Expungement Attorney in Queen Anne's County

Local Guidance To Help You Move Forward From A Past Case in Queen Anne's County

A criminal case in Queen Anne's County can continue to affect you long after the court date is over. Old charges, including CDS matters, often appear on background checks and can create hurdles with jobs, housing, and even family cases. Working with an experienced expungement attorney in Queen Anne's County who understands how these records work can help you take a practical step toward a cleaner future.

At Matthew Penick Law, based on Kent Island, we focus on criminal defense and family law for people in this county. For more than 15 years, we have helped clients navigate the same courts and judges that handle expungement petitions today. We know how stressful it is to feel judged again and again for a mistake in your past, and we work to make the path forward as clear as possible.

Ready for a fresh start? Our Queen Anne’s County expungement lawyer is here to support your process. Call (410) 618-0863 or schedule a free consultation.

Why Clearing Your Record in Queen Anne's County Matters For Your Future

A criminal record does not stay tucked away in a courthouse file. It often appears whenever an employer, landlord, or licensing board runs a background check. Even if your case was dismissed or you received probation before judgment, the fact that you were charged can raise questions and lead to lost opportunities.

We regularly speak with people who are qualified for a job but cannot get past the background check. For some, a record in this county also becomes an issue in a custody or divorce dispute. A past charge can be raised in court to challenge decision-making, parenting time, or credibility, even when the matter is old and does not reflect who they are today.

Expungement is a legal process that can remove certain records from public view, which may reduce the impact of a past case on your daily life. It is not the right tool for every situation, and it does not erase every type of record, but for those who qualify, it can be a meaningful step. When our expungement lawyer in Queen Anne's County talks with you, we look not only at the legal details, but also at how your record is affecting your work, your housing, and your family.

Why Choose Our Expungement Lawyer in Queen Anne's County

When you are considering an expungement lawyer in Queen Anne's County, local knowledge and focused experience matter. Expungement is not just about paperwork—it involves understanding court practices, timelines, and how a criminal record can continue to affect your life long after a case ends. Our firm combines community roots with practical legal insight to guide clients through this process with clarity and care.

Clients choose our firm for expungement matters because we offer:

• Deep roots in Queen Anne's County: Our practice has served this community for more than 15 years, with an office on Kent Island that supports clients who live and work throughout the county.
• Experience with cases that commonly lead to expungement: We handle criminal defense matters that often raise expungement questions later, including CDS charges and other offenses that can continue to create obstacles years after resolution.
• Familiarity with local courts and procedures: We regularly appear in the District Court and Circuit Court for Queen Anne's County. This familiarity helps us understand how local judges, prosecutors, and clerks handle expungement petitions and what timelines are realistic.
• A broader legal perspective: Because we also practice family law, we see how criminal records can affect custody disputes, divorce proceedings, and negotiations. This insight informs how we advise clients about the timing and impact of expungement.
• Hands-on, individualized representation: We intentionally manage our caseload to provide personal attention. Clients work with a firm that listens carefully, explains options in plain language, and provides updates as petitions move through the court.

Understanding Expungement In Maryland and Queen Anne's County

Expungement in Maryland is a legal process that can remove certain criminal records from public access. It is different from shielding or sealing, and it is governed by specific state statutes that apply throughout Maryland. The same rules apply in this county, but how they are applied in practice depends on the local courts that handle your petition.

Some records that may be eligible for expungement include cases that ended in dispositions such as not guilty, nolle prosequi, dismissal, or certain stetted cases. In other situations, some convictions may be eligible after a waiting period, if there are no disqualifying conditions and if other requirements are met. The details matter, including the exact charge, the outcome, and the time that has passed since the case concluded.

Many questions we hear involve CDS charges that were dismissed, charges that resulted in probation before judgment, older misdemeanor convictions, as well as prior felony convictions. People often assume that a dismissed case disappears on its own, only to find it listed on a background check. In Maryland, you typically must take active steps to seek expungement, and that process takes place in the court where the case was handled.

If your case was heard in the District Court or Circuit Court in this county, any expungement petition will usually be filed there as well. The clerk’s office manages the paperwork, and judges in those courts decide whether petitions should be granted. Our role is to help you understand how state law applies to your specific history and how the local courts here handle the process from start to finish.

Are You Eligible To Expunge Your Record in Queen Anne's County?

