Notice!

Virginia just made history! For the first time ever, Virginia’s new Clean Slate Law allows certain criminal convictions to be sealed from public view. Once sealed, convictions won’t appear on most background checks—giving you a real chance at better jobs, housing, and a fresh start. Virginia’s Clean Slate Law takes effect July 1, 2026. Don’t miss your opportunity to leave the past behind!

Learn About New Laws

What happens when your Virginia criminal conviction is sealed?

Last updated: December 29th, 2023

Virginia Code § 19.2-392.15 says that when a criminal conviction is sealed, most employers cannot ask about a sealed conviction and the applicant can deny the arrest and conviction. This puts applicants with sealed convictions on equal footing when applying for new jobs.

Virginia Code Section § 19.2-392.15 also says that when a criminal conviction is sealed, landlords cannot ask about a sealed conviction and the applicant can deny the arrest and conviction.

Sealed convictions are removed from the Virginia online docketing system which removes the public stigma of criminal convictions.

With over 1.6 million Virginians that have at least one criminal conviction, sealing will be a potentially life changing opportunity for thousands of those who take advantage of this opportunity!

Contact Clean Slate Virginia today to get started.

*This article has been updated to reflect Virginia legislative changes during the 2025 session. When Virginia's Clean Slate Law was originally passed in 2021 the effective date was scheduled for July 1, 2025. The Virginia legislature extended the effective date to July 1, 2026, during the 2025 legislative session.

 

Sign up for updates from Clean Slate Virginia

Get updates and information from Clean Slate Virginia regarding Clean Slate laws in Virginia.

Clean Slate Virginia logo

Clean Slate Virginia, PLLC
14321 Winter Breeze Drive, Suite 134
Midlothian, VA 23113

(804) 248-0400