Expungement Lawyer Kent County — How to Clear Your Maryland Criminal Record
An expungement lawyer in Kent County can help you seal or erase eligible criminal records from public view. Under Maryland law, expungement is available for acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, stet, Probation Before Judgment (PBJ), and many non-violent convictions. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. provides experienced legal guidance for clearing your record at the District Court of MD for Kent County.
Maryland Expungement Law and Your Kent County Record
Expungement in Maryland is governed by the Criminal Procedure Article, specifically § 6-220. This statute outlines which charges and dispositions are eligible for removal from public criminal history records. The process is handled through the court where your case was originally heard. For Kent County, this is typically the District Court of MD for Kent County located at 103 N. Cross Street, Chestertown.
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Kent County | Maryland General Assembly
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has built a practice focused on client-centered defense, including post-case relief like expungement. Our attorneys understand that a past mistake shouldn’t define your future opportunities for employment, housing, or education.
Key Steps and Local Court Procedures for Expungement
Clearing a record in Kent County involves handling specific court procedures. The State’s Attorney for Kent County may file an objection to your petition, which requires a legal response. Common eligible dispositions include a nolle prosequi (the prosecutor’s decision to drop the charge), a stet (the case is placed on an inactive docket), or a PBJ. For a PBJ, you must complete your probation and wait three years before applying for expungement.
- Determine your eligibility under Maryland’s expungement laws, including recent expansions from the Justice Reinvestment Act.
- Obtain your official criminal record (CPR) and case disposition documents from the District Court in Chestertown.
- Complete and file the required Petition for Expungement of Records with the Kent County District Court clerk.
- Serve the petition on the State’s Attorney’s Office and other required agencies, then await any potential objections.
- Attend a hearing if one is scheduled, or receive the judge’s order granting the expungement.
- Follow up to ensure all agencies, including the Maryland Judiciary and Maryland State Police, comply with the court order.
Potential Benefits of a Successful Expungement
In Kent County, a successful expungement legally allows you to state you were not charged or convicted of the expunged offense on most employment and housing applications.
| Record Type | Typical Waiting Period | Key Benefit After Expungement |
|---|---|---|
| Acquittal / Dismissal / Nolle Prosequi | None (can file immediately after disposition) | Record is shielded from public view in background checks. |
| Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) | 3 years after probation completion | Avoids a permanent conviction record. |
| Qualifying Misdemeanor Conviction | 10 years after sentence completion (including probation) | Opens doors for jobs and licenses that bar those with convictions. |
| Stet | 3 years after stet is entered | Removes the pending charge from your public record. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Kent County Expungement
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm-wide experience spans over 120 combined years, with a documented track record of 4,739+ case results and a 93%+ favorable outcome rate. We bring a deep understanding of Maryland’s expungement statutes and the local procedures in Kent County courts. Our tagline, “Advocacy Without Borders,” reflects our commitment to pursuing all available legal avenues for our clients, including clearing their records.
Case Results and Client Advocacy
While specific expungement results are not quantified by locality, our firm’s extensive background in criminal defense provides the foundation for successful post-case relief. Mr. Sris, the firm’s managing attorney, collaborates with Of Counsel attorneys like former prosecutor Kristen Fisher to review case dispositions and advise clients on their eligibility for expungement. We approach each petition with meticulous attention to the procedural details required by the Kent County District Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Contact Our Maryland Expungement Lawyers
Our Maryland office represents clients seeking expungement in Kent County. We serve communities including Chestertown, Rock Hall, Galena, Millington, and Betterton.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Expungement in Kent County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. PBJ avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors and many felonies at District Court of MD for Kent County. After probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Kent County, Maryland?
Yes. Maryland allows expungement for acquittals, dismissals, Nolle Prosequi, Stet, PBJ (after 3 years), and many non-violent convictions under the Justice Reinvestment Act. Cases in Kent County are expunged through the court where the case was heard. A criminal record expungement lawyer Kent County can determine your specific eligibility and file the petition.
How long does the expungement process take in Maryland?
It depends. After filing a petition with the Kent County District Court, the court must schedule a hearing within 60 days if there is an objection from the State’s Attorney. If there is no objection, the judge may grant the petition without a hearing. The entire process from filing to receiving the order can take several months.
Do I need a lawyer to file for an expungement?
No, you are not required to have a lawyer, but it is highly recommended. An attorney ensures the petition is correctly completed, identifies all eligible charges, properly serves all required parties, and can argue against any objections filed by the State’s Attorney, significantly increasing the chance of success.
What happens after my record is expunged?
Once the expungement order is granted, the court and criminal justice agencies are required to seal or remove the records from public access. You may legally state that you were not charged or convicted of the expunged offense on most job and housing applications.
For more information on related legal services, see our pages on Maryland Criminal Defense, or learn about similar relief in neighboring areas like Montgomery County. If you are also dealing with a traffic matter, our Kent County DUI lawyer can assist.
Last verified: April 2026. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
Office visits by appointment only. Phone consultations available 24/7.