DENIED HOUSING IN BALTIMORE CITY DUE TO YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD?

POLICY IN OTHER

NOT SURE WHAT IS ON YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD? GET A COPY

You can get a copy of your official Maryland state record through the Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS).
Go to the Department of Public Safety:

MARYLAND COUNTIES The Housing Authority of each county will have its own policy on the use of the criminal records. The policy must be in writing. ASK FOR A COPY!

DENIED HOUSING IN BALTIMORE CITY DUE TO YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD?

Department of Public Safety Reisterstown Road Plaza 6776 Reisterstown Road, Suite 102 1-888-879-0111 410-764-4501

If you need help with a Housing Case, Contact: 410-685-6589 or 1-800-773-4340

This brochure is for informational purposes only and does not act as legal advice. This information is not a substitute for a careful review of your individual situation with an attorney. July 2009

Cost of record $18 Cost of fingerprinting $20

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc. 201 North Charles St Suite 1104 Baltimore, MD 21201 1-800-773-4340 or 410-685-6589 www.hprplaw.org

Homeless Persons Representation Project, Inc. 201 North Charles St Suite 1104 Baltimore, MD 21201 1-800-773-4340 or 410-685-6589 www.hprplaw.org

DENIED HOUSING IN BALTIMORE CITY DUE TO YOUR CRIMINAL RECORD?

HABC POLICY ON CRIMINAL ACTIVITY In 2003, the Housing authority of Baltimore City (HABC) changed its policy regarding admissions for people with past criminal records. This policy applies to Public Housing and Section 8 vouchers. Non-Convictions will no longer be used to deny your application for Public Housing or Section 8 Vouchers. Non-Convictions include: Judgment of Acquittal (JA) Not Gulity (NG) Dismissal (DISM) Nolle Prosequi (Nol Pros) Stet Probation Before Judgment CONVICTIONS (GUILTY FINDINGS) WILL BE REVIEWED AS FOLLOWS: Felony convictions will make you ineligible for 3 years for Public Housing or Section 8 Voucher. Misdemeanors convictions will make you ineligible for 18 months for Public Housing or Section 8 voucher. The ineligibility period for both felonies and misdemeanors begins running from the date of conviction or release from incarceration, whichever is later. (PBJ) Some convictions may not cause your application to be denied. Some non-violent, non-drug related convictions will not be held against you (i.e., Theft under $500, Failing to pay for bus/light rail, Open Container) IF you application is denied due to a conviction, it will not be withdrawn. You will remain on the HABC waiting list until the 3 years or 18 months ineligibility period expires. You do not need to reapply. 1. Convictions for manufacturing or producing methamphetamine (meth) on the premises of federally assisted housing. 2. Conviction for a crime that subjects you to a lifetime registration requirement under a state sex offender registration program. If you were denied housing by HABC because of criminal record, they must give you a copy of your criminal record. CERTAIN CONVICTIONS WILL RESULT IN PERMANENT, LIFETIME DENIAL FROM HABC HOUSING. THESE INCLUDE:

HOMELESS PERSONS REPRESENTATION PROJECT