Maryland Expungement Reform Act of 2025: What it Means for Your Record and Your Future
- Frank Benvenuto, P.A.
- 3 hours ago
- 3 min read
What is the Maryland Expungement Act of 2025?
The new law expands eligibility and removes barriers that previously prevented many people from qualifying.
1. Expanded Eligibility for Misdemeanor Convictions
Under prior law, many misdemeanor convictions were permanently ineligible for expungement. The new Maryland Expungement Act allows more misdemeanor offenses to qualify, depending on the charge, the outcome, and the time since completion of the sentence.
This change opens the door for people who were previously told, “You’ll never be able to clear this.”
2. Shorter Waiting Periods
One of the most common frustrations with expungement was the lengthy waiting period after a case ended.
The Expungement Reform Act reduces several of these waiting periods, allowing eligible individuals to file sooner after completing:
Jail or prison time
Probation
Parole
Mandatory supervision
This means faster access to relief and fewer years being held back by a past mistake.
3. Probation Violations No Longer Automatically Disqualify You
Under the old law, a probation violation often made expungement impossible — even if the underlying case was resolved years ago.
The new law changes that. A past probation violation does not automatically disqualify you as long as the sentence was ultimately completed. Each case still requires review, but this is a major shift toward fairness.
4. Fewer Records Appearing in Public Case Search
The Act also limits what appears in Maryland Judiciary Case Search, particularly for:
Dismissed cases
Acquittals
Nolle prosequi (charges dropped)
Certain older, inactive cases
Certain cannabis-related cases that were later pardoned
This helps reduce unnecessary public exposure for people who were never convicted or whose cases ended long ago.
Why This Law Matters
Even a single criminal case — including one that did not result in a conviction — can affect your future for years. I regularly see clients who are denied jobs or housing based on records that are decades old.
The Expungement Reform Act of 2025 reflects a recognition that people deserve a genuine second chance, not a lifetime penalty for a past charge.
What This Means for You
If you have a criminal record in Maryland, this law may allow you to:
Become eligible for expungement when you were not before
File sooner than previously allowed
Remove records that continue to affect employment or housing
Gain peace of mind knowing your past is no longer public
Eligibility depends on the specific charges, disposition, and timeline, so an individual review is critical.
Speak With an Experienced Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
Expungement law is technical, and mistakes can delay or derail your petition. With over 33 years of experience practicing criminal defense in Maryland, I help clients determine eligibility and navigate the expungement process correctly.
If you are wondering whether this new law applies to you, I encourage you to have your record reviewed.
Call Frank Benvenuto today at 443-783-2451 to discuss your options and find out whether you may qualify for expungement under Maryland’s new law.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Maryland Expungement
What is the Maryland Expungement Reform Act of 2025?
The Expungement Reform Act of 2025 is a new Maryland law that expands who qualifies for expungement, shortens waiting periods, and removes barriers that previously prevented many people from clearing their criminal records.
When does the Expungement Reform Act take effect?
The law takes effect on October 1, 2025.
What does expungement do in Maryland?
Expungement removes eligible criminal records from public access, including Maryland Judiciary Case Search. Once expunged, the record generally will not appear on most background checks.
Does the new law allow more convictions to be expunged?
Yes. The new law expands eligibility to include additional misdemeanor convictions that were previously ineligible, depending on the charge and case outcome.
Are waiting periods shorter under the new law?
Yes. In many cases, the waiting period to file for expungement has been reduced, allowing people to seek relief sooner after completing their sentence.
Can I still qualify if I violated probation?
Under the new law, a probation violation does not automatically disqualify someone from expungement, as long as the sentence was ultimately completed.
Will dismissed or dropped charges still appear on case search?
Certain dismissed, acquitted, or inactive cases may no longer appear on public Maryland Judiciary Case Search under the new law.
Do I need a lawyer to file for expungement in Maryland?
You are not required to have a lawyer, but expungement law is technical. An experienced criminal defense attorney can review eligibility, prepare filings correctly, and help avoid delays or denials.
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