Maryland: Adult Convictions (MD-C-5)

Records related to an eligible conviction can be shielded by the court three years after sentence completion. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. §§ 10-303(a), 10-301(f).

Record Detail(s)

Misdemeanor

Previous Conviction Disqualifying

No statutory language

Mandatory / Discretionary

Mandatory

Hearing

Yes, if objection filed

Clearance Process

Petition-based

Remedy

Shield

Ineligible Category or Citation

See section 10-301(f) for offenses eligible to be shielded.

Procedure General

The petition must be filed in the circuit or district court. For the specific procedure, see Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-301 et seq.

Fees

There is no statutory language regarding fees.

Effect

The court and police records relating to a conviction of a crime are made inaccessible to members of the public. Md. Code Ann., Crim. Proc. § 10-301(e).

Forms

For information regarding expunging a criminal record in Maryland, visit this site.

Waiting Periods

The petition can be filed three years after sentence completion.