Rockville, Maryland Expungement Attorneys

Lawyers for Expungement or Shielding of Criminal Records in Rockville, MD

A criminal record can create barriers in many areas of your life, including employment, education, and housing. Even minor offenses or cases that did not result in a conviction can follow you for years, limiting your opportunities and causing ongoing stress. To address this issue, you can take steps to clear your criminal records through expungement or shielding.

While expungement can help you move forward with a clean slate, it can be a complex process. The attorneys at the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can help you navigate the process of applying for expungement or shielding. We will make sure you take the right steps to clear your records and ensure that you can regain control of your life.

What Is Expungement?

Expungement is a legal process that allows a person to have certain criminal records destroyed. Records that have been expunged will not appear in background checks. This can provide you with a fresh start and help you avoid difficulties in the future.

Not all criminal records are eligible for expungement. Maryland law allows for the expungement of:

• Cases That Resulted in Acquittals or Dismissals: If you were found not guilty or if the charges against you were dismissed, you may request expungement.
• Nolle Prosequi: If the prosecutor decided not to pursue charges against you, you can apply to have records related to the arrest and charges expunged.
• Probation Before Judgment (PBJ): If you successfully completed probation, your records may be expunged after a waiting period of three years. Following a recent change to the laws in Maryland, a PBJ for driving under the influence (DUI) can be expunged after 15 years.
• Some Misdemeanors and Non-Violent Offenses: In some cases, convictions for offenses such as theft, fourth-degree burglary, drug possession, prostitution/solicitation, trespassing, or disorderly conduct, may be eligible for expungement after a specified waiting period.

Whether you will qualify for expungement depends on the specific charges and the facts involved in your case. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we will evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process of applying for expungement to ensure the best chance of success.

What Is Shielding, and When Is it Available?

If you do not qualify for expungement, shielding may be an alternative. Shielding does not destroy criminal records, but it will remove them from public view. Employers, landlords, and the general public will not be able to access information about records that have been shielded, but law enforcement officials and government agencies may still have access to the records.

Shielding is generally available for specific non-violent misdemeanor convictions, including drug possession, vandalism, disorderly conduct, trespassing, prostitution, or driving without a valid license. To qualify for shielding, you meet requirements such as completing a sentence and avoiding additional criminal convictions. Shielding can only be requested once in your lifetime.

The Expungement and Shielding Process

Applying for expungement or shielding will involve several steps that must be completed correctly. At the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder, we can assist with this process by:

• Determining Eligibility: We will review your case history to determine whether your records qualify for expungement or shielding.
• Filing a Petition: A formal petition must be filed with the court in the jurisdiction where the case was heard. The petition must include all necessary documentation, including case numbers and details about the charges. We can help you complete and file your petition, making sure you provide all required information.
• Responding to Objections: In some cases, the State's Attorney or law enforcement may object to your request for expungement or shielding. If this happens, we will advocate on your behalf and present evidence to show that you qualify for relief.
• Representation in Court: If a hearing is required, we will represent you in court, presenting arguments to demonstrate why your record should be cleared and why you deserve to receive a fresh start.

If your petition is approved, the court will issue an order for the record to be expunged or shielded. While this process can be complex, our lawyers are here to ensure that every step will be handled correctly. We will fight to protect your rights and help you achieve the outcome you deserve.

Contact Our Rockville Expungement and Shielding Lawyers

If you have a criminal record in Maryland, the Law Offices of Mallon Snyder can help you take the correct steps to prevent others from accessing this information. Whether you may qualify to expunge or shield your record, we have the experience needed to guide you through the process. Contact us today by calling 301-762-7500 to arrange a free consultation. We provide legal help to clients in Washington, D.C. and most counties throughout Maryland.