Written by our expungement lawyers in Manassas
There is some confusion about a new law that allows certain criminal convictions to be sealed from public view. Here is a quick overview to clear things up:
In 2021, Virginia enacted legislation that allows criminal convictions to be sealed from public view. It is important to note that this is different than expungement because expungement is only for non-convictions (acquittals and dismissed charges).
Although the legislation was passed in 2021, it will not be effective until July 1, 2026.
When that time comes, eligible Virginians with criminal convictions will finally be given a fresh start to pursue better employment, housing and educational opportunities.
According to our expungement lawyers in Manassas, the new Virginia record sealing laws are better than expungement in many ways in that they allow criminal convictions to be sealed.
Until this law was passed, Virginia criminal convictions stayed on your criminal record for life because convictions cannot be expunged.
Although many people refer to the new law as “Virginia’s new Expungement law,” that is misleading. It is more accurately called “new record sealing laws”.
Virginia’s record sealing law is a landmark piece of legislation that:
- Provides individuals with the opportunity to seal certain criminal convictions.
- Mitigates the long-term impact of past mistakes in life.
- Recognizes that individuals who have paid their debt to society should not be burdened forever by the lingering shadow of a criminal record.
- Moves toward a more rehabilitative criminal justice system.
- Provides the potential for growth and change in every individual.
If you are in need of an expungement lawyer who gets results, please contact us online or by calling 703-361-0076 to learn if your criminal conviction can be sealed.
Expungement lawyers in Manassas serving Prince William County, Fairfax County, Woodbridge, and all of Northern Virginia.
