Virginia's new law, effective July 1, 2026, mandates the automatic sealing of certain criminal convictions, specifically misdemeanors from specified sections, after seven years if no new offenses occur. The law aims to enhance rehabilitation opportunities by removing past convictions from public records, with specific conditions and exceptions. Individuals can still seek sealing through the courts if they do not qualify for automatic sealing.
Certain misdemeanor convictions from specified sections, such as violations of §§ 18.2-96, 18.2-103, 18.2-119, 18.2-120, 18.2-134, 18.2-248.1, and 18.2-415, are automatically sealed after seven years if no new offenses occur.
The conviction must be from January 1, 1986, or later, and at least seven years must have passed without any new reportable offenses, excluding traffic infractions. The individual must not have been convicted of other ineligible offenses during that period.
Yes, individuals can seek sealing through the circuit court under sections 19.2-392.12 or 19.2-392.12:1 if they do not qualify for automatic sealing.
No, it specifically applies to certain misdemeanors listed in the law. Traffic infractions are excluded, and convictions for ineligible offenses are not automatically sealed.