Prince George's expungement fair helps residents seal criminal records

At the Cheverly Community Center, Prince George’s County residents got help clearing a paper trail that can follow them into job searches, apartment applications and financial-aid forms. Interim State’s Attorney Tara H. Jackson partnered with the Town of Cheverly for the weekend expungement fair, giving people a place to have records reviewed and filings started in one stop.

The fair was held Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Cheverly Community Center, 6401 Forest Road in Cheverly. County event materials said a criminal record can limit access to benefits, employment, housing, citizenship, financial aid and other resources. Attendees were told to bring photo identification and any available court documents, and the event was limited to Prince George’s County residents with Maryland arrests and convictions only.

Maryland Courts says expungement removes information about a case from court and law-enforcement records. Eligibility depends on the case, including whether it ended favorably, involved a guilty disposition or falls under cannabis-related provisions. The state’s expungement brochure says the process takes about 90 days from the date of filing, though it can take longer, and Maryland Courts advises people to keep copies of all expungement documents and the order. The courts also post online guidance and forms for people trying to do the work without a lawyer.

Jackson leads an office of nearly 200 employees, but county materials did not put a number on how many Prince George’s residents may be eligible for relief. What is clear is that the county’s second-chance calendar is filling up: Council Member Wanika B. Fisher and Council Chair Krystal Oriadha held an expungement fair in Suitland on March 7, and Employ Prince George’s scheduled another expungement clinic and resource fair in Lanham for April 16. For residents trying to move from a record to a lease, a pay stub or a professional license, the county’s message is that a second look can still matter.