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Clean Slate Act Introduced in Maryland Automatically Expunges Records – JDP

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Clean Slate Act Introduced in Maryland Automatically Expunges Records – JDP


March 1, 2024

Maryland legislators have proposed a new bill called the Maryland Clean Slate Act of 2024, also known as HB0658 or SB0602. This bill would introduce a simplified expungement process for clearing criminal records. This new process seeks to establish an automated expungement process for eligible records. 

As such, it would eliminate the need for many to file a petition to expunge old criminal records. The State Judicial Proceedings Committee held a hearing for the Maryland Clean Slate Act. The CMTE received a referral about the Act for further discussion since its introduction in the state Senate.

The Maryland Clean Slate Act aims to expand eligibility for expungements. It applies to anyone “who has been charged with the commission of a crime.” Examples included “a violation of the Transportation Article for which a term of imprisonment may be imposed, or who has been charged with a civil offense or infraction, except a juvenile offense.” However, they must meet several conditions before filing a petition.

Acquitted individuals may file an expungement petition. Those with dismissed charges or past convictions may also file under several restrictions. Other expansions include crimes without violence, nolle prosequi, or nolle prosequis that require drug or alcohol treatment.

The Maryland Clean Slate Act also establishes a system for automatically expunging certain offenses. Eligible records include non-domestically related misdemeanors after seven or more years have elapsed since disposition. In addition, non-domestically related felonies for which 20 or more years have passed will also qualify. It would also expunge certain lesser offenses after only three years.

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The Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services would review criminal history records once a month. Afterward, the Department must notify the Administrative Office of the Courts and other relevant agencies of qualifying records. Eligible Prosecutors would have the opportunity within 30 days to object to an expungement.

The Chief Justice of The Supreme Court of Maryland or their Designee would then transmit a signed expungement order to all criminal justice units with criminal records related to the cases. The Maryland Clean Slate Act also addressed concerns about court fees, unpaid fines, or court-ordered restitution related to the cases. Such circumstances will not preclude the expungement of eligible charges.

The Department would also provide a means for those with expungements under this Act to check for expunged records. Furthermore, those with expunged records could acquire the information without a court order. If someone has a charge that is not Clean Slate eligible, they may still file a petition to have the charge expunged. Anyone ineligible for the Maryland Clean Slate Act can still file petitions to expunge charges.

Disclaimer:
Information provided here is for educational and informational purposes only and should not constitute as legal advice. We recommend you contact your own legal counsel for any questions regarding your specific practices and compliance with applicable laws.

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Maryland

Frigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland

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Frigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland




Frigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland – CBS Baltimore

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Frigid temperatures to start the week in Maryland

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4 takeaways from Michigan Basketball’s 101-83 win at Maryland

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4 takeaways from Michigan Basketball’s 101-83 win at Maryland


It wasn’t a 40-point win like the Michigan Wolverines have been used to, but they put together a strong second half to take down the Maryland Terrapins, 101-83, on the road Saturday night.

The Wolverines haven’t had a true road test in over a month, and it took 30 minutes to shake off the dust. While Maryland had a strong night from the three-point line to flirt with an upset, Michigan stuck to its game plan and went on a run in the final 10 minutes of the contest to win the game.

There is a lot to unpack, so here are four takeaways:

David “Diggi” Coit legacy first half

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The Terrapins gave Michigan its first deficit going into halftime this season, and it can be largely thanks to point guard David “Diggi” Coit. The Northern Illinois and Kansas transfer was on another level in the first half, scoring 22 points on 7-for-13 shooting, including six makes from three.

Coit wasn’t just sitting in the corner either. He was creating his own shot from everywhere on the hardwood, going up against Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau, Yaxel Lendeborg, and even hitting one in the face of Morez Johnson Jr., all of whom are taller than the graduate transfer.

He continued his hot streak to start the second half, but eventually cooled off and finished with 31 points. It was a remarkable showing, and it should be a good sign for the Terrapins going forward if he can produce every night like Saturday.

As for Michigan, it was a good test to face a player who could not miss for a half, and learn how to adjust at halftime to take away the threat. It will happen again, and as Dusty May always says, it is better for it to happen now than in March.

Michigan hasn’t played a close game since Nov. 14. Its reserve players have seen a ton of action, but it came at the expense of the Wolverines having to put games away at a consistent rate. While Maryland put the pressure on Michigan for 30 minutes, the final 10 are what gives May confidence in a potential national championship for this team.

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The Wolverines shot 8-for-10 from the field to balloon their lead from five to 15 in a matter of minutes. It was an uncomfortable, yet promising finish for the Wolverines.

When many top teams would start forcing shots, Michigan continue to attack the paint and get the ball in the hands of its go-to players, capitalizing on a Maryland cold streak to go from a deficit to a double-digit lead late in the game.

