Free Expungement Help in Maryland

Reviewed: May 28, 2026

Maryland's system can feel a bit bureaucratic because you have to petition each court separately — if you had charges in multiple counties, you file in each one. The good news is that Maryland Legal Aid has offices across the state and regularly runs record-clearing clinics. The $30 filing fee is waivable, which removes the biggest practical barrier for most people. If you're in Baltimore, the University of Maryland Law School clinic is an excellent free resource staffed by supervised law students who know Maryland expungement law well.

At a glance

✓ Maryland has two remedies: expungement (destroys record) and shielding (hides from public)
✓ File Petition CC-DC-CR-072A + Affidavit of Indigency CC-DC-CR-075 to waive the $30 fee
✓ Must file in each county separately if charges are in multiple counties
✓ Maryland Legal Aid (mdlab.org) has offices statewide — free for income-qualifying residents
✓ Timeline: 60–90 days if uncontested; longer if the State's Attorney objects

Important: This page provides general legal information about expungement and record sealing laws. It is not legal advice for your specific situation. Eligibility rules vary by state, county, and individual circumstances. Always consult a licensed attorney before taking any legal action.

Maryland expungement vs. shielding

Maryland has two record-clearing mechanisms: expungement and shielding. Expungement permanently destroys the record — it applies to acquittals, nolle prosequi dismissals, probation before judgment (PBJ) dispositions, and charges that have been decriminalized. Shielding (available under the Maryland Second Chance Act) hides the record from public view but preserves it for law enforcement and courts — it applies to certain misdemeanor convictions. Maryland Legal Aid can help you determine which remedy applies to your record.

Free legal aid in Maryland

Maryland Legal Aid (mdlab.org) has offices across the state and provides free expungement and shielding assistance to income-qualifying residents. Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (mvls.org) matches clients with pro bono attorneys for more complex cases. Community Legal Services of Prince George's County (clspgc.org) serves the DC suburbs. The University of Maryland Francis King Carey School of Law runs an expungement clinic during the academic year — supervised law students handle cases under attorney oversight. The Public Justice Center in Baltimore also provides help for qualifying clients.

Filing your petition and waiving the fee

Expungement petitions are filed at the District Court or Circuit Court of conviction using form CC-DC-CR-072A (Petition for Expungement of Records). If you cannot afford the $30 filing fee, attach form CC-DC-CR-075 (Affidavit of Indigency) — the court will waive the fee. If you had charges in multiple counties, you must file separately in each county. Maryland Legal Aid can prepare and file the petition for you if you qualify for free help. The process typically takes 60–90 days if the State's Attorney does not object.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between expungement and shielding in Maryland?

Expungement physically destroys the record — it is gone entirely. Shielding (available under the Maryland Second Chance Act for certain misdemeanor convictions) hides the record from public view but preserves it for court, law enforcement, and some licensing purposes. Expungement is stronger but requires an acquittal, nolle prosequi, probation before judgment, or a charge that has been decriminalized.

Does Maryland have automatic record clearing?

Maryland does not have a comprehensive automatic Clean Slate program as of 2026. Some eligible minor drug possession convictions have been subject to automatic shielding under recent legislation. For most records, you must petition. Maryland Legal Aid can confirm whether your specific record qualifies for any automatic relief.

How long does expungement take in Maryland?

After filing your petition, Maryland law gives the State's Attorney 30 days to object. If no objection is filed, the court can grant expungement shortly after. Total process is typically 60–90 days from filing to confirmation. If the State's Attorney objects, you'll have a hearing that can add several months.

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