There are two types of record clearing laws in Virginia:
Expungement and criminal record sealing (which will become effective in 2025). Expungement is available only for charges that are DISMISSED. Sealing will be available for some CONVICTIONS.

Many Virginians can take advantage of BOTH sealing and expungement. If you had convictions and dismissals (nolle prosse), then both can be cleared with different laws.

Contact Clean Slate Virginia to see how some charges can be expunged TODAY and other charges can be sealed in the future.

*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 January 1, 2026, during the 2025 legislative session.