Maryland Judiciary Case Search has become a popular tool for people to use to see if someone has a prior criminal record. It is used by apartment complexes, potential and current employers, and lenders to learn about your background information. Companies also run background checks which can reveal prior charges. These charges are public record and easily accessible.

The reality is that criminal and traffic charges appear online and are easily accessible. Someone you are dating is likely to plug your name into his or her computer to learn about your background. Parents of friends are checking you out. It makes getting your record expunged extremely important even if you were acquitted or all charges were dropped.

Many criminal and serious traffic charges can be expunged. A stet or probation before judgment can be expunged after three years or sooner for good cause with limited exceptions. A nolle prossequi or an acquittal of all charges can be expunged immediately. Many misdemeanor convictions even some felonies can be expunged after a waiting period.

Expungements are inexpensive and important. You may not be told that the reason you did not get the job was because of a prior misdemeanor theft conviction 20 years ago. However, you could have it gotten expunged without issue. Take the time to explore the expungement of any prior cases.