Maine Expungement & Record Sealing Guide

Who Qualifies for Expungement in Maine?

Maine has one of the most restrictive expungement laws in the country — adult criminal convictions generally cannot be expunged.

What Is Available

• Dismissed charges / acquittals: Records may be restricted from public access in some circumstances
• Juvenile records: May be sealed when the individual reaches adulthood
• Cannabis convictions: Maine passed a law allowing expungement of certain marijuana convictions that are no longer criminal under state law
• Pardoned offenses: A governor's pardon opens a path to expungement

Not Available

• Most adult misdemeanor and felony convictions — Maine does not have a general expungement statute for adult convictions

Alternative: Governor's Pardon

A governor's pardon is the primary route for clearing a conviction record in Maine. While pardons do not erase the record, they demonstrate rehabilitation and can restore some civil rights. After a pardon, expungement of the underlying record may be possible in limited cases.

Step-by-Step: How to Clear Your Record in Maine

For the limited cases where expungement is available:

1. Petition the court — In the court of record for the case.
2. For pardons: Apply to the Maine Board of Pardons (pardons.maine.gov).

Waiting Periods

Maine does not have standard waiting periods because general conviction expungement is not available. For cannabis conviction expungements, no waiting period is required — file immediately.

Costs

• Pardon application fee: None
• Attorney fees (pardon): $1,000–$3,000

Pine Tree Legal Assistance offers free help at ptla.org.

What Record Clearing Does (and Doesn't) Do in Maine

After a successful expungement or sealing in Maine, your record will generally be cleared from:

• Most private employer background checks
• Rental housing background checks
• Most licensing board inquiries (varies by profession)

However, it typically does not affect:

• Federal law enforcement and immigration records
• Military background checks
• Applications for law enforcement positions
• Some professional licensing boards (law, medicine, teaching — varies by state)
• Sex offender registry requirements (in most cases)

Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws change frequently. Consult a licensed attorney in Maine for advice specific to your situation.