Expungement

What is an Expungement?

An Expungement is the removal of court and police records from public inspection. Not all charges can be expunged. This does not include Motor Vehicle Administration records, which may have minor traffic violations, such as a speeding ticket.

What is the Process of Expunging My Record?

This process should take no more than 90 days unless there is an objection or an appeal. Each case costs $30.00 to process, which is submitted to the Clerk of the Court at the time of application. Steps are:

• Pick up the Petition for Expungement of Police and Court Records (Form DC/CR 72) and the General Waiver and Release (Form DC/CR 78) at any District Court location in the state.
• Complete the forms and make enough copies for the State’s Attorney and each law enforcement agency named in the petition. When completing the petition, you will need to know the date you were arrested.

Who is Eligible?

If you have been charged with a crime, including a traffic violation for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed, you may file a petition for expungement if:

• You were found not guilty
• The charge was dismissed
• The charge resulted in probation before judgment (excluding charges of driving while under the influence or driving while impaired)
• The State’s Attorney did not prosecute (Nolle Prosequi) your charge
• The court indefinitely postponed your case (stet)
• Your case was compromised (settled)
• You were convicted of only one non-violent criminal act and the Governor granted you a full and unconditional pardon. For a pardon packet, contact the Parole Commission’s Office at 410-585-3200.

Contact: Annapolis Office 410-269-4535 or Glen Burnie Office 410-421-8580