Waldorf, Maryland Expungement Lawyers

Attorneys Working to Clear Criminal Records in Waldorf

A criminal record can follow a person long after they have served a jail sentence, paid fines and restitution, and resolved other issues related to criminal charges. Background checks performed by employers or others may affect a person's ability to find a job or a place to live, receive approval on a loan, or pursue an education. Something that happened years or even decades ago may continue to affect a person's life. Fortunately, expungement can address this problem, allowing a person to clear their record and avoid the problems related to previous criminal charges.

The criminal defense lawyers at Farmer & Klopfer work with clients to ensure that they can expunge their criminal records. We can provide guidance on when expungement may be an option, and we can make sure the right steps are followed to request expungement and prevent information about criminal charges from appearing in background checks. With our help, clients can receive the fresh start they deserve.

The Real-World Impact of a Criminal Record

Many people may not realize the ways a criminal record can affect their lives. These issues will not only have an impact on a person during a criminal case or after a conviction, but they can also continue to affect them for years or decades after a criminal case has been resolved. The problems may include:

Employment Barriers

Employers will often conduct background checks when interviewing candidates and determining whether to hire a person. A criminal record could lead to an applicant being rejected, even if their case involved an arrest without a conviction. A person may not have the opportunity to explain what happened or show that they have overcome the issues that led to criminal charges in the past.

Professional Licensing

Licensing boards in certain professions may review people's criminal records when determining whether to issue or renew professional licenses. With criminal convictions on their records, people such as doctors, nurses, real estate agents, contractors, teachers, financial advisors, or social workers may not be able to obtain the licenses they need to continue working in these fields.

Housing

Landlords will often screen applicants to determine whether they have a criminal history that could make them a danger to other people in the community or indicate that they will be unreliable tenants. A criminal record can result in applications for housing being denied. Without stable housing, a person may encounter difficulties that could affect their daily life, their employment, and their ability to avoid criminal charges in the future.

Education

Colleges and universities may review the criminal histories of students who apply for admission. A person may not be accepted if they have an arrest or conviction on their record. Some financial aid programs may also be unavailable to students who have been convicted of certain offenses.

Records That May Be Expunged in Maryland

Whether expungement will be possible will depend on the outcome of a criminal case and, in some cases, the specific criminal charges. It may be possible to receive an expungement in the following situations:

Charges Resulting in Acquittal or Dismissal

When a criminal charge did not result in a conviction, the records related to the case may be expunged. If a person received a dismissal, if prosecutors decided to drop the charges, or if they were found not guilty after a trial, they will be able to receive an expungement. While expungement may be available immediately after a case concludes in some cases, others may require a waiting period.

Probation Before Judgment

When a person receives probation before judgment, they will be able to avoid a conviction as long as they meet all the requirements of probation. The records related to their criminal case may be eligible for expungement after they complete probation or after three years.

Convictions for Certain Offenses

Some criminal convictions may be expunged, although a waiting period will typically be required after a person completes their sentence. Many misdemeanor convictions can be expunged after five years, including drug possession, theft, and disorderly conduct. Convictions for simple assault may be expunged once seven years have passed. The waiting period for burglary or felony theft charges is 10 years. In cases involving domestic violence charges or DUI cases that resulted in probation before judgment, expungement may be available after 15 years.

Not all convictions can be expunged. In many cases, records related to violent crimes, sex crimes, and convictions for DUI cannot be expunged. Our attorneys can provide guidance on when expungement may be available and what steps will need to be followed to clear a criminal record.

The Expungement Process in Maryland

When applying for expungement, it is important to obtain all relevant court records to confirm the details of the charges, the way a case was resolved, and important dates during a case. A petition for expungement must be completed and filed correctly.

If an objection is filed by the prosecutor in a case or other officials with the State's Attorney, a hearing may be scheduled to determine whether an expungement should be granted. At the hearing, a judge will review the petition, any objections, and evidence that a person has been rehabilitated and deserves a fresh start. They will decide whether to grant the expungement request, and if they do so, they will issue an order requiring government agencies to expunge all records related to the case.

Legal Help During the Expungement Process

Our legal team can perform a review of a person's criminal record to determine whether they are eligible for expungement. We will make sure all waiting periods have been completed, and we will prepare expungement petitions and make sure they are filed correctly, along with supporting evidence. We can provide representation during expungement hearings, advocating for a fresh start for our client.

Contact Our Waldorf, MD Expungement Attorneys

The attorneys at Farmer & Klopfer can provide the legal guidance and representation you need as you take steps to clear your criminal record. We will make sure the expungement process is completed correctly so that you can avoid ongoing issues related to a criminal case. Contact our Waldorf criminal record expungement lawyers at 301-843-3890 today to schedule your free consultation.