About Virginia Expungement Laws

Clean Slate Virginia has the expertise and experience to guide you through Virginia’s expungement laws. Eligible charges that have been dismissed can be removed from your criminal record using Virginia’s current expungement provisions. Clean Slate Virginia has successfully expunged Virginia misdemeanors and felonies for over 20 years across the state of Virginia.

A criminal record doesn’t have to define your future…

Virginia will have two types of record clearing laws: expungement and sealing. Expungement is for charges that were acquitted or dismissed. Sealing is for convictions or charges that were deferred and dismissed.

Clean Slate Virginia is a law firm that focuses exclusively on clearing criminal records. Clean Slate Virginia uses new Virginia sealing laws and existing expungement laws to clear criminal records throughout the entire state of Virginia.

Do you have a criminal conviction? Learn about criminal record sealing here.

Which is right for you?

Sealing

Sealing is allowed if “a person has been convicted of or had a charge deferred and dismissed.”

Expungement

Expungement is allowed if you were “acquitted…a nolle prosequi was taken or the charge was otherwise dismissed.”

Due to the number of criminal convictions in Virginia, Sealing of convictions will be available for many more Virginians than expungements!

Could both expungement and sealing be right for you?

Yes. 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 which laws are right for you.

More about expungements

Virginia Code Section 19.2-392.2 allows criminal charges to be expunged if the defendant was acquitted (not guilty), a nolle prosequi was taken or were “otherwise” dismissed. Criminal charges that resulted in a conviction cannot be expunged under Virginia law.

Expungement in Virginia removes the charge from your criminal record and all court records. After a charge is expunged, your criminal record will not show that you were arrested or charged. The court records are also removed from the Virginia Case Information System so that the public can no longer see or access your criminal charge.

What is the expungement process?

An expungement in Virginia must be ordered by a Circuit Court judge from the jurisdiction where the defendant incurred the charge.

A petition (legal motion) must be filled in the Circuit Court.

The petitioner must have their fingerprints taken and provided to law enforcement.

The petition must be served on the Commonwealth Attorney.

Finally, the judge must find the existence of the charge results in “manifest injustice.”

If the judge finds “manifest injustice,” then the charge will be ordered to be expunged.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need an "expungement lawyer near me"?

Looking for an “expungement lawyer near me”? Clean Slate Virginia is here to help, no matter where you are in Virginia. Clean Slate Virginia focuses on expungement cases across all of Virginia, offering personalized legal services tailored to your needs. With decades of experience and a deep understanding of Virginia’s expungement laws, Clean Slate Virginia is ready to assist you in clearing your record, wherever you may be. Reach out today to get started—your clean slate is just a call away!

Who qualifies for expungement in Virginia?

In Virginia, any criminal charge may be eligible for expungement if it was properly dismissed. Whether the charge was dropped, resulted in a “not guilty” verdict, or was otherwise dismissed by the court, you may qualify to have it removed from your record. Expungement can help clear your name and open the door to new opportunities, ensuring your dismissed charges no longer appear in background checks. Clean Slate Virginia is here to guide you through this process and help you achieve the fresh start you deserve.

Can Convictions be expunged in Virginia?

In Virginia, convictions cannot be expunged under current law. However, the Virginia’s new record sealing laws under Virginia Code Sections 19.2-392.5 through 19.2-392.17, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, will provide an opportunity for certain convictions to be sealed. Record sealing differs from expungement in that it limits public access to your record but doesn’t completely erase it. This new law will allow individuals with qualifying convictions to move forward without the stigma of a publicly accessible criminal record. At Clean Slate Virginia, we’re here to guide you through the record sealing process and help you understand your options under this groundbreaking legislation. Contact us today to learn how we can help you reclaim your future.

How much does expungement cost in Virginia?

Starting January 1, 2026, filing fees will no longer be required for most expungement petitions under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2. Similarly, petitions to seal records under Virginia’s new criminal record sealing laws (§ 19.2-392.12) will also be exempt from filing fees.

How long does the expungement process take in Virginia?

The expungement process in Virginia typically takes many months to over a year, depending on various factors and the individual jurisdiction. After filing a petition in the appropriate circuit court, the individual may wait for a court date, which can vary based on the court’s schedule and workload. Additional steps, such as obtaining and submitting fingerprints to the Virginia State Police for a criminal history check, can also add time to the process. If the Commonwealth’s Attorney objects to the petition, the case may require a hearing, potentially extending the timeline. While some cases move relatively quickly, the complexity of the case, court calendar and procedures required by the Code of Virginia may cause delay.

Clean Slate Virginia is your expungement lawyer with experience

Clean Slate Virginia focuses on navigating Virginia’s expungement laws to help clients clear their records and move forward with confidence. Clean Slate Virginia provides a lawyer dedicated to assisting individuals throughout Virginia in removing eligible charges from their criminal record, whether they were dismissed, dropped, or resulted in a not-guilty verdict. With over 20 years of expertise in expungement law, Clean Slate Virginia is your trusted partner for a fresh start. If you’re searching for an “expungement lawyer” to guide you through this process, contact Clean Slate Virginia today to take the first step toward a clean slate.

Legal Experience in Expungement Law

Clean Slate Virginia brings over 20 years of experience as a lawyer in expungement law, led by Mr. Townsend, who has an extensive background as a lawyer handling expungements and criminal cases. He has successfully represented numerous clients in expungement matters throughout Virginia.

Expungement lawyer for all of Virginia

Clean Slate Virginia is equipped to handle expungement cases across the entire state of Virginia. With extensive knowledge of Virginia’s expungement laws and a proven track record of success, Clean Slate Virginia is well-versed in navigating the legal processes in courts throughout the Commonwealth. No matter where you are located in Virginia, Clean Slate Virginia is here to guide you every step of the way and ensure your rights are protected.

Don’t wait! Act now and be prepared for your future

Studies show that eligible people wait to have criminal convictions sealed until they are seeking employment or residence. It takes time to have your conviction sealed. Act now and be prepared for the future.