Lynchburg Expungement and Record Sealing Attorney
Virginia’s New Clean Slate Law: What It Could Mean for Your Record
Starting July 1, 2026, Virginia’s new Clean Slate law gives many people the opportunity to seal eligible criminal records, marking one of the biggest changes to Virginia criminal record law in years. However, not every conviction qualifies, and many cases require a petition before they can be sealed.
If you live in Lynchburg, Bedford County, Campbell County, Amherst County, Appomattox County, or surrounding communities, Battlefield Law Group can help you understand what the new law may mean for your record and what steps may be required.
Expungement vs. Record Sealing in Virginia
Many people use the word “expungement” when they want to clear an old criminal record, but expungement and record sealing are not always the same thing under Virginia law.
Virginia expungement is addressed under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2 and has traditionally applied to certain cases that did not result in a conviction, including charges that were dismissed, nolle prossed, or resulted in a not guilty finding. In limited cases, expungement may also be available after an absolute pardon.
Record sealing is addressed under Virginia’s Clean Slate framework, beginning at Virginia Code § 19.2-392.5 et seq. Under the new law, certain eligible records may be sealed from public access, including some cases involving convictions. Sealing does not erase the record completely, but it can limit what appears on many ordinary background checks.
The right path depends on how your case ended, the type of charge, your prior record, and whether the required waiting period has passed. Battlefield Law Group can review your record and determine whether your case may qualify for expungement, record sealing, or another form of relief under Virginia law. Whether your matter requires an expungement petition or a Clean Slate sealing petition, our attorneys are prepared to guide you through the process.
How Record Sealing Can Affect Opportunities in Lynchburg
Sealing a record does not erase it, but it can limit what appears on many ordinary background checks used by employers, landlords, schools, licensing boards, and others reviewing your history. For people in Lynchburg and the surrounding area, that can mean fewer barriers when applying for jobs, housing, professional licensing, education, and other opportunities.
A sealed record is not hidden from everyone. Certain government agencies, courts, law enforcement, and other entities permitted under Virginia law may still be able to access sealed records when required.
What Types of Charges May Be Eligible for Record Sealing in Virginia?
Virginia’s Clean Slate law does not apply to every case, but it creates new record-sealing opportunities for many misdemeanor and non-violent offenses.
Depending on the facts of the case, some convictions that may qualify include:
Certain drug convictions
Shoplifting
Trespassing
Disorderly conduct
Certain marijuana-related offenses
Other qualifying misdemeanor convictions
Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.6 and related sections of the Clean Slate framework, eligibility depends on the offense, how the case was resolved, whether the conviction is specifically listed as eligible, whether the required waiting period has passed, and whether there have been any new convictions.
For certain misdemeanor convictions, the waiting period is generally seven years from the date of conviction. Once the eligibility requirements and waiting period are satisfied, the record may move forward through either automatic sealing or a petition-based court process, depending on the offense.
Not Every Record Is Automatically Sealed
One of the biggest misunderstandings about Virginia’s Clean Slate law is that every eligible record will be sealed automatically. Many convictions require a petition filed with the court, an eligibility review, and approval from a judge.
A petition may be especially important when a person has:
Multiple charges or older records
Prior convictions
Records from different courts
A case that requires judge approval before sealing
The law creates real opportunities, but the right path depends on the details of the record and the filing requirements.
Lynchburg Clean Slate Guidance From Experienced Defense Attorneys
Battlefield Law Group assists clients throughout Lynchburg, Bedford County, Campbell County, Amherst County, Appomattox County, and surrounding communities with expungement, record sealing, and Clean Slate eligibility.
Our attorneys can review your record, determine whether your case may qualify, prepare and file the necessary petitions, and represent you in court when needed. Attorney Robert W. Yurkowski brings local defense experience to clients in the Lynchburg area, backed by a larger criminal defense team with decades of experience handling Virginia criminal charges.
As Virginia rolls out the new Clean Slate law, we are here to help clients understand their options and take the next step with confidence.