Virginia Clean Slate Law: Record Sealing in the Lynchburg Area
Do You Need Help Sealing Your Criminal Record?
Virginia’s Clean Slate law took effect on July 1, 2026, creating new opportunities for eligible criminal records to be sealed from public view. However, not every charge or conviction qualifies, and many records require a petition before they can be sealed.
Attorney Robert Yurkowski and Battlefield Law Group are helping people throughout the Lynchburg area including Bedford County, Campbell County, Amherst County, Appomattox County, and Nelson County, determine whether their records may be eligible.
What Does Record Sealing Mean?
Sealing a criminal record is different from expungement. A sealed record is not destroyed, but access to it is restricted so it generally no longer appears on most background checks used by employers, landlords, and others.
For many people, this may reduce obstacles when applying for employment, housing, professional licensing, education, or other opportunities. Certain government agencies and legal authorities may still access sealed records when permitted by Virginia law.
What Records May Be Eligible?
Virginia’s Clean Slate law does not apply to every criminal case, but certain misdemeanor and nonviolent offenses may qualify for sealing.
Potentially eligible convictions may include:
Certain drug offenses
Petit larceny
Shoplifting
Trespassing
Disorderly conduct
Certain marijuana-related offenses
Other qualifying misdemeanor convictions
Eligibility depends on the specific offense, how the case was resolved, how much time has passed, and the person’s criminal history.
Some records may qualify for automatic sealing after the applicable waiting period. Others require a petition to be filed with the court and approved by a judge.
Not Every Record Will Be Sealed Automatically
One of the most important things to understand about Virginia’s Clean Slate law is that many records will not be sealed automatically.
The petition process may involve reviewing the complete criminal history, confirming that the statutory requirements have been met, filing the appropriate documents, and appearing before a judge when necessary.
Lynchburg Record Sealing Attorney Robert Yurkowski
Robert Yurkowski is an experienced Lynchburg criminal defense attorney and former public defender. He understands the local courts and the lasting effect a criminal record can have on employment, housing, and future opportunities.
Rob and the Battlefield Law Group team can review your record, determine whether sealing or expungement may be available, prepare the necessary petition, and represent you in court when required.
If you need help sealing your criminal record, contact Battlefield Law Group to discuss your eligibility and the next steps under Virginia’s new Clean Slate law. From our Lynchburg-area office and our Manassas headquarters in Prince William County, we assist clients throughout the Lynchburg region and Northern Virginia.
