Virginia's law on expungement of police and court records, effective July 1, 2026, outlines procedures for court-ordered record expungement, including notification to the Department of State Police and record validation. It specifies conditions under which expungement orders can be challenged or deemed void and details confidentiality and dissemination rules for expunged records. The law aims to regulate the process and privacy of expunged criminal records in Virginia.
The law becomes effective on July 1, 2026, establishing new procedures for record expungement in Virginia.
The court clerk forwards the order to the Department of State Police, which then manages the removal of records according to regulations, while maintaining confidentiality.
Yes, if procedures are not strictly followed or if the order is contrary to law, it can be voided upon motion within three years.
No, expunged records are sealed and can only be disseminated for specific purposes under regulated procedures.