Many people made mistakes when they were younger which resulted in a criminal conviction. Perhaps they shoplifted or were caught with drugs. Maybe they got in an altercation that led to a second degree assault conviction. Someone may have slashed someone's tires in a fit of anger and been charged with malicious destruction of property. All of these charges can be expunged after a waiting period.

Even if the charges were dropped or there was an acquittal, you should get your record expunged. Anyone can look up the charges if they have a phone or a computer on Maryland Judiciary Case Search or the Maryland Electronic Filing System ("MDEC"). People look up friends, neighbors, co-workers, family members, and dating partners all the time. Prospective employers and landlords run background checks. The failure to get your record expunged can cost you a job or apartment.

In Maryland, the legislature has enacted laws that give many people a second chance. Over time, the waiting period following the end of probation for a crime has been shortened so that expungements can happen sooner.

You can expunge yourself or hire an attorney to do it for a nominal fee. There is a $30.00 filing fee to expunge a conviction. There is no filing fee to expunge a nolle prossequi, stet, acquittal, or probation before judgment. Take steps now to clear your record before it comes back to haunt you.