When youthful indiscretion results in a criminal conviction, the legal footprint of your past can have a serious impact on your future. While the justice system believes in reform, public and private opinion can result in lost opportunities and closed doors that should be open to you.
In other words, you served your time and fulfilled your sentence; why should you have to keep paying for a mistake you made a long time ago? Turns out, the legislators in Maryland feel the same way. That’s why we have the Second Chance Act: to give you the second chance at a better future that you deserve.
How it works
The Second Chance Act allows you to “shield” court and police records relating to certain crimes. Shielded records are not expunged; the records still exist, but they become inaccessible to members of the general public. This allows those convicted of certain crimes to apply for jobs and schooling without fear of discrimination based on past run-ins with the law. Your case is eligible for shielding if you were convicted of:
- Disorderly Conduct
- Disturbing the Peace
- Failure to Obey a Reasonable and Lawful Order
- Malicious Destruction of Property in the Lesser Degree
- Trespass on Posted Property
- Possession or Administering a Controlled Dangerous Substance
- Possession or Administering a Noncontrolled Dangerous Substance
- Use of or Possession with Intent to Use Drug Paraphernalia
- Driving without a License
- Driving While Privilege is Cancelled, Suspended, Refused, or Revoked
- Driving While Uninsured
- A Prostitution Offense (but not assignation)
Records can only be shielded if the conviction occurred more than 3 years ago, and no additional convictions occurred in the meantime. Requesting shielding can be complicated; a written petition must be filed with the appropriate Court, which then serves the petition on the State’s Attorney’s Office and notifies all victims of record of the request; if any objections are filed within 30 days, the Court will hold a hearing. If your past actions are affecting your life today, you need an experienced attorney on your side.
If you have multiple convictions, knowing which one to shield can be confusing. If it’s just one, the decision is easier but the process can be just as complicated. The right Annapolis criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference. You can call my office, Drew Cochran, Attorney at Law at 410-271-1892 or you can fill out this contact form instead. You’ll reach me either way, and I can help you move forward.
When life gets confusing and you need legal help, just remember: Keep Calm – and Call Drew.
