Virginia Beach Record Sealing Attorney
Want to Seal Your Criminal Record in Virginia?
As of July 1, 2026, Virginia law allows certain criminal records to be sealed from public view. meaning background check companies, landlords, and employers may no longer have access to past charges or convictions that have been following you. If you are looking for help with the new petition sealing process, talk to a member of The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller. With our extensive background in criminal defense and even expungement cases, you can trust us to walk you through your record sealing case.
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. Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.5 et seq., background check companies are also prohibited from sharing sealed records and must delete them from their systems upon receiving notice of sealing.
Sealing does not destroy or eliminate the record, though, so government agencies may still retain and share sealed records with other agencies for required functions. Also, most sealing processes apply only to offenses with an offense date on or after January 1, 1986, and sealing applies only to adults and to juveniles who were tried as adults.
Automatic Sealing Requires No Filing
Virginia's new law created two types of sealing: automatic and petition. If your record falls under the automatic sealing category, the state initiates the process for you, so no petition, no court filing, and no attorney are needed.
Offenses that qualify for automatic sealing may include:
- Specific misdemeanor convictions after a seven-year clean record period
- Marijuana possession charges and convictions
- Misdemeanor acquittals and dismissals with prejudice at case conclusion, on or after July 1, 2026
- Felony acquittals and dismissals with prejudice at case conclusion, on or after July 1, 2026
- Previously concluded misdemeanor non-convictions after a three-year clean record period
- Traffic infractions after eleven years
If your record falls into one of these categories, you should qualify for automatic record sealing, which means the government handles everything for you.
Record Sealing & Disclosure
In general, a person with a sealed record is not required to disclose that offense to a Virginia state or local government entity or to a private employer in Virginia.
Certain entities in Virginia are prohibited from even asking about sealed offenses, including:
- Landlords and property managers leasing or selling apartments or homes
- Educational institutions
- Insurance companies
There are circumstances where disclosure can still be required, though, such as certain types of employment with state or federal agencies, child custody proceedings, and jury service.
What Record Sealing Does & Does Not Do
Sealing provides meaningful relief from public access to your record, but it has limitations. Sealing does not restore your civil rights or your right to possess a firearm; those require separate processes through the Governor's office and the Virginia State Police, respectively. Fines, court costs, and restitution tied to a sealed offense still must be paid in full. Sealed offenses may still be accessed by government agencies for official functions and can still be used in subsequent criminal proceedings for sentencing, bail determinations, and certain impeachment purposes.
An important note for anyone in a federally regulated profession: While a sealed offense will not be considered a barrier crime under Virginia law, it may still be considered one under federal law.
Get Answers from The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller Today
When you come to The Law Offices of Daniel J. Miller for help with general petition sealing, we start by reviewing your full record to identify which offenses are eligible and how to prioritize them within your lifetime petition limit. We then prepare and file your petition with the appropriate circuit court, get all documentation in order, and represent you at any hearing that follows.
A past charge or conviction should not define your future indefinitely. Learn if Virginia's new sealing law can put some of your criminal record behind you by talking with our team today.
See if you can file a petition to seal your Virginia criminal record. Dial (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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