Working With A Record
Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-1503 — no criminal record question before the first in-person interview
The timing. An employer may not, at any time before the first in-person interview, require an applicant to disclose whether the applicant has a criminal record or has had criminal accusations brought against them. It may ask during that first interview.
Exceptions. The rule does not stop an inquiry another federal or state law requires or expressly authorizes, does not apply to employers providing programs, services or direct care to minors or vulnerable adults, and does not preempt stricter local laws.
Federal rules on background check reports, and the jobs where a law requires a check, are set out elsewhere and are not on this page. Whether a particular employer followed the law is a question for the state's civil rights or labor agency, or a licensed Maryland attorney.
Sources for this section (2)
- Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-1503 — Criminal record inquiry before the first in-person interview
- Md. Code, Lab. & Empl. § 3-1502 — Criminal record screening; scope
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Maryland attorney.