

Expungement in Maryland removes information about a case from court and law enforcement records. Eligible Maryland citizens may appeal to have their criminal records expunged under the Maryland Code, Criminal Procedure § 10-110. We also offer record-sealing service to Maryland citizens who wish to start new lives without the handicap of previous misdemeanors. Maryland affords citizens the privilege to live without fear of discrimination related to a public record by obtaining a court order permitting record sealing in some instances. This can also help engender more participation in government by all citizens. Maryland allows public access to government records in order to remain transparent to citizens and the general public in the actions and decisions of the government at all levels in the state. Any record in which disclosure is considered to be contrary to the interest of the public, such as investigatory records, information related to academic, licensing, and employment examinations.Confidential commercial information and trade secrets.Commonly exempted records from public disclosure include: The PIA attempts to balance the public's right to access government records with other policies that respect the privacy or confidentiality of certain information. Note that not all government records are publicly available. The Act grants the public the right to inspect and copy public records without having to present the reason for a request. These include written materials, books, photographs, photocopies, films, microfilms, records, tapes, computerized records, maps, drawings, and other materials. What is a Public Record in Maryland?Īccording to the Maryland Public Information Act, Maryland defines a public record as the original or copy of any documentary material in any form created or received by an agency in connection with the transaction of public business. This means certain restrictions that may have hindered the subject of a record, such as finding a job, obtaining a license, or voting rights can be restored by erasing or shielding a previous record. Shielded records can also have the effect of erasure on the public record history of an individual. When records are shielded from view, it is inaccessible to the general public but may be accessed in limited situations by law enforcement agencies or obtaining a court order. However, under specific circumstances, individuals may be able to shield public records from view. Maryland makes no provisions for citizens to delete their public records. Remove your personal information from 100 of the top data brokers on the internet in 4 easy steps! Start Hereĭeleting a public record refers to the process of making a record inaccessible in all its forms to anyone public or private.
