Every year the legislature increases the number of convictions and case that can be expunged.  A new law makes expungement automatic in certain cases.

There is now a law that provides for the automatic expungement of certain charges in Maryland. Effective October 1, 2022, any police or court record of a 3 year old charge must be automatically expunged if the disposition was an acquittal, dismissal, or not guilty verdict. Prior to that date, a defendant had to affirmatively file a Petition for Expungement. This is no longer the case now. Note that this new law does not apply to a stet or probation before judgment and you can file for expungement before the three years for an acquittal or dismissal if you file a General Waiver and Release along with a Petition for Expungement.

This law is important because many people never filed a petition for expungement. Employers and landlords can still see the charges until they are expunged. It can affect future job prospects and apartment rental opportunities.

The Defendant will receive a notice from the court that the charges have been expunged in the mail. This new law should benefit many people.