Mid-Shore Pro Bono receives grant funding for cannabis expungement

EASTON, Md. – Mid-Shore Pro Bono is using grant funding to offer free legal services to expunge cannabis-related offenses from an individual’s record. This comes as adult use recreational marijuana legislation goes into effect in Maryland on July 1st.

Executive Director Meredith Girard says those records can negatively impact one’s ability to access things like housing and employment. She also tells 47ABC individuals with low income and communities of color have been disproportionately impacted.

This funding will allow the legal service to hold clinics across the Eastern Shore to reach even more who are qualified for expungement. “Our attorneys review all the records, and they will help clients understand what records can be expunged. They help fill out the petitions and file them on the client’s behalf and then they get processed by the court,” Girard said.

“We’re really excited we’re able to provide free services so folks can get these records out of their lives and move on to bigger and better things.”

Mid-Shore Pro Bono’s expungement clinics will kick off May 1st at the Talbot County Free Library.

Appointments are required and you can make one by calling (410)-690-8128. You can also fill out the online intake form here

To qualify, a household income must fall within 50% of Maryland’s median income.

Mid-Shore Pro Bono is one of eight legal services providers across the state to receive part of a $2.5 million grant from Maryland Legal Services Corporation.