The 2026 Second Chance Index
How Maryland ranks for second chances
Maryland ranks 2nd of 51 (tied) in the 2026 Second Chance Index, scoring 82.5 out of 100 for clearing a record, voting rights and where its felony line falls. That's 21 points above the median state (61.5). It shares the rank with Connecticut, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Utah.
Built from Maryland's record-clearing, voting and felony-class records, last checked October 30, 2026. General information, not legal advice.
82.5 out of 100
- Clearing a record
- 43.5 / 50
- Voting rights
- 22 / 30
- Where the felony line falls
- 17 / 20
Every point Maryland earned and missed
Each line is a field we publish about Maryland, checked against state law and official guidance. The points are the index's; the method lists every one.
Clearing a record
43.5 of 50 points| What we score | Maryland | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Some records clear automatically | Limited automatic clearing | 10/15 |
| A general route to clear a felony | Yes | 12/12 |
| A general route to clear a misdemeanor | Yes | 8/8 |
| A way to clear a case with no conviction | Yes | 8/8 |
| A fee waiver on at least one route | Yes | 4/4 |
| A DUI conviction can be cleared | In some cases | 1.5/3 |
Voting rights
22 of 30 points| What we score | Maryland | Points |
|---|---|---|
| When the vote comes back after a felony | After prison | 22/30 |
Where the felony line falls
17 of 20 points| What we score | Maryland | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Theft becomes a felony at | $1,500 | 7/10 |
| Repeat DUI becomes a felony | No repeat-offense felony | 10/10 |
Where the 17.5 missing points are
- 8When the vote comes back after a felony: After prison
- 5Some records clear automatically: Limited automatic clearing
- 3Theft becomes a felony at: $1,500
- 1.5A DUI conviction can be cleared: In some cases
The index scores what state law says, not how courts apply it. A lower score doesn't mean Maryland offers no relief; its pages list every route.
States ranked near Maryland
- #1Colorado84.5
- #2Connecticut82.5
- #2Maryland82.5
- #2Minnesota82.5
- #2Pennsylvania82.5
Cite this page
Second Chance Index, "How Maryland ranks for second chances" https://secondchanceindex.com/state-rankings/maryland, checked October 30, 2026.