Whether or not a record may be expunged in Maryland depends on several factors, including but not limited to -- whether there have been other charges or convictions, the nature of charges of convictions, and the timing of charges and convictions.
There are many expungment myths out there with misconceptions with how the process works but expungement is simply the process of removing records from public inspection. Criminal and traffic records can be expunged from Motor Vehicle Administration files, police files, and court files, however, no process expunges the records from all agencies.
In Maryland, Expungement means removal of a court or police record from public inspection. Criminal Procedure Article Section 10-101(d) & (e), Md Rule 4-502(e) However, a successfully completed expungement petition will not remove records from all private sources.
Credit Reporting Agencies like Kroll, Pinkerton, and Property Owners Exchange may continue to maintain records that they have previously acquired prior to the expungement, but these are not publicly available.
Why Expunge? {Focus your energy on the future, not the past!}
improve your chances of success with private employment {answer "NO" to "have you ever been convicted of a crime?"}
expand eligibility for student loan funding {if you are ineligible for fed student loans because of past convictions you can restore eligibility by expunging them}
avoid impeachment on the stand {if you are ever called as a witness in a civil or criminal case you can not be impeached for an expunged conviction}