SHARE:  
Join Our Email List
As an MVLS expungement volunteer attorney, there are important changes to the law that you should be aware of. We also want to share with you our new expungement software. Please see our highlights below.  
NEW LAWS AFFECTING EXPUNGEMENT ELIGIBILITY – TO TAKE EFFECT OCTOBER 1ST, 2023 
The 2023 legislative session produced significant changes to Maryland’s expungement laws. Several bills, if signed by the governor, will greatly benefit MVLS clients. Volunteers who practice expungement should take note of these changes.  

The REDEEM Act 
This bill reduces the waiting periods for already eligible convictions. In short, misdemeanor waiting periods are reduced to 5 years from the completion of any sentence. Second degree assault and battery are reduced to 7 years from the completion of sentence. Eligible felonies are reduced to 7 and 10 year waiting periods, depending on the charge. Read the full details in the linked document.  
The REDEEM Act also adds malicious destruction of property as an eligible conviction. 

Department of Natural Resources Violations 
A bill to include convictions related to hunting and fishing violations in the list of cases eligible for expungement has passed as well. The full list of these charges, as passed in House Bill 1175, can be found in the attached document.  
See our complete overview of expungement legislation in the attachment, including a full breakdown of changes as well as still pending legislation. 

See our complete overview of expungement legislation including a full breakdown of changes as well as still pending legislation.
NEW CANNABIS LAWS TAKING EFFECT JULY 1ST, 2023 
The passage of the cannabis legalization referendum triggered new expungement rules as well. Along with adult use legalization, the expungement statutes will be updated to include the following.  

  • Convictions for possession of up to 1.5oz of cannabis will be eligible as “an act not longer a crime.” 

  • Convictions for Possession with Intent to Distribute cannabis will be eligible 3 years after completion of sentence. 

  • Certain cannabis expungements will not be blocked by the unit rule. 

  • The courts are instructed to automatically expunge cannabis possession charges by July 1st, 2024. 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We have several clients awaiting expungement assistance right now. Please go to our pro bono portal and consider taking one of these cases. As always, MVLS provides mentorship and support to our volunteers. 
NEW EXPUNGEMENT WEB TOOL 
If you haven’t familiarized yourself with MVLS’ new expungement tool (replacing MDExpungement), check out this link for information about how to install and use the program.
MORE VOLUNTEER RESOURCES 
Automatic expungement of certain non-convictions will begin rolling out in October 2024. See our new factsheet for more information.  

MVLS will be providing more updates, new trainings, and new attorney resources over the next few months as we see these expungement changes go into effect. Be on the lookout for webinars and clinic opportunities this summer!