Criminal Procedure - Expungement - Effect

HB 777 clarifies that individuals granted expungement under Maryland law are legally treated as if they were never arrested, cited, charged, or convicted for the underlying offense. This directly affects people who successfully obtain expungement for past criminal records. The bill adds a specific provision to Maryland's criminal procedure code stating that expungement erases the legal consequences of the offense for all purposes, including employment, housing, and licensing. It ensures that background checks and official records no longer reflect the expunged offense. The law takes effect October 1, 2025.