[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/blog\/can-criminal-record-be-expunged-or-sealed\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/blog\/can-criminal-record-be-expunged-or-sealed\/","headline":"Criminal Record Getting In Your Way? Can It Be Expunged or Sealed?","name":"Criminal Record Getting In Your Way? Can It Be Expunged or Sealed?","description":"A criminal record can keep showing up long after a case ends. You may run into problems when applying for jobs, renting an apartment, or trying to move forward after a difficult chapter. If you\u2019re wondering whether to expunge or seal your record, the right answer depends on your case history and what Maryland law […]","datePublished":"2026-05-19","dateModified":"2026-05-19","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/blog\/author\/greenberglawoffices\/#Person","name":"Greenberg Law Offices","url":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/blog\/author\/greenberglawoffices\/","identifier":7,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e0d600bf0d0a422eeda2a75c9d4b0240b93a50067ae011d1484f7dfed7467653?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/e0d600bf0d0a422eeda2a75c9d4b0240b93a50067ae011d1484f7dfed7467653?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Greenberg Law Offices","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/greenberg-logo.png","url":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/greenberg-logo.png","width":301,"height":94}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Criminal-Record-Getting-In-Your-Way-Can-It-Be-Expunged-or-Sealed.jpg","url":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Criminal-Record-Getting-In-Your-Way-Can-It-Be-Expunged-or-Sealed.jpg","height":630,"width":1200},"url":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/blog\/can-criminal-record-be-expunged-or-sealed\/","about":["Criminal Defense"],"wordCount":1056,"articleBody":"A criminal record can keep showing up long after a case ends.You may run into problems when applying for jobs, renting an apartment, or trying to move forward after a difficult chapter.If you\u2019re wondering whether to expunge or seal your record, the right answer depends on your case history and what Maryland law allows.Some records can be removed from public view through expungement. Others may qualify for shielding, often called sealing, which limits who can see the record.Each option offers different benefits and rules. Knowing which path fits your situation can save time and frustration.What Do \u201cSealing\u201d and \u201cExpungement\u201d Mean?If you want to clear your record, it\u2019s important to understand the difference between sealing and expungement.Expungement generally means that court and police records related to an eligible case are removed from public access and, in many situations, treated as though the matter never occurred. Many employers, landlords, and members of the public won\u2019t see an expunged case in a routine search.Sealing, often called shielding in Maryland, does not erase the record.Instead, it restricts public access to certain eligible convictions. Government agencies, law enforcement, and some employers may still view the information in limited circumstances.If you\u2019re trying to decide whether to expunge or seal, start with this basic rule: expungement removes eligible records from ordinary public view, while sealing blocks public access but leaves the record available to certain parties.Key Differences Between Sealing and Expungement in MarylandIf you\u2019re trying to decide whether to seal or expunge your record, it helps to compare how each option works in practice.Eligibility RequirementsEligibility is often the first issue. Not every case qualifies for both options. Expungement may be available for the following:Cases that ended in acquittal, dismissal, or nolle prosequiProbation before judgment in some circumstancesCertain nuisance or misdemeanor convictionsSome pardoned convictionsCases where charges were not filed after arrestShielding or sealing may be available for certain misdemeanor convictions after your sentence is over.Maryland law lists specific eligible offenses rather than opening the process to every conviction.You may also have restrictions based on later convictions or pending charges. One ineligible case can affect your options for another matter. A criminal defense lawyer can review your full history and identify what still qualifies.Waiting PeriodEven if your case qualifies, you may need to wait before filing.For expungement, the waiting period depends on how the case ended. Some dismissals and acquittals may qualify sooner, while certain convictions require a longer delay.For shielding or sealing, Maryland law commonly requires a waiting period after completion of the sentence, including probation or parole. For many eligible convictions, the wait can be several years.Many people lose time because they file too early. If the court denies a petition for timing reasons, you may need to start again later.How the Processes WorkThe expungement and sealing processes both involve filing paperwork with the court, but they aren\u2019t identical. Expungement often includes the following:Filing a petition in the court where the case was handledPaying any required filing fee, if applicableWaiting for the State\u2019s response periodReceiving a court order, if approvedHaving agencies remove or restrict recordsShielding or sealing often includes the following:Filing a petition for shielding in the proper courtListing each eligible case requestedWaiting for review by the courtReceiving an order that limits public access if grantedCosts and FeesSome expungement petitions in Maryland may require a filing fee, while others do not, depending on the outcome of the case and the basis for the request.Shielding petitions may also involve filing costs depending on the number of cases and the court involved.You should also consider the value of doing it correctly the first time. If your record is affecting employment or housing, delays can be more expensive than the filing fee itself.Impact on Background Checks, Employment, and HousingMany people ask about the real-world effect of the difference between sealing and expungement.The answer often comes down to who is searching. With expungement, eligible records are generally removed from public court searches and many commercial background checks after updates are made. That can improve your chances when applying for work or housing.With sealing or shielding, the public usually cannot view the record, but certain agencies and employers may still have access where the law permits.That means some jobs may still involve deeper review. You might notice benefits such as the following:Fewer questions during routine job screeningsBetter rental application resultsGreater privacy in online record searchesLess stress when completing applicationsNo legal remedy can rewrite the past, but it can reduce how often your old records create new problems.Factors to Consider Before Making a ChoiceBefore deciding whether to expunge or seal, consider your goals and eligibility. Ask yourself the following questions:Do you qualify for expungement now, or only shielding?Are you applying for jobs that use standard background checks or higher-level screenings?Do you have multiple cases with different outcomes?Is timing important because you\u2019re job hunting or moving soon?Do later charges affect older cases?Expungement is often the stronger remedy when available because it removes more visibility from public records. Sealing can still be valuable when expungement is not allowed.You might expunge eligible dismissals now and ask for shielding of qualifying convictions later. A careful review can uncover options you didn\u2019t know existed.When to Consult a Baltimore Criminal Defense LawyerYou can file some petitions on your own, but many records involve more than one case, more than one county, or unclear outcomes.That\u2019s where legal guidance can help. A Baltimore criminal defense lawyer can do the following:Review your record for expungement eligibilityExplain whether sealing offers a better optionIdentify waiting periods that apply to each casePrepare accurate petitions and supporting documentsAddress objections or court questionsIf your record is interfering with your daily life and peace of mind, now is a good time to act.Greenberg Law Offices can explain your options and help you pursue the cleanest record available under Maryland law. Contact us today for your confidential consultation with our criminal defense attorneys."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Criminal Record Getting In Your Way? Can It Be Expunged or Sealed?","item":"https:\/\/greenberglawyers.com\/blog\/can-criminal-record-be-expunged-or-sealed\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]