Why Get A Copy of Your Record? Potential employers and landlords will review you record.

It is important for you to see what they will see. You want to know if the information is correct or if someone else is using your name to avoid the law.

DONT DELAY, EXPUNGE TODAY !

YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD

What is it? What is on it? What can you get rid of?

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc. 201 North Charles Street Suite 1104 Baltimore, MD 21201 1-800-773-4340 or 410-685-6589 www.hprplaw.org

This brochure is provided for informational purposes only and does not act as legal advice. This information is not a substitute for a careful review of your individual situation with an attorney. March 2013

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc. 201 North Charles Street Suite 1104 Baltimore, MD 21201 1-800-773-4340 or 410-685-6589 www.hprplaw.org

YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD

What is it?
A criminal record is created when you have contact with the criminal justice system. Your driving record is separate from your criminal record. Driving records are maintained by the Department of Motor Vehicles. Expungement is a court process through which you may be able to remove certain events from your criminal record. Expungement applies to the removal of non-convictions and certain kinds of convictions. Non-Convictions include: Waiting Periods and Other Restrictions You must wait 3 years after your case is completed to apply for expungement. There are some exceptions to this waiting period. You may ask for expungement only if you do not have a conviction that happened after the case you want expunged. If your court case resulted in an acquittal (not guilty) or dismissal, then you may ask for expungement of the case even if you have a new conviction. The law governing expungement can be complex. It is best to review your criminal record with an attorney.

What is on it? Generally, any arrests, citation, conviction or non-conviction will appear on your criminal record. All these matters remain on your record forever, unless you make an effort to remove them. Criminal records are public information. Get a copy of your adult record You can get a copy of your official Maryland state record through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).

Judgment of Acquittal (JA) Not Guilty (NG) Dismissal (Dism) Nolle Prosequi (Nol Pros) Stet Probation Before Judgment (PBJ)

Starting October 1, 2008 a new law allows for expungement of convictions of certain minor crimes including: Urinating in Public Panhandling Sleeping in a Park Loitering Vagrancy Riding the Bus or Light Rail without paying Eating, drinking, smoking, etc. on the Bus or Light Rail

Department of Public Safety Reisterstown Road Plaza 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102 1-888-879-0111 410-764-4501 Cost of record $18 Cost of fingerprinting $20 (at CJIS office)

HOMELESS PERSONS REPRESENTATION PROJECT