Vagrancy or loitering
Record Expungement is a Process
If one of the first eight offenses above is an offense on your record, the procedure and applicable waiting time can be complex. If one of the last six in the above list is an offense on your record, it is eligible for expungement, and you may file a petition if at least three years have passed since the conviction or satisfactory completion of probation (whichever happens later) and, so long as since the date of conviction, you have not been convicted of any crime, other than a minor traffic violation, and are not currently a defendant in a pending trial.
There are exceptions to these general rules, about which a seasoned attorney can advise you. An experienced attorney may be able to get the timeframes shortened. If you need to know whether you can qualify for expungement or you’re ready to start the process, I can take the necessary steps to clear your record.
R.S. Baltimore, MD,
