Bill > SB649

This bill expands the eligibility for criminal record expungement in Maryland by allowing individuals to petition for the removal of charges that were not resolved through a clear conviction. Specifically, the bill permits expungement of charges that were either disposed of by the court with a "no finding" designation or were part of a case that the court terminated without a finding. This means that if a criminal charge did not result in a definitive guilty verdict, the person can now seek to have that charge removed from their record. The bill applies to a wide range of misdemeanors and some felonies, including various offenses related to alcohol, controlled substances, property crimes, and other statutory violations. By enabling the expungement of these types of unresolved charges, the bill provides individuals with an opportunity to clear their records of cases that did not result in a formal conviction, potentially improving their future employment, housing, and educational opportunities. The legislation is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, giving state agencies time to prepare for implementing the new expungement provisions.

Justice

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/SB0649?ys=2025RS