How to Get an Expungement in Maryland — A Step-by-Step Guide from Someone Who Did It
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If you're reading this, there's a good chance you're carrying the weight of a criminal record — maybe a conviction, a dismissed charge, or something you wish never followed you this long. I’ve been there. I went through the expungement process in Maryland, and I know firsthand how confusing, frustrating, and emotional it can be.
This blog is here to walk you through the process — clearly, completely, and with official links to every form you might need, whether your case ended in conviction, dismissal, STET, or marijuana possession.
🔍 What Is Expungement?
Expungement is the process of removing a criminal case from public view. Once expunged, your record:
- Won’t show up on most background checks
- Won’t be accessible to employers, landlords, or licensing boards
- Gives you a true second chance
⚠️ Expungement does not erase the record from law enforcement or immigration systems.
Official info from the courts:
🔗 Maryland Courts – Expungement Help Page
✅ Who Can Get an Expungement?
You may qualify for expungement if:
- You were acquitted, your case was dismissed, or marked nolle prosequi
- Your case was STET docketed (put on hold)
- You received Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) and met all terms
- You were found Not Criminally Responsible
- Your case was transferred to juvenile court
- You were convicted of a low-level crime or misdemeanor and enough time has passed
- You were convicted of marijuana possession, and 4+ years have passed
🕒 How Long Do You Have to Wait?
| Case Outcome | Wait Time for Expungement |
|---|---|
| Acquittal, Dismissal, Nolle Prosequi | 3 years (or immediately with waiver) |
| PBJ (Probation Before Judgment) | 3 years |
| STET Docket | 3 years |
| Conviction (eligible misdemeanors) | 10–15 years |
| Marijuana Possession Conviction | 4 years |
📄 Forms You'll Need
Here are the official Maryland forms, each with a short explanation and direct download links:
🧾 1. Petition for Expungement of Records – General (Form CC-DC-CR-072A)
Use this if your case ended in:
- Dismissal
- Acquittal
- Nolle Prosequi
- PBJ
- STET docket
- Not Criminally Responsible
- Transferred to juvenile court
📝 Form Title:
PETITION FOR EXPUNGEMENT OF RECORDS (ACQUITTAL, DISMISSAL, PBJ, NOLLE PROSEQUI, STET, NOT CRIMINALLY RESPONSIBLE, OR TRANSFER TO JUVENILE DISPOSITION)
📥 Download:
🧾 2. General Waiver and Release – (Form CC-DC-CR-072B)
Use this form with 072A or 072C if:
- You're filing less than 3 years after a dismissal or acquittal
- You're willing to waive your right to sue over your case
📥 Download:
🧾 3. Petition for Early Expungement (<3 Years After Acquittal) – (Form CC-DC-CR-072C)
Use this if:
- Less than 3 years has passed since your case was dismissed or you were acquitted
- You want to expunge immediately and are submitting Form 072B with it
📥 Download:
🧾 4. Petition for Expungement of Marijuana Charges – (Form CC-DC-CR-072D)
Use this if:
- You were convicted or charged with marijuana possession under Criminal Law § 5-601
- At least 4 years have passed since the case ended
📥 Download:
💵 How Much Does It Cost?
- $30 per case (covers all charges in one case number)
- FREE if the case ended in dismissal, acquittal, STET, or nolle prosequi
🏛️ Where Do You File the Forms?
Submit them to the Clerk’s Office of the District or Circuit Court where your case was heard. You can file:
In person at the Circuit/District Court of the case
By mail at the Circuit/District Court of the case
The court will notify the State’s Attorney, who has 30 days to object. If no objection is filed, your expungement is usually processed within 90 days.
⚖️ If There's a Hearing
If the State objects, the court may schedule a hearing. Be ready to:
- Explain why you're eligible
- Show proof that enough time has passed or that you're entitled to file early
💬 From Me to You
I went through this. I filed. I waited. I got it done.
If you’re feeling ashamed, frustrated, or confused — you’re not alone. The system doesn’t make this easy, and it can feel like it’s set up to keep people down. But expungement is one of the few chances we get to clear our name and move forward with peace.
I hope this helped you take your first steps. If you need legal guidance, contact:
- A public defender
- A legal aid organization
- Or just someone who’s been there — like me.
Stay strong.
📚 All Official Forms (Summary)
| Form | Use Case | Link |
|---|---|---|
| 072A | General Expungement Petition | Download |
| 072B | General Waiver & Release | Download |
| 072C | Early Expungement (<3 Years) | Download |
| 072D | Marijuana Possession Expungement | Download |
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