Virginia Beach Record Sealing Attorney
Want to Seal Your Criminal Record in Virginia?
Virginia's criminal record sealing law took effect on July 1, 2026. For many people across the commonwealth, it is the first time that they can put parts of their criminal record behind them. With record sealing, Virginia law allows certain convictions and dismissals to be sealed from public view, giving people a real path forward after a past charge or conviction that has continued to affect their lives.
If you have questions about whether your criminal record qualifies for sealing under Virginia’s newly updated law, our team from The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller is here to help. We have been handling criminal defense cases and administrative processes for years, including expungement cases, which is similar yet distinct from record sealing. Trust us to help you discover what your future can look like with a sealed record by reaching out now.
Call The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller in Virginia Beach at (757) 267-4949 to discuss your record sealing options under Virginia’s updated record sealing rules.
What is Record Sealing in Virginia?
Sealing a criminal record means that the record is restricted from public access. A sealed record held by the Central Criminal Records Exchange, any Virginia court, any law enforcement agency, or the DMV can no longer be shared publicly for most purposes. Background check companies are also prohibited from sharing sealed records, which can make a meaningful difference when you are applying for a job, housing, or other opportunities where a background check would otherwise surface your record.
It is important to understand that sealing does not destroy or eliminate the record. Government agencies may still retain and share sealed records with other agencies for required functions. Record sealing in Virginia is also distinct from expungement, which applies only to non-convictions. Sealing applies to a broader range of charges and convictions under the new law.
Virginia's New Record Sealing Law
Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.5 et seq., Virginia has established two primary processes for sealing criminal records: automatic sealing and petition sealing. Which process applies to your situation depends on the nature of your offense and your criminal history. Our team would be happy to help you figure out which options are available to you.
Automatic Sealing: No Petition Required
For certain offenses, the government initiates the sealing process without any action required from you.
Offenses eligible for automatic sealing include:
- Specific misdemeanor convictions, including petit larceny, shoplifting, trespassing, distribution of marijuana, and disorderly conduct, after a 7-year clean record period.
- All criminal and civil charges and convictions for marijuana possession under the former statute, regardless of when the case was finalized.
- Misdemeanor and felony non-convictions, such as acquittals and dismissals with prejudice, at the conclusion of a case.
- Previously concluded misdemeanor non-convictions, including acquittals, nolle prosequi dispositions, and dismissals, subject to eligibility requirements.
- Traffic infractions after 11 years from the date of final disposition.
Even when a record is eligible for automatic sealing, errors in reporting or fingerprinting can prevent it from being processed correctly. If you believe your record should have been automatically sealed but has not been, petition sealing may still be available to you, so call (757) 267-4949 to discuss the situation with our Virginia record sealing attorney.
What Record Sealing Does & Does Not Do
Sealing restricts public access and prohibits background check companies from disclosing your record, but it does not restore your civil rights or your right to possess a firearm. Fines, court costs, and restitution related to a sealed offense still must be paid. Sealed offenses may also still be considered in future criminal proceedings and can be viewed by government agencies, such as the the Commonwealth's Attorney's Office.
Offenses That Cannot Be Sealed
Certain offenses are not eligible for petition sealing, including:
- Class 1, 2, 3, and 4 felonies
- Sex crimes
- Violent felonies
- Felonies involving the use of a firearm
- Hate crimes
- Protective order violations
- Crimes against family or household members, among others
If you are unsure whether your offense qualifies, we can assess your record and give you a clear answer. Even if record sealing isn’t available to you, there may be other remedies available that we can explore with you.
Get Record Sealing Help Today
Whether your case involves a misdemeanor conviction, a deferred dismissal, or a qualifying felony, our team from The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller can lend a professional hand. Let us evaluate your record, identify what can be sealed, and represent you through every step of the process if you decide to pursue record sealing to achieve a future with less stress about your criminal history and how it might follow you around. Remember: There is a two-petition lifetime limit under Virginia’s new record sealing statute, so you should only begin this process with an experienced law firm like ours leading the way.
If you are ready to take the next step toward sealing your Virginia criminal record, call The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller at (757) 267-4949 or contact us online to schedule your consultation.
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Read Our Client Testimonials
At The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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I hired Mr. Miller initially for a bond hearing . I decided to retain his services for the case itself . I was facing two felony charges as well as a failure to appear charge . While there were witnesses that were able to identify me, I walked out of Virginia Beach Courthouse with only a misdemeanor thanks to Mr. Miller's representation . I work in the healthcare profession and expressed to Mr. Miller the importance of avoiding a felony charge and he made it happen. I am forever grateful and will highly recommend him . Mr. Miller will always represent myself as well as family members if need be in the future . Again thank you Mr. Miller for using your knowledge to keep me from being a convicted felon and also saving my career.- C. Dickens
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Mr Miller you're the man I appreciate advising me what to get for my case and getting my reckless driving ticket reduced. Would highly recommend you to anyone if asked for help.- J. J
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Mr. Miller and his team are a class act and helped me get out of situation I should of never been in. Mr. Miller is down to earth and listens to what you have to say. His team was very helpful with emailing me all the information I needed and keeping me up- M. Wilder
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I had to use their services three times in the past 20 years. I was completely satisfied with each time I was represented. They were professional and their communication with me was nothing less then stella. Their results was worth the price.- K. Young
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Mr. Miller is an OG he's definitely earned my respect, if I ever need an attorney again he'll be my first call.- A. Miller
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Great service excellent information, affordable price and kind staff who do their best to help you understand your situation- M. Bags
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Thank you so much for representing my son. I appreciate how calm and reassuring Mr. Miller was. Although I was nervous about everything he always remained calm, and gave me the facts as he seen them. In a situation like that I feel that is the type of Lawyer you want in your defense. Thanks so much again- C. Harris
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Very professional representation, Mr. Blair was very knowledgeable, prepared and friendly. On the off chance I ever need representation again, I will call this office.- Bob A
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it’s a crazy experience having a lawyer but he looked out and made my case easier W firm for making sure i knew everything and W lawyer for making sure i took care of what made the case go smoothly- A. Britton
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Thank you so much Mr Miller, I appreciate everything you done for me. Your staff is excellent and the communication your staff provide is extraordinary. You were always available when needed. Wish y’all nothing but SUCCESS!- B. Gardner
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