Expungement Reform Act of 2025
On October 1, 2025, the Expungement Reform Act of 2025 went into effect in the State of Maryland. This significant update to the state’s criminal record relief system makes several important adjustments to Maryland’s expungement process. It aims to address issues of limited eligibility, lengthy waiting periods, and procedural hurdles that made record clearing difficult for many residents.
Before this law, Maryland’s expungement process was far more restrictive. Many misdemeanor convictions were not eligible for expungement, including offenses such as second-degree assault, certain theft convictions, and various disorderly conduct or controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia charges. Waiting periods of up to ten or fifteen years also prevented individuals from applying in a timely manner. Each record that someone sought to expunge required a separate petition, which increased the cost and complexity of the process. These restrictions often made it difficult for individuals to access employment, stable housing, or educational opportunities due to records that continued to follow them long after they had completed their sentences.
The Expungement Reform Act addresses these issues by expanding eligibility and simplifying procedures. Waiting periods have been shortened for many nonviolent misdemeanor convictions to an average of five to seven years, and the law adds more low-level offenses to the list of records that may be cleared. The Act also allows individuals with multiple eligible convictions to petition in a more consolidated manner, reducing both time and expense associated with the process. Lawmakers designed these revisions to promote rehabilitation and support economic stability for people seeking to rebuild their lives.
However, the process still requires individuals to complete all terms of their sentence and meet the waiting period set by statute before filing. Courts will continue to review each petition, and the State may oppose expungement when it believes that the circumstances require closer examination. Additionally, the law sets penalties for misuse of the expungement system. Knowingly submitting false information in a petition can lead to criminal consequences, including fines or possible incarceration, depending on the severity of the misconduct. Employers or agencies that improperly disclose or rely on expunged information may face civil liability.
If you are unsure whether your record qualifies under the Expungement Reform Act of 2025, or if you need guidance on preparing and filing a petition, JPB Law is ready to help. We can review your history, explain your options, and work with you to pursue a clean slate.