Expungement Lawyer Montgomery County — How to Clear Your Criminal Record
An expungement lawyer in Montgomery County, Maryland, can help you seal or destroy court and police records for eligible cases under Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 documented case results in Montgomery County. A clean record is critical for jobs, housing, and professional licenses. Contact a criminal record expungement lawyer Montgomery County today.
Maryland Expungement Law and Your Rights
Last verified: April 2026 | District Court of MD for Montgomery County | Maryland General Assembly
Expungement in Maryland is governed by Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220. This law allows for the removal of police, court, and detention records from public view. The Justice Reinvestment Act significantly expanded eligibility, allowing many non-violent convictions to be expunged after a waiting period. The process is handled through the court where the case was originally heard. For Montgomery County, this is typically the District Court of MD for Montgomery County at 191 East Jefferson Street, Rockville, MD 20850.
Official Resources and Court Process
Understanding the official statutes and local court procedures is the first step. You can review the Md. Code, Criminal Procedure Art. § 6-220 (official Maryland General Assembly). The District Court of MD for Montgomery County website provides local forms and filing information.
How to Get a Record Expunged in Montgomery County
Montgomery County District Court handles all expungement petitions for cases that originated there. The State’s Attorney for Montgomery County may file an objection to your petition. A key local procedural fact is that Maryland’s Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) disposition, while avoiding a formal conviction, still requires a 3-year waiting period before it can be expunged.
- Obtain your complete Maryland criminal history report from the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).
- Determine eligibility for each charge using the Maryland Courts’ expungement eligibility tool or consult with an attorney.
- Complete the required Petition for Expungement of Records (DC/CR 78) and other court forms.
- File the petition and pay the filing fee at the District Court Clerk’s Office in Rockville.
- Serve copies of the filed petition on all required agencies, including the State’s Attorney and arresting agency.
- Attend the expungement hearing if one is scheduled, or wait for a judge’s ruling by mail.
Potential Outcomes and Considerations
In Montgomery County, a successful expungement removes public access to records of an arrest, charge, or conviction, but certain government agencies may retain limited access.
| Eligible Disposition | Typical Waiting Period | Key Consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Acquittal, Dismissal, Nolle Prosequi | No waiting period | Can file immediately after case ends. |
| Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) | 3 years after probation ends | Must complete probation successfully. |
| Stet (inactive docket) | 3 years after stet is granted | State’s Attorney can reactivate case during waiting period. |
| Qualifying Conviction (Justice Reinvestment Act) | 10 years after sentence completion | Excludes violent crimes, felonies, and sexual offenses. |
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Why Choose Our Firm for Your Expungement
Founded in 1997, Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. brings over 120 years of combined attorney experience to complex legal matters like expungement. Our team includes former prosecutors like Kristen Fisher, who understand how the State’s Attorney’s office evaluates these petitions. We know that a clear record opens doors, and we provide focused advocacy to help you achieve that goal.
Kristen M. Fisher
Of Counsel (Former Prosecutor)
Bar Admissions: Maryland; Virginia
A former Assistant State’s Attorney in Maryland, Kristen Fisher uses her firsthand prosecutorial insight to build effective strategies for clearing clients’ records. She represents clients in Maryland State Courts, including the District Court of MD for Montgomery County.
Documented Case Results in Maryland
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 21 total documented case results across all practice areas in Montgomery County, with a 95% favorable outcome rate. Our firm-wide track record includes over 4,739 case results across multiple states. Mr. Sris, the firm’s founder and a former prosecutor, provides strategic oversight on complex cases. His multi-state practice and background in accounting offer a unique advantage in cases with financial dimensions.
Results may vary. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
Expungement Lawyer Near Montgomery County, MD
Our Rockville location serves clients at Montgomery County courts. We represent individuals in Rockville, Bethesda, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Wheaton, Kensington, Potomac, Olney, Damascus, Clarksburg, Takoma Park, and Chevy Chase.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
199 E Montgomery Ave Suite 100 Room 211, Rockville, MD 20850, United States
Toll-Free: (888) 437-7747 | Local: (888)-437-7747
By appointment only. 24/7 phone consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions: Expungement in Montgomery County
What is Probation Before Judgment (PBJ) in Montgomery County, Maryland?
Yes. PBJ is a Maryland disposition where the judge places you on probation instead of entering a guilty verdict. It avoids a formal conviction on your record and is available for most misdemeanors at the District Court of MD for Montgomery County. After successful probation, PBJ cases can be expunged after a 3-year waiting period.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in Montgomery 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 Montgomery County are expunged through the District Court of MD for Montgomery County where the case was heard.
How long does an expungement take in Montgomery County?
It depends. After filing a petition, it typically takes 3 to 6 months for the court to process and rule. If the State’s Attorney objects, a hearing will be scheduled, which can add several months. The timeline varies based on court backlog and case complexity.
What does an expungement lawyer do?
An expungement lawyer evaluates your record for eligibility, handles all paperwork and filing, ensures proper service on all agencies, argues your case at hearings if needed, and navigates any objections from the State’s Attorney to give you the best chance of clearing your record.
Who can see my record after an expungement?
After a successful expungement, the general public, employers, and landlords cannot access the records. However, certain government agencies, like law enforcement and licensing boards for specific professions, may retain limited access under Maryland law.
Related Legal Services in Montgomery County
If you are facing new charges, you may need a criminal defense lawyer in Montgomery County. Our firm also handles related matters like DUI defense. For statewide information, visit our Maryland criminal defense hub page.
Page 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.