On §2262 Statutory prerequisites for sealing criminal history record information, the Maine text is 15 M.R.S. § 2262. The statute says: “Except as provided in section 2262‑A , criminal history record information relating to a specific criminal conviction may be sealed under this chapter only if: PL 2023, c. 409, §1 (AMD).…”
Petitions the courts already decided
State of Maine v. Richard P. Knowles, 1977 Me. LEXIS 458 (1977) is worth reading in full. The opinion puts it this way: “The “expungement” statute, 16 M.R.S.A. § 600, provided for 9 nondisclosure of records in criminal proceedings following acquittal or dismissal of the charges in question.”
The petition and the sections next to it
On §710 Application to prior Maine criminal history record information, the Maine text is 16 M.R.S. § 710. The statute says: “The provisions of this chapter apply to criminal history record information in existence before July 29, 1976, including that which has been previously expunged under any other provision of Maine law, as well as to criminal history record information in existence on July 29, 1976 and thereafter. PL 2013, c. 267, Pt.”
When a different section applies
15 M.R.S. § 2262-A deals with §2262-A Special statutory prerequisites for sealing criminal history record information related to engaging in prostitution. The statute says: “The criminal conviction is an eligible criminal conviction; PL 2023, c.”
Filing order
- Open 15 M.R.S. § 2262 and read the part on §2262 Statutory prerequisites for sealing criminal history record information. Everything else in the filing has to fit that section.
- Ask the clerk which local form that Maine county uses, then check the form against 15 M.R.S. § 2262.
- Then read State of Maine v. Richard P. Knowles, 1977 Me. LEXIS 458 (1977). That is a Maine court already applying this kind of request.
Frequently asked questions
How do you expunge a criminal record in Maine?
Maine uses 15 M.R.S. § 2262 for §2262 Statutory prerequisites for sealing criminal history record information. The statute says: “Except as provided in section 2262‑A , criminal history record information relating to a specific criminal conviction may be sealed under this chapter only if: PL 2023, c. 409, §1 (AMD).…”
How have Maine courts ruled on expungement and sealing?
State of Maine v. Richard P. Knowles, 1977 Me. LEXIS 458 (1977) “The “expungement” statute, 16 M.R.S.A. § 600, provided for 9 nondisclosure of records in criminal proceedings following acquittal or dismissal of the charges in question.”
Nothing on this page is a prediction of how a Maine judge will rule. 15 M.R.S. § 2262 is the text the petition has to satisfy.