Expungement in Arlington, VA
An Expungement and Record Sealing Lawyer Keeps Your Past From Hurting Your Future
Does your stomach sink each time you fill out an application because you know you must answer questions concerning criminal convictions? David Deane Law is here to help you lessen the negative repercussions of having a criminal record. David Deane is a dedicated advocate with the skills necessary to assist clients interested in building a future free from the stigma of committing a crime.
David Deane Law has helped hundreds of clients get criminal charges expunged or convictions sealed from their records. The firm thoroughly understands Virginia criminal laws and the inner workings of local, state, and federal area courts, including the record-sealing process created by Virginia’s Clean Slate Act. That knowledge of the criminal justice system works to your advantage. Trust David Deane Law to work for you diligently.
Expungement vs. Record Sealing: What's the Difference?
These two terms are often used interchangeably, but under Virginia law they are different remedies. Expungement removes records connected to charges that never resulted in a conviction — an arrest that was dismissed, a charge you were acquitted of, or a case where you were a juvenile. Record sealing, created and expanded by Virginia’s Clean Slate Act, applies to certain actual convictions and makes those records inaccessible to the public without erasing the fact that a conviction occurred. Which path applies to you depends on how your case was resolved and what you were convicted of, if anything.
What Does Expunging a Record Do?
A criminal charge is permanently erased when a record is expunged. If you were charged with a crime but the case was dismissed, or you were acquitted, the physical and electronic records of that charge can be destroyed. You are allowed to say you were not arrested, charged, or accused of committing a crime. That said, you should speak to a lawyer if your record was expunged and you are considering applying for a professional license or running for office, since some rules still require you to disclose such information.
Eligibility for Expungement
Certain circumstances must exist for your case to be considered for expungement. You may be able to have your record destroyed if:
- The charges against you have been dismissed
- You were found acquitted or found not guilty
- You were a juvenile at the time
Virginia law does not impose a waiting period for most expungement petitions of this kind, but the process still requires a formal petition to the court, so it is worth discussing your specific case and timeline with an attorney.
Record Sealing Under Virginia's Clean Slate Act
Virginia’s Clean Slate Act created a separate path to relief for people with actual convictions on their record, not just dismissed or acquitted charges. As of July 1, 2026, eligible individuals can petition the court to have qualifying conviction records sealed under §19.2-392.12. As of October 1, 2026, certain convictions are eligible for automatic sealing under §19.2-392.6, meaning the court seals the record without the person needing to file a petition at all.
As of October 1, 2026, Virginia’s Clean Slate Act automatically seals eligible convictions, including petit larceny, disorderly conduct, trespassing, and marijuana distribution offenses, among others. This expansion made well over 100,000 records across Virginia eligible for automatic sealing.
Not every conviction qualifies. DUI convictions and domestic assault convictions are permanently excluded from sealing under the Clean Slate Act and are not eligible under either the petition-based or automatic process, regardless of how much time has passed.
Because eligibility depends on the specific charge, the disposition, and the timing of your case, the most reliable way to find out where you stand is to have your record reviewed directly.
Expungement in Arlington
Frequently Asked Questions
Is expungement the same as record sealing in Virginia?
No. Expungement applies to charges that did not result in a conviction — dismissals, acquittals, and juvenile cases — and destroys the record. Record sealing, created by the Clean Slate Act, applies to certain actual convictions and makes the record inaccessible to the public rather than destroying it.
Can a DUI conviction be sealed or expunged in Virginia?
No. DUI convictions are permanently excluded from sealing under Virginia’s Clean Slate Act, and expungement does not apply to convictions in general — only to charges that were dismissed, resulted in acquittal, or occurred as a juvenile.
What convictions are eligible for automatic sealing as of October 1, 2026?
As of October 1, 2026, convictions including petit larceny, disorderly conduct, trespassing, and marijuana distribution are eligible for automatic sealing under Virginia’s Clean Slate Act, without requiring the individual to file a petition.
How do I find out if my record qualifies for sealing or expungement?
Eligibility depends on the specific charge, how the case was resolved, and when it occurred. The most reliable way to find out is to have an Arlington criminal defense lawyer review your record directly.
David Deane Attorney At Law
Pave the Way to a Brighter Future with an Expungement Lawyer
Do not let a lapse in judgment or a past charge have a negative impact on your future health and happiness. Whether your case may qualify for expungement or for sealing under Virginia’s Clean Slate Act, contact David Deane Law to discuss your options. Reach out to David Deane Law and schedule a free consultation with a seasoned criminal defense attorney.