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Free Expungement Help in Maryland

Last reviewed: May 27, 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.

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.

⚠️ Clean Slate / Automatic Sealing

Partial — Maryland's Shielding and Expungement laws (Criminal Procedure §10-101 through 10-109 and the Maryland Second Chance Act) allow petition-based expungement and shielding of qualifying records. Some eligible minor drug possession convictions have been subject to automatic shielding under recent legislation. No fully automatic Clean Slate program as of 2026.

How to get a fee waiver in Maryland

File the Petition for Expungement (form CC-DC-CR-072A) with an attached Affidavit of Indigency (form CC-DC-CR-075) to waive the $30 court filing fee. Maryland Legal Aid can help prepare and file both forms for income-qualifying petitioners.

Fee waivers (also called Affidavit of Indigency or In Forma Pauperis petition) are typically available if your household income is at or below 125–200% of the federal poverty level, or if you currently receive SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, TANF, or veterans benefits based on need.

Verified free legal aid organizations in Maryland

Every organization below is a verified non-profit or government-affiliated legal aid program. None are paid services. Always confirm your eligibility directly with the organization.

Free expungement help by city in Maryland

Free expungement resources vary significantly by metro area. Here's what's available in the largest cities, including clinic schedules and local contacts.

Baltimore City

Baltimore City has the highest concentration of expungement legal resources in Maryland. Maryland Legal Aid's Baltimore office handles the highest volume of expungement cases statewide. MVLS matches clients with pro bono attorneys for cases that are too complex for self-help. The UM Law clinic typically takes cases during the academic year (September through April).

Prince George's County / Montgomery County

The suburban DC counties have strong legal aid coverage. Community Legal Services of Prince George's County specifically serves that county's large working-class and immigrant communities and handles many expungement and shielding cases annually.

Maryland free expungement — 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. Shielding applies to some low-level misdemeanor convictions.

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.

More Maryland expungement resources