Maryland PBJ Expungement Attorneys
Reviewed: May 15, 2026
A "Probation Before Judgment" (PBJ) in Maryland is a disposition where the court withholds a finding of guilt and places the defendant on probation instead. If probation is successfully completed, the case does not result in a conviction — and after 3 years, the PBJ record is eligible for expungement under Criminal Procedure § 10-105. PBJ is a common resolution for first-time DUI, possession, and minor criminal offenses.
At a glance
- ✓ PBJ is not a conviction — court withholds the guilty finding
- ✓ Eligible for expungement after 3 years from grant date
- ✓ Private employers cannot count a PBJ as a conviction
- ✓ PBJ revocation = conviction, which has different expungement rules
What is a PBJ and why does it matter?
When the court grants a PBJ, it does not enter a formal conviction. For private employment, the defendant does not have a conviction to report on most job applications. However, the court record itself remains visible on background checks until it is expunged.
Expunging a PBJ
After 3 years from the date the PBJ was granted (or from completion of probation — whichever is later), the PBJ record is eligible for expungement under CP § 10-105. The petition is filed in the court that granted the PBJ with a $30 filing fee, notice to law enforcement, and a 30-day objection period.
A PBJ that was revoked (probation violated and a conviction entered) is treated as a conviction, not a non-conviction, and follows conviction expungement rules.
Statutes cited
- MD Criminal Procedure Article § 10-105 (Non-conviction expungement, including PBJ) — Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 10-105
- MD Criminal Procedure Article § 6-220 (Probation Before Judgment) — Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 6-220
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to report a PBJ to employers?
In Maryland, a PBJ is not a conviction. For private employment not asking specifically about PBJ dispositions, the answer to "convicted of a crime?" is generally "no." Government jobs, law enforcement, and applications requiring security clearances may ask specifically about PBJs.
How long do I have to wait to expunge a DUI PBJ?
For most PBJ dispositions, the waiting period is 3 years from the PBJ grant date. DUI PBJ cases may have a different waiting period — an attorney can confirm the correct waiting period for your specific case.
What if my PBJ was violated?
If the court revoked the PBJ and entered a conviction, the case is treated as a conviction. Conviction expungement rules and waiting periods apply.
Find an expungement attorney in Maryland
Browse verified attorneys in Maryland who handle pbj expungement cases. Every listing is built from Maryland State Bar public records.
See all Maryland expungement attorneys →