For years, Virginia had some of the strictest record sealing laws in the country. Even if someone had turned their life around, built a career, and stayed out of trouble for years, an old criminal record could continue to appear in background checks and create barriers to employment, housing, education, and professional licensing.

That changes in 2026. Virginia’s new Clean Slate Act creates more opportunities for eligible individuals to have certain criminal records sealed, giving many people a chance to move forward without past mistakes following them forever. While not every record qualifies, the law represents one of the biggest changes to Virginia’s criminal justice system in recent years.

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What Changed Under Virginia’s New Clean Slate Act?

Before the Clean Slate Act, Virginia’s expungement laws were extremely limited. In most situations, people with criminal convictions had very few options to remove or hide those records from public view. Even decades after a case was resolved, a conviction could continue to affect nearly every aspect of someone’s life.

Beginning July 1, Virginia’s Clean Slate Act creates a much broader system for record sealing. Some eligible criminal records may be sealed automatically, while others require filing a petition with the court. This expanded process gives many Virginians an opportunity that simply did not exist under the previous law.

Does the Clean Slate Act Automatically Seal Every Criminal Record?

No. One of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the new law is that every criminal record will automatically disappear. While some records may qualify for automatic sealing, many others still require a formal petition, and not every offense is eligible under the statute.

Eligibility depends on several factors, including the type of offense, the outcome of the case, and other legal requirements established by the law. Determining whether your record qualifies is often more complicated than reading a list of eligible offenses online. A careful review of your criminal history is usually the best way to determine what options are available.

Who Qualifies to Petition for Record Sealing in Virginia?

The new law greatly expands the number of people who may qualify to ask the court to seal eligible criminal records. Even if your case does not qualify for automatic sealing, you may still have an opportunity to petition the court depending on your circumstances. That makes it worthwhile for many Virginians to revisit records they previously believed could never be sealed.

Every case is different, and small details can make a significant difference in eligibility. The type of conviction, the amount of time that has passed, and whether additional criminal offenses have occurred may all affect whether a petition can move forward. Because the law is new, many people may incorrectly assume they are either automatically eligible or automatically disqualified when neither is true.

Why Does Record Sealing Matter?

A criminal record can continue affecting your life long after you’ve completed your sentence. Employers, landlords, licensing boards, and schools often conduct background checks, and an old conviction may continue raising questions years after the case was resolved. Even when someone has worked hard to rebuild their life, a public criminal record can continue creating obstacles.

Record sealing may provide eligible individuals with an opportunity to reduce those barriers and move forward with greater confidence. While sealing a record does not erase history, it can significantly limit public access to eligible criminal records and open doors that may have previously remained closed.

Can You Seal an Old Conviction in Virginia?

This is one of the most common questions people ask after learning about the Clean Slate Act. The answer depends on the specific offense, your criminal history, and whether your case falls within the categories established by the new law. Since eligibility varies from case to case, there is no single answer that applies to everyone.

Rather than assuming an old conviction cannot be sealed, it may be worth taking a fresh look under the updated law. Many people who had no legal options in the past may now qualify for relief that simply was not available before July 1.

Need Help Determining if Your Criminal Record Can Be Sealed?

The Clean Slate Act has created new opportunities, but it has also created plenty of confusion. Figuring out whether your record qualifies for automatic sealing or requires a petition is not always straightforward, and filing the wrong paperwork or missing important requirements can delay the process. Inch Law can review your criminal history, determine whether you qualify under Virginia’s new law, and guide you through every step of the record sealing process.

At Inch Law, we know every case has a human story. A criminal record should not define the rest of your life if the law gives you an opportunity to move forward. Charlie Inch works directly with every client, providing honest guidance, clear communication, and personalized representation from beginning to end. If you’re wondering whether your criminal record can be sealed under Virginia’s Clean Slate Act, contact Inch Law for a free consultation and let’s discuss your options together.

Can You Seal a Criminal Record in Virginia? How the 2026 Clean Slate Law Expands Your Options