A criminal record can negatively impact your life in many ways. Employers, landlords and banks often conduct background checks and a criminal conviction can prevent you from getting the job or apartment that you want.
However, Maryland expungement laws may allow you to have some cases removed from your judicial record permanently. A Maryland expungement lawyer could help you determine your eligibility and file the petition for expungement.
Why You Need an Expungement Lawyer
A criminal record can have devastating consequences for individuals who are trying to get jobs, homes or even see their children. Potential employers, banks and even non-profit groups routinely run background checks to assess a person’s risk and trustworthiness. An expunged record can eliminate this risk and open the door to future employment opportunities.
Expungement is the process of wiping out or hiding records from public view and it is important to consult with an experienced attorney who knows how Maryland’s laws work. Many low-level crimes can be expunged, including marijuana possession, if certain conditions are met.
Some cases are not eligible for expungement, such as those resulting in convictions or those where a STET (Suspended Termination of Probation) or PBJ (Probation Before Judgment) was given. An expungement lawyer can help you determine your eligibility and help you through the process of expunging any cases that are eligible.
Expungement Eligibility
Expungement, or clearing a record, wipes the slate clean and removes criminal records from public view. An expunged record cannot be used against an individual, and it can also allow them to claim they have no arrests or convictions on a background check when applying for jobs, professional licenses, school admission, etc.
Whether you are eligible for an expungement depends on state law and the specifics of your case. For example, if you received probation before judgment or your case was postponed indefinitely (formally known as being placed on the stet docket), then you will not be able to get your record expunged until at least four years have passed. A qualified Silver Spring expungement lawyer can assist you with determining whether or not you are eligible for an expungement and help you complete the process in a timely manner.
Expungement Procedures
Expungement is the process of removing a record of a criminal investigation, charge, prosecution and court disposition from the public record. Not all charges are eligible for expungement, and some types of dispositions (such as probation before judgment or a stet) cannot be expunged until three years have passed from the entry of those convictions. A Maryland expungement lawyer can double-check both Case Search and your official RAP sheet to determine whether a particular charge is eligible for expungement.
Having a criminal record can be detrimental to employment and personal life, especially when it comes to obtaining jobs or renting a home. Fortunately, Maryland expungement laws allow people who meet the qualifications to wipe their records clean of arrests, dismissals and nolle prosequis. It is important to work hand in hand with an experienced Silver Spring expungement attorney like Paolo Gnocchi to ensure that the correct forms are filed correctly.
Expungement Timeline
Having a criminal record can impact your ability to find employment, get housing and even see your children. A qualified expungement lawyer can help you wipe the slate clean and move forward in life.
Whether or not you are eligible for expungement depends on the type of crime and how it was resolved. A Maryland expungement attorney can determine your eligibility and file the proper paperwork to get your records cleared.
An expungement will remove the records from public view and law enforcement. However, if the State’s Attorney objects to your petition you will need to present evidence to convince the Judge to grant the expungement. The criminal defense attorney you choose to handle your case will know what evidence is necessary to convince the Judge.
Expungement Options
From potential employers to nosy neighbors, there is always someone who may be able to see your criminal record. These records can make it hard to obtain employment or housing, and they can also affect credit and loans.
Maryland has a number of ways to clear up your record, including expungement, sealing, and shielding. Expungement is the most drastic option and requires strict compliance with Maryland’s expungement laws.
A good expungement attorney can help you determine whether you are eligible for expungement based on your case history and current state of affairs. A good Silver Spring expungement lawyer can also assist with the filing process and ensure all stipulations are met. In addition, an expungement lawyer can explain the differences between expungement and pardoning.
