Can a Grand Larceny Conviction Be Sealed in Virginia?

If you have a grand larceny conviction on your record, you may be wondering whether it can ever be sealed and what that means for your future. Beginning July 1st, 2026, grand larceny is one of the felony convictions that can be sealed under Virginia’s new Clean Slate Law, but it won’t happen automatically. You must first file a petition with the court, meet eligibility requirements, and prove to the court that continued public access to your record causes manifest injustice. Clean Slate Virginia is here to help you navigate this process so you can take hold of your future.

What is Grand Larceny Under Virginia Law?

Grand larceny is defined under Virginia Code § 18.2-95. Under that statute, a person commits grand larceny when they:

• Steal money or property worth $1,000 or more from another person;
• Steal money or other things of value worth $5 or more directly from the person of another (such as pickpocketing)
• Steal a firearm, regardless of its value.

Grand larceny is a felony offense in Virginia and is punishable by up to 20 years in a state correctional facility, or at the court’s discretion, up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.

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Virginia Code § 18.2-95 — Grand Larceny Defined

“Any person who (i) commits larceny from the person of another of money or other thing of value of $5 or more, (ii) commits simple larceny not from the person of another of goods and chattels of the value of $1,000 or more, or (iii) commits simple larceny not from the person of another of any firearm, regardless of the firearm’s value, shall be guilty of grand larceny…”

Source: law.lis.virginia.gov — Va. Code § 18.2-95

Is Grand Larceny Eligible to Be Sealed in Virginia?

Yes, under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.12, grand larceny convictions will be eligible to be sealed through the petition process. This is a significant change, as Virginia has not previously offered a path to seal felony convictions.

Important: Grand larceny will NOT be sealed automatically. If you do nothing, your record will remain public. 

What You Need To Know About the Record Sealing Process

You Must File a Petition with the Circuit Court

A petition is a legal document filed with the Circuit Court in the jurisdiction where you were convicted. The Commonwealth’s Attorney is made a party to the proceeding and has the opportunity to object. A judge will ultimately grant or deny the petition.

10-Year Waiting Period

Since grand larceny is a felony, you must wait 10 years before you are eligible to petition for sealing. That waiting period begins from the latest of the following:

• The date of your conviction
• The date you were released from incarceration
• The date of any conviction for a probation violation or the date the sentence was completed following such a conviction.

Important: During that 10-year period, you must have no new criminal convictions of any kind.

Only 2 Petitions Per Lifetime

Virginia law limits each person to a maximum of two petition-based sealings in their lifetime. Multiple charges sentenced on the same day may count as 1 sentencing event. Using a petition on the wrong charge or filing prematurely can permanently close the door to future relief, which is why working with an experienced attorney is extremely important.

You Must Prove “Manifest Injustice”

For felony petitions, the burden is on you, the petitioner, to demonstrate that allowing your record to remain public constitutes a manifest injustice. Courts look at the whole picture — including your rehabilitation, employment history, family situation, community ties, and how the record continues to cause harm to your life. Strong documentation and trusted legal council can make a real difference.

All Restitution Must Be Paid

Any restitution ordered by the court as part of your sentence must be paid in full before your petition can be granted.

Can Any Factors Disqualify Me From Having My Grand Larceny Conviction Sealed?

There are certain factors that can make you ineligible for record sealing, including:

• Any prior conviction for a Class 1 or Class 2 felony 
• Any Class 3 or Class 4 felony conviction within the past 20 years 
• Any felony conviction of any kind within the past 10 years
• The offense must have occurred on or after January 1st, 1986
• Convictions involving a family or household member as the complaining witness are not eligible.

Important: Grand larceny involving a firearm may be subject to additional scrutiny. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

What Happens When Your Petition Is Granted?

If a judge grants your petition, the impact on your life can be significant. Here are some of the things you can look forward to:

• Your conviction will no longer appear on most standard background checks used by employers and landlords.
• You may legally answer “no” to criminal record questions on most job applications.
• Your name and conviction will be removed from the court’s online docket system.
• You will not need to disclose the sealed conviction to most private landlords.
• Background check companies are prohibited from sharing sealed records.

Let’s Start The Process

Virginia’s Clean Slate Law takes effect July 1, 2026, but preparation starts now. Clean Slate Virginia is currently building petitions for eligible clients so they are ready to file on day one. 

Get started today for $99. Contact us for a confidential review of your record.