Virginia Expungement and Record Sealing Lawyer
Beginning July 1, 2026, Virginia dramatically expanded who may be eligible to have criminal records sealed.
For decades, Virginia generally allowed expungement only for people who had not been convicted. Today, many misdemeanor convictions, dismissed charges, deferred dismissals, and certain felony convictions may now qualify for either automatic sealing or sealing by petition, depending upon the circumstances. The law also created procedures for automatic sealing of many records without requiring individuals to file anything at all.
If your criminal record is preventing you from obtaining employment, housing, professional licensing, or educational opportunities, it may now be possible to reduce or eliminate the public visibility of that record.
The Law Office of Stan M. Doerrer assists clients throughout Virginia in determining eligibility for record sealing and representing them in court when a petition is required.
Why Record Sealing Matters
Even years after a criminal case ends, a criminal record can continue to affect:
- Employment opportunities
- Professional licensing
- Housing applications
- Security clearances
- Educational admissions
- Volunteer opportunities
- Personal reputation
Virginia’s new sealing laws recognize that many people who have moved forward with their lives should not continue to face lifelong barriers because of old criminal cases.
Which Cases May Qualify?
Every case is different.
Potentially eligible matters include:
Deferred Dismissals
Many dismissed criminal charges may now qualify.
Examples include:
- Dismissals
- Nolle prosequi
- Not guilty findings
- Acquittals
Certain dismissed misdemeanor charges are now automatically sealed, while others may require additional procedures.
Deferred Dispositions
Some deferred disposition cases may qualify for petition-based sealing.
The answer depends upon:
- the statute involved
- how the case concluded
- criminal history
- waiting periods
Misdemeanor Convictions
Virginia now allows automatic sealing of certain misdemeanor convictions, including specified offenses such as petit larceny, shoplifting, certain trespass offenses, disorderly conduct, and certain marijuana-related offenses, subject to statutory conditions and waiting periods. Other misdemeanor convictions may require a petition or may not qualify.
Felony Convictions
Some felony convictions may now be eligible through the petition process.
However, many serious offenses remain permanently ineligible, including numerous violent offenses, serious felony classifications, many sex offenses, and other categories specified by statute.
Click the Image Below to Visit RecordClearVirginia.com or Reach Out to See if You May Be Eligible
