Maryland Expungement Attorney

Keeping Criminal Records out of Public Access

By filing a successful claim with the Court, you can have criminal records expunged from the court, police, and Motor Vehicle Administration files. It can be helpful to have your records expunged to prevent being omitted from employment or housing opportunities in the future. A competent Waldorf criminal defense lawyer can help to have your records expunged. The Law Office of Robert R. Castro has helped many clients have successful results with the Court.

Eligibility for Expungement

The Expungement Process

When you are interested in expunging your records the appropriate authority or administration needs to be contacted. There can be particular forms or process for having records expunged, most of these will also require the attachment of other documents. The guidance of an accomplished Waldorf expungement attorney can help ensure that your records are successfully sealed from public record. By having records expunged, you can make sure you don’t miss out on student or personal loans, requesting licenses, housing accommodations, or future jobs.

What to Know About Expunging a Criminal Record in Maryland

How a Criminal Record Can Affect Your Daily Life

Regardless of the outcome, even one arrest or court case can appear on public records. Employers, landlords, and schools often check those records when reviewing applications. In Maryland, these records don’t go away on their own. Even if your case was dismissed, closed, or ended in a not guilty verdict, it can still appear.

Clients often come to us after being denied housing or turned down for work because of a charge from years ago. These records create long-term barriers. A knowledgeable Maryland expungement attorney can help determine if your case qualifies and guide you through the steps to have your record removed from public access.

Common Scenarios That May Lead to Expungement

Expungement is not limited to people who were found not guilty. Maryland allows expungement in cases where:

• Charges were dropped or dismissed

• You were arrested but never formally charged

• You were found not guilty at trial

• The case was placed on the stet docket and not reopened

• At least three years have passed since the qualifying event (in most cases)
  

The law includes additional rules depending on the type of charge and the outcome. A Maryland expungement lawyer can review your history to confirm eligibility before filing any petition.

What the Expungement Process Involves

Maryland’s expungement process requires filing a petition with the appropriate court. The petition must include accurate case details and, in some cases, supporting documentation. If filed incorrectly, the court may reject the request or delay review.

Most cases do not require a court hearing, but some do—especially if the State Attorney’s Office objects. When expungement is granted, agencies like the courts, police, and Motor Vehicle Administration must remove eligible records from public view. This process typically takes up to 60 days after the order is signed.

A Maryland expungement process attorney ensures that all forms are correctly submitted, all deadlines are met, and the court has what it needs to rule in your favor.

Mistakes That Can Delay or Deny Your Petition

Filing too early is one of the most common reasons for denial. If the required waiting period has not passed or other disqualifying offenses exist on your record, your request may be rejected outright. Another frequent error is using the wrong form, omitting a required document, or filing in the wrong jurisdiction.

Some clients also believe charges drop off their record automatically over time. That’s not the case in Maryland. A petition must be filed to remove an arrest, dismissal, or other eligible outcome from the public record. With help from a Charles County expungement lawyer, you avoid these avoidable setbacks and ensure the process moves forward smoothly.

Who Benefits Most from Expungement

Expungement is often most helpful for those applying for jobs, seeking professional licenses, returning to school, or trying to rent a home. Employers and landlords may be hesitant to move forward with applicants who have records, no matter how old the case or how minor the charge.

We’ve helped clients clear dismissed charges from their records years after the fact, often just before a significant opportunity. In some cases, expungement has made the difference between getting hired and getting denied. If you’ve been held back because of what appears in a background check, it may be time to take legal steps to remove it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the expungement process take?
It generally takes about 90 days from filing, though the process can vary depending on the court and whether objections are raised.

Do I have to go to court?
Not always. Many expungement requests are handled without a hearing, but a judge may require one in some situations.

Will expungement delete my record?
If granted, your record will be removed from public access across court systems, police departments, and state agencies.

Can I expunge a conviction?
Only certain offenses qualify. Most cases that end in conviction are not eligible, but exceptions exist. We can review your situation to confirm.

Is a lawyer required for expungement in Maryland?
You’re not required to have one, but working with a Maryland expungement attorney improves your chances and ensures everything is done correctly the first time.

Do I still need to disclose expunged charges?
In most cases, no. However, there may be exceptions when dealing with federal agencies or applying for certain positions.

For Experienced Legal Help with Expungement, Call Us!

Our firm at The Law Office of Robert R. Castro can provide effective legal guidance that is focused on making sure your records are successful expungement. Attorney Castro has been helping clients with legal services for more than two decades. With his experience, he can provide you with an honest assessment of your chances of obtaining an expungement.