Criminal Record Expungements and Pardons in Virginia
In Virginia, a conviction for a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense results in a record for life. Before pleading guilty and making a decision that will impact the rest of your life, understand you may have options by learning the facts about criminal record expungements and pardons.
Fact #1:
In Virginia, a conviction for any misdemeanor or felony criminal offense, such as assault, drug possession, DWI/DUI, reckless driving, etc., results in a record for life. However, under certain circumstances, these records can be sealed through a legal process called a criminal record expungement.
Fact #2:
A criminal record expungement is an action used to delete all police and court records, including electronic records, for a specific criminal case. While an expungement removes these records from public access, they are not actually destroyed and can be accessed by court order.
Fact #3:
An expungement can only be obtained if you are found not guilty by the court (dismissal); the charges are withdrawn (nolle prosequi) by the Court on a motion by the Commonwealth; an individual’s name is used in error; or an individual obtained an absolute pardon from a Virginia Governor.
Fact#4:
Where “facts are found sufficient for a finding of guilt” and the charge is ultimately dismissed, there is no conviction record, but there will be a record of being charged and that the charge was dismissed. This type of outcome is common for a first-time marijuana, domestic assault, under-aged possession of alcohol, and trespass.
Fact #5:
“Facts are found sufficient for a finding of guilt” means that the judge believes there is enough evidence to convict, but is giving you a chance to avoid a conviction. However, if any of these charges are amended to that of an unrelated charge, and you are found guilty of that non-related charge, the original charge would be eligible for an expungement.
Fact #6:
Even if a charge qualifies for an expungement, it is not an automatic process. Before a court will approve a request for an expungement, it is necessary to demonstrate that the record will cause you economic harm because public access to revealing this charge could result in a loss of employment through a background check.
Fact #7:
There are three types of pardons that can be issued by a Virginia Governor: A Simple Pardon is given for employment and education advancement. To qualify, you must demonstrate good citizenship and letters of recommendation from officials involved in the case and the Virginia Parole Board. This type of pardon does not expunge a criminal record.
Fact #8:
The two other types of pardons are Conditional Pardon, which are given to those currently incarcerated and seeking early release, or in extraordinary circumstances, an Absolute Pardon can be given to those who are innocent and unjustly convicted. Only Absolute Pardons make you eligible to petition the court to have the conviction expunged.
Fact #9:
When you are convicted of a felony in Virginia, you lose your right to vote, possess a firearm, run for and hold public office, serve on juries and serve as a notary public. Those who have been convicted of a violent crime, a crime against a minor, or an election law offense must submit an application to request their rights be restored.
Fact#10:
If you have been convicted of a non-violent felony in a Virginia or U.S. District Court, you are eligible to request a restoration of your rights if you have: completed the prison sentence and completed probation/parole; paid all court costs, fines (and restitution to the victims); satisfied all court-ordered conditions; and no pending felony charges. If you have been convicted of a violent or more serious felony in a Virginia or U.S. District Court, depending on the waiting period, you may also be eligible to request a restoration of your rights.
nicholas harvey
Hello my name is Nicholas Harvey and I had some questions about getting a pardon for a petty larceny misdemeanor I was convicted of in 2013. I plan to become a emt but my record disqualifies me.
Susan F. Fremit
A governor’s pardon is not likely to remove the guilty plea from your record but simply restore some rights that you may have lost. You should not post anything on this site since it can be read by anyone, including police, prosecutors and potential future employers. Instead, contact a lawyer directly to discuss your options.
Susan F Fremit, Esq.
Pardons, including presidential ones which would be required at this point,, are difficult to obtain. Governor pardons will help with getting your voting and firearms rights back but sealing your criminal records…………….my experience is, with a VA conviction, unless you have family or political connections, you are stuck with the conviction for the rest of your foreseeable life. My advice: own it! Put in writing, after much thought, how you are no longer that individual who was caught and was convicted of that offense; how you have changed, how you believe that you are no longer at risk for reoffending.