Skip to main content
Find a Lawyer

Maryland Code, Public Safety § 2-511

Current as of January 01, 2025 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(a)(1) Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, any DNA samples and records generated as part of a criminal investigation or prosecution shall be destroyed or expunged automatically from the State DNA database if:

(i) a criminal action begun against the individual relating to the crime does not result in a conviction of the individual;

(ii) the conviction is finally reversed or vacated and no new trial is permitted; or

(iii) the individual is granted an unconditional pardon.

(2) A DNA sample or DNA record may not be destroyed or expunged automatically from the State DNA database if the criminal action is put on the stet docket or the individual receives probation before judgment.

(b) If the DNA sample or DNA record was obtained or generated only in connection with a case in which eligibility for expungement has been established, the DNA sample shall be destroyed and the DNA record shall be expunged.

(c) Any DNA record expunged in accordance with this section shall be expunged from every database into which it has been entered, including local, State, and federal databases.

(d) An expungement or destruction of sample under this section shall occur within 60 days of an event listed in subsection (a) of this section.

(e) A letter documenting expungement of the DNA record and destruction of the DNA sample shall be sent by the Director to the defendant and the defendant's attorney at the address specified by the court in the order of expungement.

(f) A record or sample that qualifies for expungement or destruction under this section and is matched concurrent with or subsequent to the date of qualification for expungement:

(1) may not be utilized for a determination of probable cause regardless of whether it is expunged or destroyed timely; and

(2) is not admissible in any proceeding for any purpose.

(g) The Director shall adopt procedures to comply with this section.

Previous Part of Code Next Part of Code
Back to Chapter List

Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Maryland Code, Public Safety § 2-511 - last updated January 01, 2025 | https://codes.findlaw.com/md/public-safety/md-code-public-safety-sect-2-511/

FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.

Was this helpful?

Welcome to FindLaw's Cases & Codes

A free source of state and federal court opinions, state laws, and the United States Code. For more information about the legal concepts addressed by these cases and statutes, visit FindLaw’s Learn About the Law.

Go to Learn About the Law

Latest Blog Posts

For Legal Professionals

Learn About The Law

Get help with your legal needs

FindLaw’s Learn About the Law features thousands of informational articles to help you understand your options. And if you’re ready to hire an attorney, find one in your area who can help.

Go to Learn About the Law

Need to Find an Attorney?

Search our directory by legal issue

Enter information in one or both fields (Required)

Copied to clipboard