If you are trying to figure out how many charges can be sealed in Virginia, the answer is this: you can include multiple charges or convictions in one petition—but only if they arose out of the same transaction or occurrence and are all eligible for sealing. If the charges come from different incidents, they generally must be filed in separate petitions.

The Exact Language from the Law

The controlling statute is Virginia Code § 19.2-392.12, which provides: “A petition may request the sealing of the criminal history record information and court records for multiple charges or convictions and ancillary matters as set forth in subsection A provided that all such charges and convictions arose out of the same transaction or occurrence and all such charges and convictions are eligible for sealing. A petition may not request the sealing of the criminal history record information and court records for multiple charges or convictions that arose out of different transactions or occurrences, except that ancillary matters shall not be treated as separate transactions or occurrences.”

What Does “Same Transaction or Occurrence” Mean?

This is the key limitation in determining how many charges you can include in a single petition. In practical terms, charges from the same incident (same date, same event, same set of facts) can usually be included together, while charges from separate incidents must be handled in separate petitions.

Can Multiple Convictions on the Same Day Be Sealed Together?

Not necessarily. The rule is not based on the court date—it is based on the underlying incident. Multiple convictions entered on the same day can be included in one petition only if they came from the same transaction or occurrence. If they came from different incidents, even if resolved on the same day, they must be filed separately.

What Are “Ancillary Matters”?

The statute makes an important exception for ancillary matters, which are not treated as separate transactions. These can include probation violations, show cause matters, and related procedural charges connected to the primary offense. These can be included in the same petition as long as they stem from the same underlying case.

Why This Matters for Strategy

This rule directly affects how you structure your petitions. Filing incorrectly can result in a petition being denied for including unrelated charges, wasting one of your limited opportunities to file a petition, and causing delays. It is important to carefully group charges by incident and confirm eligibility for each charge.

Common Questions

How many charges can be sealed in one petition in Virginia? You can include multiple charges in one petition if they arose from the same transaction or occurrence and are all eligible for sealing. Can multiple convictions from the same day be sealed together? Only if they came from the same incident. What happens if charges are from different incidents? They generally require separate petitions. What are ancillary matters in record sealing? They are related proceedings tied to the same case and can usually be included in the same petition.

How This Fits Into Virginia’s Clean Slate Law

Virginia’s Clean Slate law allows individuals to seal past convictions, but it includes procedural rules like this one. There are two main paths. Automatic sealing applies to certain misdemeanor convictions after a waiting period and does not require a petition. Petition-based sealing is required for many convictions and must follow rules such as the same transaction or occurrence requirement.

Final Thoughts

The number of charges you can seal in one petition depends on whether those charges are connected by the same incident. The law focuses on how the charges arose, not simply how many there are or when they were resolved.

Clean Slate Virginia is Here to Help

At Clean Slate Virginia, we help individuals navigate Virginia’s record sealing laws. We can review your charges, determine how they should be grouped, and help you build a strategy to clear your record.