If you are trying to figure out how many times you can petition to seal your record in Virginia, the short answer is this: you may only have two record sealing petitions granted in your lifetime under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.12. This is a lifetime limit on granted petitions—not on how many charges you can include in a single petition.

The Exact Language from the Law

The controlling statute is Virginia Code § 19.2-392.12, which states: “A petitioner may only have two petitions granted pursuant to this section within his lifetime.” This single sentence creates one of the most important strategic considerations in Virginia’s new record sealing law.

What Does the “Two Petition Limit” Actually Mean?

The law does not limit the number of charges you can seal. Instead, it limits the number of successful petitions you can have granted over your lifetime. A petition is a filing with the court. A single petition can include multiple eligible charges or convictions. The limit applies only when a petition is granted by the court. The key takeaway is that you get two successful opportunities to seal records through the petition process.

How Many Charges Can Be Sealed in One Petition?

There is no fixed number of charges that can be included in a single petition, as long as the charges are eligible under the statute and are properly grouped. This means someone could potentially seal multiple convictions or charges at once using just one of their two lifetime petitions.

Why Strategy Matters

Because you only get two granted petitions, it is important to think carefully about when and how you file. Filing too early or splitting cases unnecessarily could result in using up one of your two lifetime petitions and losing the opportunity to include additional charges later. In many cases, it may make sense to wait and file a comprehensive petition that includes all eligible matters at once.

What About Automatically Sealed Records?

The two-petition limit only applies to petition-based record sealing. It does not apply to records that are sealed automatically under Virginia’s Clean Slate law. Certain misdemeanor convictions may be sealed automatically after a waiting period, and these automatic sealings do not count toward your two-petition limit.

Common Questions

How many times can you file to seal your record in Virginia? You can have two record sealing petitions granted in your lifetime under Virginia law. Does Virginia limit how many charges I can seal? No. Virginia limits the number of granted petitions, not the number of charges included in a petition. Can I include multiple charges in one petition? Yes. A single petition can include multiple eligible charges or convictions, depending on the circumstances. Do automatic sealings count toward the two-petition limit? No. The limit applies only to petition-based sealing, not automatic sealing.

Understanding Virginia’s Clean Slate Law

Virginia’s Clean Slate law expands the ability to clear criminal records by allowing certain convictions to be sealed. There are two main paths. Automatic sealing applies to a limited group of misdemeanor offenses and requires a waiting period, seven years, with no court filing required. Petition-based sealing is required for all other eligible convictions, must be filed in the circuit court, and is subject to the two-petition lifetime limit.

Final Thoughts

The two-petition rule makes it critical to approach record sealing with a clear plan. What you include and when you file can have long-term consequences for your ability to clear your record. If you are considering record sealing in Virginia, it is worth taking the time to do it correctly the first time.

Need Help with Record Sealing in Virginia?

At Clean Slate Virginia, we focus on helping individuals clear their criminal records under Virginia law. We can evaluate your eligibility, determine the best filing strategy, and ensure your petition is structured to maximize your relief. Contact Clean Slate Virginia today to get started and take the next step toward clearing your