Beginning July 1, 2026, Many Virginians May Be Eligible to Seal Their Criminal Records

For many individuals, a criminal record can continue to create obstacles long after they have paid their debt to society. A decades-old conviction can affect employment opportunities, housing applications, professional licensing, volunteer activities, educational opportunities, and even career advancement.

That is about to change for many Virginians.

Beginning July 1, 2026, Virginia’s long-awaited “Clean Slate” law will allow eligible individuals with certain misdemeanor and felony convictions to petition the court to have their criminal records sealed. According to estimates presented to the Virginia Crime Commission, more than 900,000 Virginians may qualify to seal certain misdemeanor convictions, and more than 100,000 Virginians may qualify to seal eligible felony convictions.

This landmark legislation recognizes an important reality: people can change, rebuild their lives, and deserve meaningful opportunities to move forward.

What Does Record Sealing Mean?

When a criminal record is sealed, it generally becomes unavailable to employers, landlords, and others conducting routine background checks. While the record still exists within the court system, it is no longer visible to the general public in most circumstances.

As a result, eligible individuals may have improved access to:

• Employment opportunities
• Housing and rental applications
• Professional licenses and certifications
• Security clearance opportunities
• Educational programs
• Volunteer and community service positions
• Civic and community engagement activities

Many individuals have discovered that a mistake made years or even decades ago continues to impact their lives. The Clean Slate law provides a pathway toward a fresh start.

Who May Qualify?

Eligibility depends upon several factors, including the type of offense and the amount of time that has passed without additional convictions.

Generally:

• Certain misdemeanors may be eligible after seven years without a new conviction.
• Certain felonies may be eligible after ten years without a new conviction.
• Individuals convicted of Class 1 or Class 2 felonies are generally not eligible
• Class 1, Class 2, Class 3, and Class 4 felonies are generally excluded from petition-based sealing, along with several other categories of offenses. Importantly, each case is unique and should be reviewed individually to determine eligibility.

Automatic Sealing for Certain Misdemeanors

Virginia also plans to implement automatic sealing for certain misdemeanor offenses beginning later this year.

Examples of offenses that may qualify for automatic sealing include:

• Petit larceny
• Shoplifting
• Trespassing
• Disorderly conduct
• Certain marijuana-related offenses

However, many people may not know whether they qualify for automatic sealing, whether they should file a petition sooner, or whether other convictions on their record require separate legal action.

Expungement vs. Record Sealing

Many people confuse expungement with record sealing, but they are different legal remedies.

Record Sealing generally hides an eligible conviction from public view and most background checks.

Expungement may provide a different form of relief for qualifying non-conviction records, depending on the facts and applicable Virginia law.

Individuals whose charges were dismissed, nolle prossed, resulted in acquittal, or otherwise qualify under Virginia law may be eligible for expungement even if they are not eligible for record sealing.

Determining which remedy is available requires a careful review of court records and criminal history.

Why Legal Guidance Matters

Although the Clean Slate law creates tremendous opportunities, navigating the process can be complicated. Questions often arise regarding:

• Whether a conviction qualifies
• Which court has jurisdiction
• What documentation is required
• Whether automatic sealing will apply
• Whether expungement is available instead
• How multiple convictions affect eligibility

An experienced attorney can help evaluate your criminal history, determine eligibility, prepare the necessary filings, and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Somireddy Law Group Can Help

If you have a past criminal conviction, dismissed charge, or arrest record that continues to affect your life, now may be the ideal time to explore your options.

At Somireddy Law Group, we assist clients throughout Virginia with:

• Criminal record sealing
• Expungements
• Restoration of rights
• Criminal defense matters
• Post-conviction relief

A past mistake should not define the rest of your future. The new Clean Slate law may provide the opportunity you have been waiting for.

Schedule a Consultation Today

Contact Somireddy Law Group to review your record and determine whether you may qualify for record sealing or expungement under Virginia law.

Somireddy Law Group PLLC
Serving clients throughout Virginia
Phone: (703) 844-3619
Website: www.somireddylaw.com

Your future matters. Let us help you move forward.