Virginia’s Clean Slate Law takes effect, sealing records of certain convictions, offenses

A Virginia law going into effect Wednesday seals the criminal records of many convicted of low-level offenses.

The Clean Slate Law allows for the automatic sealing of certain offenses, including traffic infractions and misdemeanor convictions like shoplifting, trespassing, distribution of marijuana and disorderly conduct. Eligible misdemeanor convictions will be automatically sealed after seven years if the person has not been convicted of any other crime in Virginia, any other state, the District of Columbia or a United States territory during that time.

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The law also allows for petition processes to seal certain convictions or deferred dismissals.

Sex crimes, violent felonies and protective order violations are among the instances not eligible for petition sealing. The petitioner must not have been convicted of any other felony within the past 10 years in order for a circuit court to grant a petition.

Under the law, there are exceptions where sealed records may be disseminated and used, including for background checks for firearm purposes and employment screenings for law enforcement and emergency medical services agencies.