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SB 320

Criminal Procedure - Expungement - No Finding and Case Terminated Without Finding

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Muse

SB 320 permits expungement of criminal records when cases terminate without guilty findings, removing stigma from dismissals and non-convictions that currently remain on public record.

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Bill Summary · SB 320

Legislative bill overview

SB 320 allows individuals to have criminal records expunged when a case is terminated without a finding of guilt or when they receive a "no finding" disposition. This creates a pathway for people to clear their records even when the case didn't result in acquittal or conviction, addressing a gap in Maryland's current expungement law which primarily covers acquittals and certain dismissals.

Why is this important

Many criminal cases end with dispositions that aren't traditional acquittals—such as nolle prosequi (prosecutor declining to pursue), stet (case held in abeyance), or peace bonds—yet current law often prevents expungement in these scenarios. This leaves individuals with criminal records despite favorable case outcomes, harming employment, housing, and professional licensing opportunities. The bill would remove barriers for people who effectively won their cases without formal vindication.

Potential points of contention

  • Prosecutorial concerns: Law enforcement and prosecutors may argue that keeping records of cases terminated without findings aids future investigations and public safety by maintaining institutional memory
  • Definition ambiguity: The bill's language regarding "no finding" and "case terminated without finding" may need clarification to prevent unintended expansions or conflicts with other statutes
  • Implementation logistics: Courts and record-keeping agencies would need clear procedures and timelines for identifying eligible cases and processing expungements, potentially requiring system updates

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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