After The Appeal
Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 7-103 — one petition for each trial or sentence, and not more than 10 years after the sentence
One petition, ten years. For each trial or sentence, a person may file only one petition for postconviction relief. Unless extraordinary cause is shown, it may not be filed more than 10 years after the sentence was imposed.
The grounds. A convicted person may begin a proceeding in the circuit court for the county of conviction claiming the sentence or judgment violated the federal or state constitution or laws, the court lacked jurisdiction, the sentence exceeds the legal maximum, or it is otherwise open to collateral attack.
Not already decided. The alleged error must not have been previously and finally litigated or waived, in the case or in any other proceeding for relief.
Federal habeas corpus has a deadline of its own, which runs separately and is not on this page. Whether a petition is timely, and which grounds can still be raised, are questions for a licensed Maryland attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 7-103 — Postconviction proceedings; number and timing of petitions
- Md. Code, Crim. Proc. § 7-102 — Postconviction proceedings; when a proceeding may begin
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.