Virginia Clean Slate Law Details

Virginia passed a Clean Slate law in 2021. Records eligible for automatic sealing include most misdemeanor non-conviction records (excluding traffic infractions). In addition, conviction records for certain misdemeanors, including underage possession of alcohol, petit larceny, trespassing, disorderly conduct, and possession of marijuana (including intent to distribute), are eligible for automatic sealing after 7 years since the conviction. Automatic sealing does not apply if another ineligible offense was part of the same case. 

In Virginia, sealing a record means that it will no longer show up on background checks for most jobs and occupational licenses, and you can answer most questions about your criminal record as if it never occurred.