Some legal processes, such as expungement, appear more straightforward than they are. It is not uncommon for a person in Maryland to attempt to expunge their criminal record without the help of a competent lawyer. While you might not necessarily need the assistance of an experienced Maryland attorney to file for an expungement, it is usually preferable to have one. The process can sometimes move slowly, and a knowledgeable expungement lawyer could ensure that your petition is not delayed due to mistakes or omissions. Additionally, Maryland expungement laws are incredibly complicated. There are many issues you might encounter that are not readily apparent or easily addressed with an internet search. If you make an error, such as filing your petition in the incorrect court or misunderstanding how your charge is treated, your petition could be denied. Our Maryland expungement attorney at the Law Offices of Randolph Rice explains why you should consider retaining our services.
What is Criminal Record Expungement in Maryland?
Expungement is a legal action in which an offender petitions the Maryland court to erase the record of an arrest or criminal conviction from their criminal record. Expungement should result in removing all trace of your arrest or conviction from police records, court records, and the records of other state and government agencies.
Expungement is a detailed legal process where the petitioner must meet specific requirements, follow a precise timeline, and sometimes convince the court that they are eligible for expungement. Maryland’s expungement laws are complex and have many variables based on the charge itself and the outcome of your original case. Because of the legal hurdles and documentation required, it is often advisable to have our experienced Maryland expungement attorney representing your interests.
Can a Maryland Expungement Attorney Help My Seal My Record?
Not every individual or every criminal charge is eligible for expungement. Our dedicated Maryland expungement attorneys are well versed in the Maryland Code and are prepared to help you with the process. While it might appear straightforward, expungement law is very nuanced.
Maryland law specifies what charges are eligible for expungement. Additionally, your charges and the disposition of your case will impact your ability to have your record expunged and change what requirements must be met. Therefore, it is critical to thoroughly review your case with our knowledgeable Maryland expungement attorney.
Expunging Arrests
If you were arrested or detained by law enforcement but not charged with a crime, then the incident will be automatically expunged from your record within 60 days from your release. However, it is possible that records will still exist in the office files of the law enforcement agency that arrested you. Our office would work to have those records expunged by contacting the arresting authority.
Expunging Charges
If you were formally charged with a crime or civil violation, the charge would be entered on your record. Because your ability to have your record expunged depends on the type of charge, is it essential to have an attorney familiar with Maryland’s expungement laws working on your case.
If your charges were dismissed or you received probation before judgment, you are permitted to seek expungement. However, if your probation stemmed from driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated, expungement probably isn’t available.
Expunging Guilty Verdicts and Pleas
If you have pleaded guilty or received a guilty verdict at trial, you might not be able to have your record expunged. There are, however, some notable exceptions and options available. Under Maryland law, some misdemeanor and felony charges are expungable, but you are required to wait for ten to fifteen years. In some cases, you might be able to convert your guilty verdict to “probation before judgment” to get it expunged.
If your record has an older guilty verdict or if you have recently pled guilty, you should engage the assistance of our knowledgeable Maryland expungement attorney. Your record is too important not to have experienced legal help when trying to clear it.
How Hiring a Maryland Attorney to Expunge Your Record Will Help with Employment
By clearing your record, our Maryland expungement attorneys will not only give you peace of mind, but they will also increase your employment opportunities in the future.
One of the main reasons people seek to expunge their record is to ensure that an arrest or criminal charge will not appear on an employment background check. Our office understands the importance of a clear background check when applying for a job in Maryland and will work with you to help achieve this goal.
Another benefit of retaining our office is the available legal advice and information concerning your rights after receiving an expungement. For example, if your record has been expunged, you are not required to provide that information to your employer if the charge did not result in a conviction. Additionally, an employer is prohibited from using your refusal to provide information about an expunged charge as the sole reason for not hiring you. Our Maryland expungement attorney will not only assist with the expungement but is also available to provide legal advice on how to proceed after expungement.
Call Our Maryland Attorney if You Need Your Record Expunged
While petitioning the court for expungement might look like simple paperwork, there are many facets to an expungement case and many potential legal issues that could lead to your expungement being denied. By having our experienced Maryland expungement attorney working for you, we can ensure that the proper documents are submitted, that deadlines are met, and that we comply with all the necessary rules and regulations. It is our job to give you peace of mind and a clean criminal record. Call the Law Offices of Randolph Rice at (410) 826-5656 to schedule a free consultation to review the facts of your case.