Fairfax Record Sealing and Expungement (Fairfax County Circuit Court)

If you are searching for a Fairfax County expungement or record-sealing lawyer, you’ve come to the right place. At Clean Slate Virginia, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to live with a criminal record, and we are committed to helping you secure a fresh start.

This page explains expungement and record sealing in Fairfax County, what to expect at Fairfax County Circuit Court, and how we help clients clear eligible records under current Virginia law and the upcoming Clean Slate Law effective July 1, 2026.

Why choose a Fairfax expungement and record-sealing attorney

Fairfax County is one of the busiest and most complex court systems in Virginia. The expungement process has specific local procedures, and navigating the courthouse itself can be stressful if you do not know what to expect. Working with an experienced Fairfax lawyer matters because expungement and record sealing involve strict statutes, deadlines, filing requirements, service rules, and (often) the need to prove specific legal standards.

Under existing Virginia law, expungement has long been available for certain non-convictions, including cases that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in an acquittal. In qualifying cases, expungement can remove the record from public court records so you can move forward without the burden of a past arrest.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Virginia’s new Clean Slate law expands record-sealing options statewide, creating new opportunities to seal eligible convictions and protect your privacy. Fairfax County has not yet finalized its procedures for these new sealing petitions, but the process will likely mirror Fairfax’s existing expungement workflow, including the expectation of an affidavit to establish manifest injustice in cases where the law requires that showing.

Understanding expungement vs. record sealing in Fairfax County

Current expungement law in Virginia (non-convictions)

Under existing law, you may qualify for expungement if your charge was dismissed, you were found not guilty, your case was nolle prossed, you were the victim of identity theft, or certain juvenile matters were transferred or modified. These petitions are filed in the circuit court where the charge originated. For Fairfax matters, that means Fairfax County Circuit Court.

The upcoming Clean Slate law (effective July 1, 2026)

Virginia’s new law will allow the sealing of many convictions for the first time, including certain misdemeanors and some Class 5 and Class 6 felonies. While Fairfax has not yet announced a final “record sealing system,” the likely process will include:

A formal petition filed in Fairfax County Circuit Court
Service on the Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office
An affidavit demonstrating manifest injustice (likely required in Fairfax where applicable, consistent with expungement practice)
A hearing before a circuit court judge unless the Commonwealth consents or the court waives a hearing under the applicable statute

Clean Slate Virginia is already preparing clients ahead of the July 1, 2026 effective date so petitions can be filed efficiently once the law becomes available.

What to expect at Fairfax County Circuit Court

Fairfax County’s courthouse is large, busy, and heavily secured. Knowing the logistics can reduce stress and help you avoid day-of delays.

Plan extra time for parking and security

Parking is typically in the public parking garage used by everyone attending court. It can take extra time to navigate the deck, park, and walk to the courthouse entrance across the plaza. Security screening is also extensive, and it is common for the security line to take 15 minutes or more, especially in the morning. A safe rule is to arrive 30–40 minutes early for most morning court appearances.

Circuit court is on the upper levels

Fairfax Circuit Court courtrooms, clerk operations, and related offices are on the upper floors. Elevators can be congested on busy mornings, which adds more time between clearing security and reaching your courtroom.

Finding your case on the “boards” (the TV docket screens)

Fairfax uses electronic TV-style monitors on each floor, typically near elevator banks, to list the day’s docket information. These screens show names, case numbers, courtroom assignments, and hearing types. The listings rotate and can update throughout the morning, and courtroom assignments can change the day of court, so it is worth checking the screens more than once.

How Clean Slate Virginia handles Fairfax expungement and sealing cases

Clean Slate Virginia approaches each Fairfax matter with precision, care, and dedication, using a workflow built around Fairfax filing practices and courthouse realities.

1. Full eligibility review:
   We review your full criminal history and determine whether your case qualifies for expungement or may qualify for sealing under the Clean Slate law that takes effect July 1, 2026.
2. Accurate, complete petition drafting:
   Filing errors and missing documentation can delay cases. We prepare the petition, any required affidavits, proposed orders, and supporting documentation, including evidence relevant to a manifest injustice showing when applicable.
3. Court filing and service:
   We file in the correct circuit court and ensure proper service on the Fairfax Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
4. Hearing preparation (including Fairfax logistics):
   If a hearing is required, we make sure you are prepared for timing, parking, security delays, elevator congestion, and how to locate your case on the TV docket screens.
5. Courtroom advocacy:
   We represent you at the hearing and present the best legal and factual argument for expungement or sealing, including addressing the manifest injustice burden when required.

What expungement or sealing can do for you

Successfully expunging or sealing eligible records may remove eligible charges or convictions from public-facing records and many background checks so employers, landlords, and licensing agencies are less likely to see them.

Successfully expunging or sealing eligible records may improve opportunities for housing, employment, and education.

Successfully expunging or sealing eligible records may reduce stigma and protect privacy and provide peace of mind and a genuine fresh start

Preparing now for Fairfax County’s 2026 Clean Slate process

Even though Fairfax has not yet formally announced its record sealing procedures, it is reasonable to expect Fairfax’s existing expungement process to serve as the template. That means well-prepared petitions, complete documentation, and (where required) affidavits establishing manifest injustice will matter.

Clean Slate Virginia has already begun collaborating with stakeholders across Virginia and preparing case files for clients who want to be ready to move quickly when the law becomes effective on July 1, 2026.

Get started today!