Maryland Criminal Defense Laws

Maryland abolished the death penalty on May 2, 2013, becoming the 18th state to do so. The maximum sentence for first-degree murder is life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Recreational marijuana legalized July 1, 2023 for adults 21+. The Cannabis Reform Act provides automatic expungement for all cases where cannabis possession was the sole charge and was issued before July 1, 2023. Possession of up to 2.5 oz is legal; 2.5 oz to 1.5 oz is a civil citation ($100 fine).

The REDEEM Act expanded expungement eligibility: nonviolent misdemeanor convictions are expungable after 5 years, nonviolent felony convictions and assault in the second degree after 7 years, and first/second degree burglary and felony theft after 10 years.

Further expands expungement eligibility. Allows petitions even after a probation violation. Courts consider overall success in completing supervision and the person's ability to pay restitution. Expanded list of expungable misdemeanor convictions.

Maryland provides "shielding" of certain records — they remain in the system but are hidden from public background checks. Low-level cannabis convictions are automatically shielded. Shielding is less complete than expungement but provides privacy protection for employment and housing.