I have mixed feelings about my experience with this firm.
First, I want to give credit where it’s due. Mr. George Townsend himself has always been compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional whenever I spoke with him. He successfully handled my firearm rights restoration, and I genuinely appreciate the work he did on that matter.
Unfortunately, communication throughout both my firearm rights restoration and my record sealing matter was consistently lacking. I frequently had to reach out myself for status updates, and there were long periods with little or no communication.
The most concerning example occurred during my record sealing case. I contacted the office for a status update only to learn that the court had never processed the request for my records, despite the office believing everything had been delivered weeks earlier. I would have expected that issue to have been discovered through routine follow-up rather than because I asked for an update.
My greatest concern, however, was my experience communicating with the office staff, particularly Geri-Ann. I consistently felt that my concerns were dismissed rather than acknowledged. Her communication often came across as cold and lacking compassion. I understand that law offices are busy—especially with Virginia’s new Clean Slate law—but clients pursuing firearm rights restoration or record sealing are often dealing with stressful, deeply personal matters. A little empathy and proactive communication can make a tremendous difference.
I don’t expect instant results, and I understand that delays are sometimes unavoidable. What I do expect is reasonable communication and periodic updates without having to repeatedly ask for them.
If you don’t mind taking an active role in following up on your own case and requesting updates, this firm may still be a good fit. Mr. Townsend is knowledgeable, and my firearm rights restoration was ultimately successful. However, if timely communication and a responsive, compassionate office are important to you, I think that’s something prospective clients should consider before retaining the firm.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience and for acknowledging the successful restoration of your firearm rights. I am grateful that we were able to achieve that important result for you.
I am sorry that you did not receive the level of communication and reassurance you expected during your matters. Every client is extremely important to us and I agree that clients deserve to feel heard and kept informed, particularly when dealing with matters as personal and consequential as restoring their rights and sealing a criminal record.
I also want to clarify what occurred with the Hanover records request. Our records confirm that the Clerk’s Office received the mailing containing our payment and request for certified documents. We followed up with the clerk, but the request and payment apparently could not be located even though our mail service confirmed receipt. Unfortunately, our experience has been that some jurisdictions make obtaining older court records relatively straightforward, while others present significant and unexpected challenges.
Clean Slate Virginia is handling what we believe to be more record-sealing matters than any other law firm in Virginia. We have filed petitions throughout the Commonwealth and are already scheduling hearings in several jurisdictions. Although that volume and the differing procedures among courts have created challenges, they do not lessen our responsibility to communicate with our clients.
Every member of our staff is deeply valued, understands the life-changing importance of this work and is committed to helping people obtain the second chances they deserve. Our staff members have consistently received positive feedback from clients. I fact, this is the only critical comments we have received. We take your concerns seriously and will use them to improve our follow-up procedures and client communication.
Thank you again for trusting us with your firearm-rights restoration and for providing candid feedback about where we can do better.
