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Maine

Adult Criminal Record Clearance Overview

If you were convicted of an offense but received a full and free pardon, the record should immediately become confidential. 

Records related to a case that was dismissed with prejudice following a deferred disposition will become confidential of criminal history information. 

If you were arrested or charged but your case ended without a conviction, the record should immediately become confidential. 

Adult Criminal Record Clearance Policies

Records relating to a conviction for which the person received a full and free pardon are confidential. 16 M.R.S. § 703(2)(L).
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Records related to a case that was dismissed with prejudice following a deferred disposition will become confidential of criminal history information. 16 M.R.S. § 703.
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Records of an arrest and conviction involving a person whose identity was stolen and falsely used can be corrected by the court. 15 M.R.S. §§ 2182, 2183.
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Records of an arrest or court proceeding that did not lead to a conviction can immediately become confidential. 16 M.R.S. § 703(2).
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Records of an arrest or court proceeding in which no active prosecution is pending become confidential one year from arrest, summons, or the filing of charges. 16 M.R.S. § 703(2)(A), (F).
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Juvenile Record Clearance Overview

Below is a general overview of when juvenile records can be sealed in Maine. Please note that the Clean Slate Clearinghouse does not provide legal advice. Read the legal policies and statutes for detailed statutory information.  

  Juvenile Record Clearance Policies Overview  

  • Most juvenile records can be sealed three years after your case closes or you are released from probation. You must submit a request to the court to start the process, and it is up to the judge whether to grant your request. You may not be eligible for sealing if since the date of disposition, you have been adjudicated as having committed a juvenile crime, and have been convicted of committing a crime, or have pending criminal or juvenile charges.    
  • Juvenile case records are confidential and may not be disclosed, disseminated, or inspected except as expressly authorized by the law. 

  Find a Lawyer

 If you think you might be eligible to have your record sealed, find a lawyer who may be able to help you. Some lawyers might help you for free, although you may still need to pay a fee to file the paperwork in court.    

  Court Forms and Resources

 If you cannot find a lawyer to help you, you may be able to file a petition on your own using these court forms and resources. 

Juvenile Record Clearance Policies

Records relating to juvenile adjudications can be sealed after three years. 15 M.R.S.A. § 3308-C(10).
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Find A Lawyer

Legal service providers located in the state.

Contact information for legal aid organizations, bar associations, and other organizations that engage in record clearance work is provided for informational purposes only. The NRRC does not endorse or recommend any organization or individual referenced on the site. If you are a legal service provider who offers record clearance services, please contact us.

Maine State Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

Service area: Statewide

Court Forms & Resources

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CSG Justice Center

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