The first question most people ask is whether their record can be expunged at all. Eligibility depends on a combination of factors, so it is important to look at your full criminal history rather than a single charge in isolation. We review the details carefully, including outcomes, dates, and any other open matters, before giving guidance.

Key factors that often affect Maryland expungement eligibility include:

• Type of charge, including whether it was a civil citation, misdemeanor, felony, or CDS offense
• Outcome of the case, such as dismissal, not guilty, nolle prosequi, stet, conviction, or probation before judgment
• How much time has passed since the case ended, and whether any waiting period in the law has been met
• Whether there are other pending criminal cases or prior convictions that affect eligibility
• Whether the specific offense is on a list that cannot be expunged under Maryland law

We approach each record with an analytical eye, shaped in part by Matthew’s background in law. That means we look closely at each entry, the order in which cases occurred, and the specific rules that apply to each charge. Then we explain your options in plain terms so you can decide whether and how to move forward.

How The Expungement Process Works in Queen Anne's County

Understanding the expungement process can make it feel less intimidating. While each case is different, there are common steps that many petitions in this county follow. Knowing what to expect at each stage can reduce anxiety and help you plan.

Although every case is unique, many expungement matters follow a path similar to this:

• Record review: We start by gathering information about your past cases, including case numbers and outcomes, and then compare that history to Maryland’s expungement rules.
• Preparing petitions: Once we identify potential relief, we prepare the necessary petitions for filing in the appropriate court, which is typically the court that handled your original case.
• Filing with the court: Petitions are usually filed with the clerk’s office for the appropriate court, which then serves any required parties, such as the State’s Attorney.
• Waiting period and responses: There is usually a period in which the State can respond or object, and the court can review the petition and the case history.
• Possible hearing: In some matters, the court may schedule a hearing to hear from both sides before deciding whether to grant expungement.
• Order and implementation: If the petition is granted, an order typically directs relevant agencies to take steps to remove the record from public access according to the law.

Throughout the process, we keep clients informed about filings, any responses from the State, and notices from the court. If a hearing is scheduled, we prepare you for what to expect and how your past case will be discussed. We aim to manage the details of the process so you can focus on the bigger picture of moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Do I Know If My Case Can Be Expunged In Maryland?

The best way to know if your case can be expunged is to compare your entire criminal history to Maryland’s expungement rules. Eligibility depends on specific details, including the exact charges, how each case ended, and how much time has passed. For example, a dismissed charge or a case that resulted in not guilty may be treated differently from a conviction, and some convictions may be eligible only after certain waiting periods are met.

How Long Does An Expungement Usually Take In Queen Anne's County?

Expungement timelines in this county depend on several factors, including which court your case was in, how many petitions you file, and the current workload of the court and related agencies. After a petition is filed, there is usually a period in which the State can respond or object. If there are no objections and the petition is straightforward, the court may rule without a hearing, which can be faster than a matter that requires a court date.

Will An Expungement Completely Erase My Record From Background Checks?

Expungement in Maryland can remove qualifying records from public access, which often includes many standard background checks employers and landlords use. However, it is not accurate to say that every trace of a case disappears in every system. Some government agencies may still have access for limited purposes, and private companies that stored old data before the expungement might not update their files right away.

Can An Old CDS Charge From This County Be Expunged?

Some CDS charges from this county may be eligible for expungement, while others are not. Eligibility usually depends on the specific offense, the outcome of the case, your overall record, and how much time has passed. For instance, a CDS case that was dismissed or resulted in not guilty may be treated differently from a conviction, and a probation before judgment disposition has its own set of rules.

What If I Have More Than One Case On My Record?

Having more than one case on your record does not automatically prevent you from pursuing expungement, but it does make careful planning more important. Each case can have different eligibility rules and waiting periods, and the outcome of one matter can affect what you can do with another. Filing petitions in the wrong order or at the wrong time can limit your options.

Take The Next Step Toward Clearing Your Record—Contact Our Expungement Lawyer in Queen Anne's County

A past criminal case in this county does not have to define your future. If you qualify for expungement, it may be possible to remove certain records from public view and reduce the effect of old charges on your work, housing, and family life. Understanding your options is the first step, and you do not have to sort through the laws and procedures alone.

Don’t let past charges hold you back—work with a skilled expungement attorney in Queen Anne’s County. Call (410) 618-0863 or reach out today.