Today, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is signing an executive order that will pardon approximately 175,000 misdemeanor marijuana charges. This is the largest blanket pardon at the state level to date, and the only pardon that includes misdemeanor convictions for possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, as well as misdemeanor possession convictions.

Per AP News, the governor’s office said the following:

The Moore-Miller Administration is committed to promoting social equity and ensuring the fair and equitable administration of justice. Because the use and possession of cannabis is no longer illegal in the state, Marylanders should not continue to face barriers to housing, employment, or educational opportunities based on convictions for conduct that is no longer illegal.

AP News also reports that these pardons will not lead to anyone being released from incarceration, and that it will taker about two weeks for “the Maryland Judiciary [to] ensure each individual electronic docket is updated with an entry indicating the conviction has been pardoned by the governor.” The Department of Corrections, the paper reports, will need about 10 months to fully update its records.

Who is eligible for this pardon?

Per WBALTV, “charges eligible for pardon are from before Jan. 1, 2023, when possession of personal use amounts of cannabis was decriminalized.”

Do I have to do anything to get this pardon for my misdemeanor marijuana conviction?

No, you do not have to do anything. The updates will be made automatically.

What is a pardon, exactly?

A pardon is a type of legal “forgiveness” which allows for the restoration of lost rights and liberties. Essentially, if you are convicted of a crime and have lost certain rights, you can ask the Governor (if convicted in State courts) or the President (if convicted in federal court) to pardon you.

Doesn’t a pardon restore my lost rights?

No, a pardon does NOT restore your lost rights. It merely allows you to begin the process of having your rights restored.

Restoring your rights after being pardoned for marijuana convictions in Maryland

If you are a Maryland resident who has been pardoned by Governor Moore for misdemeanor marijuana possession or possession with intent to use drug paraphernalia, your next step should be to contact Carey Law Office for help with an expungement.

Expungement is the legal process of having your police and court records removed. An expungement essentially makes it so that – on paper, at least – the conviction never happened. When your record is expunged, neither law enforcement nor the courts can see that you were once convicted and then later pardoned for a crime.

Why should I expunge my misdemeanor marijuana charges?

Expungement gives you a clean slate in a way that a pardon alone cannot.

First, it shows a clean record to the world. That means your background check comes back clean. A clean background check can increase your educational and housing opportunities.

Second, it can have multiple employment benefits. Some companies will not hire a person with a criminal conviction, even for a misdemeanor charge. Some jobs require a clean criminal record because they come with a security clearance or professional license, or because you would be required to carry a firearm.

Third, it could prove helpful should you find yourself in legal jeopardy in the future. In Maryland, some criminal charges come with additional fines or penalties during sentencing if you already have a conviction on your record. Because expungement clears your record, that is no longer a concern.

As an added bonus, an expungement can also:

• Offer you greater volunteer opportunities, if community service is important to you.
• Remove any barriers for traveling to other countries, which may not allow folks with criminal records to enter.
• Get you a better rate on your insurance.

Can a criminal defense lawyer help me expunge my misdemeanor marijuana charges in Maryland?

Absolutely! Carey Law Office has decades of experience helping folks clear their records to create a better future for themselves. And we will say – the sooner you talk to us, the better. Remember: there are more than 100,000 people who are about to get pardoned for more than 175,000 charges. To say that the courts will be backed up is an understatement. So, the sooner you speak with an expungement lawyer, the sooner our firm can get started on the process for you.

What information do you need to help me expunge my criminal record?

To get started, we need to know your:

• Full name, along with any aliases and/or the name you were using at the time of your arrest
• Home address
• Gender
• Birthdate
• Arrest date
• Case number and tracking number
• Arresting agency

What about any other criminal charges on my record?

Governor Moore’s pardon only covers the two misdemeanor marijuana charges, because marijuana is now legal for recreational use. If you have additional criminal convictions on your record, this pardon will not affect them.

But that does not mean you don’t have options. As your defense lawyer, attorney Joseph Carey can also help you seek a pardon for those other charges. If approved, he can help you through the process of expunging them from your record as well. If expungement is not possible, our office may be able to help you shield your record.

Carey Law Office is ready to help you take your next steps towards a brighter future. If you are affected by the Governor’s pardon, let us help you expunge your record. We maintain locations in Bowie and Dunkirk, and proudly serve all of Calvert County. Call us or fill out our contact form now to schedule a consultation with an expungement lawyer today.