Virginia Record Seal — Clear Your Virginia Criminal Record

Virginia has a new law. It can clear your old record.

The law started July 1, 2026. It lets many people ask a court to seal an old conviction. Some cases seal on their own — no lawyer needed. We'll give you an honest answer, free, in about 5 minutes.

Check Your Eligibility →

Who this is for

✓ A misdemeanor conviction
✓ A Class 5 or Class 6 felony conviction
✓ A theft charge under Va. Code § 18.2-95
✓ The offense happened on or after January 1, 1986
✓ Enough time has passed (7 years for misdemeanors, 10 years for felonies)
✓ You have filed 2 or fewer sealing petitions before
→ Case dismissed or found not guilty? That's expungement — a different (often faster) process. We'll tell you which one applies.
→ Old traffic tickets? Those seal automatically after 11 years — no attorney needed.

What it costs

$ $1,500 flat fee. No hourly billing.
✓ Covers writing and filing your petition
✓ Covers the required notice to the Commonwealth's Attorney
✕ Not included: getting your own criminal history record
! The Commonwealth's Attorney can object to your case. If they do, the court will very likely hold a hearing. That's their call and the court's call, not ours — we can't stop it. If a hearing happens, you must attend, or your petition will be dismissed. So the cost of an attorney appearing with you is required too, not optional, if you want your case to move forward. We give you that cost as soon as we know a hearing is needed.
! All fees are non-refundable once we file your petition with the court.

Ready to find out where you stand?

Takes about 5 minutes. Free. No obligation.

Check Your Eligibility →

Can't afford an attorney?

Free resources are available. Here's where to start.

📞 Virginia Lawyer Referral Service (VLRS): Call (800) 552-7977 for a free 30-minute consult. The normal $35 referral fee is waived for sealing cases through June 30, 2027.
💻 Virginia Free Legal Answers: Free online Q&A for income-eligible people — virginia.freelegalanswers.org
📞 Legal Aid (low-income): Statewide line — (866) 534-5243
📄 Free do-it-yourself guides (English & Spanish): vadefenders.org/sealing-expungement

Are you an attorney?

Do you have a client who might qualify? You can send them our way.

Refer a client →

It's just a professional courtesy. We don't split fees.

About

Attorney Wren M. Williams runs this service. He works at Schneider & Williams, P.C. in Stuart, Virginia.

A real attorney reviews every case personally. This is not a do-it-yourself form service.