There are a lot of talented teams on Michigan’s schedule, and there will be a few more matchups with spunky teams like Maryland that will force the Wolverines to lock in. They passed this test and can rest easy as they face some lighter non-conference opponents before the New Year.

When Michigan has needed a spark since its tournament in Las Vegas, the Wolverines have turned to their top transfer portal get — Yaxel Lendeborg. He led Michigan scorers with 13 points in the first half, but coming out of halftime down seven points, he was on a whole other level. Lendeborg put the ball in his own hands with 20 minutes to go, scoring 10 straight points to start the second, bringing Michigan within one point.

As Maryland continued to keep pace, Lendeborg would not let up and put together seven more points to get to 29 points for the night and 16 for the half with 11 minutes still to go.

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When Maryland started double-teaming Lendeborg, he started spreading the wealth and giving his teammates open-opportunities. Elliot Cadeau knocked down a couple of shots, L.J. Cason made back-to-back threes and Mara was putting on a show with reverse dunks and alley-oops. Before long, Michigan held a 15-point lead.

While it was tough-sledding for most of the team in College Park, Michigan showed it only needed a couple of guys to be in rhythm to keep pace and even lead opponents who were having their best shooting night.

Michigan continued dominance in the paint

You can try to beat Michigan with the three-ball, but it is going to be very hard to claim ultimate victory if you can’t stop it in the paint. The Terps shot 55 percent from behind the arc in the first half and 48 percent in the second half, but Michigan didn’t mess around down low in the paint.

The Wolverines dominated Maryland, 20-10, in the paint in the first half, and put on an even stronger showing in the second with 24 points down low. It didn’t help that Maryland best front court player, Pharrel Payne, went down with a knee injury in the first half. As a result, Michigan quietly continued to grow its lead when the Terps’ threes stopped falling.

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Between Mara, Will Tschetter, Johnson and Lendeborg, the options are limitless for the Wolverines in the post.

After gritting it out to stay undefeated, Michigan heads back home and will get a week off before facing La Salle on Sunday, Dec. 21 (4 p.m., BTN).



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Maryland HOA holiday lights dispute highlights what homeowners can and can’t do

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Maryland HOA holiday lights dispute highlights what homeowners can and can’t do


A Maryland family’s ongoing battle with their homeowners’ association over a Christmas light display has reignited a broader conversation about how much control HOAs can legally exercise over holiday decorations.

7News has been following the case, in which the family continues to face fines from their HOA over their holiday lights.

To better under how homeowner associations operate and what options residents may have, 7News spoke with Alfredo Vásquez, a Washington, D.C.-based homeowner defense attorney.

RELATED COVERAGE | HOA vs. Christmas decorations: Maryland family facing hundreds in fines for lights

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Why HOAs often cite holiday decorations

According to Vásquez, disputes over holiday decorations are common, but they usually center on timing rather than style.

“It may vary by community or HOA,” Vásquez said. “The most common reason would be that residents put decorations up too early or take them down too late.”

He explained that most HOA governing documents regulate how long decorations can remain on display, outlining specific start and end dates of holiday decor.

Are there rules on lights, music, or colors?

While many homeowners wonder whether HOAs can ban flashing lights, colored bulbs, or loud holiday music, Vásquez said those restrictions are less common.

“I haven’t seen any restrictions that are specific in that way,” he said. “Most governing documents I’ve reviewed focus on whether lights or music interfere with a neighbor’s lot.”

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In other words, enforcement is often tied to nuisance complaints rather than aesthetics.

What if homeowners feel targeted?

Vásquez emphasized that HOA boards are legally required to enforce rules consistently.

“The Board of Directors has a duty to implement regulations in an equitable manner across the entire community,” he said.

If homeowners believe they are being unfairly singled out, the first step is reviewing the HOA’s governing documents to confirm whether the association actually has authority to regulate the issue at hand.

MORE COVERAGE | HOA still not specifying ‘nuisance’ in Germantown, Md. family’s Christmas decorations

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Can issues be resolved without going to court?

Yes, and in most cases, that’s the recommended path.

HOAs must follow state condo and HOA laws, which typically require formal processes for enforcement, including notices of violations and opportunities for hearings.

“It would be ideal for homeowners to act quickly and request a hearing with the board,” Vásquez said. “They should present their case and allow the board to decide whether the violation and fines can withstand scrutiny.”

Do homeowners have any recourse after signing HOA bylaws?

Once a homeowner buys into an HOA-regulated community, they are generally bound by its bylaws, Vásquez said.

“As long as those bylaws comply with federal and state laws, homeowners’ hands may be tied,” he explained.

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However, bylaws can be changed, usually through a supermajority vote of the community. Homeowners may also have stronger grounds to challenge newly adopted amendments, as long as they act promptly.

Vásquez added that staying engaged in HOA meetings and decisions is critical.

“Homeowners have to pay attention to what’s going on in their community so they can challenge changes in a timely manner,” he said.



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