Official Information & Optional Record-Lookup Tools
Understand Your Options and Take the Next Step
Virginia's new record-sealing framework takes effect July 1, 2026. Under the new law, for the first time Virginians will be able to seal certain criminal convictions from their record. In addition, certain charges can also be expunged. This page explains the process and how to begin a preliminary screening.
This page provides general educational information. It does not provide legal advice, make a final eligibility determination, create an attorney-client relationship, or guarantee representation.
Choose Your Next Step
Start with the option that best matches what you need today.
I want to check my possible path
Complete a short preliminary screening to identify a possible expungement, petition-based sealing, automatic-sealing, or attorney-review path.
I want to understand record sealing
Learn what changes on July 1, 2026, how sealing differs from expungement, and how automatic and petition-based sealing work.
I want to look for public case information
Use optional Virginia court and criminal-history resources to locate information that may help with later review.
You do not need every court record before beginning the preliminary screening. If the case moves forward, the Law Office will explain what additional information or records may be needed.
Important Things to Know About Record Sealing
Record sealing may reduce public access, but it does not necessarily remove every record or legal consequence.
Sealing Does Not Erase the Record
Government agencies may retain and access sealed records for purposes allowed by law.
Automatic Does Not Always Mean Immediate
Processing may occur over time across courts, law-enforcement systems, and other agencies.
You May Not Receive a Notification
People are not generally notified when an offense is automatically sealed.
An Online Search Is Not Conclusive
If a case no longer appears online, that alone may not confirm that it was sealed. Court retention rules or other circumstances may also affect public availability.
Optional Public Record-Lookup Tools
These resources may help you locate public case information. They are not required before beginning the preliminary screening.
Virginia Courts — Search for a Virginia Case Number — Search available court information by locality, name, case number, or hearing date, depending on the court.
→ Search Court Information ↗Virginia Judiciary — Search Statewide Criminal and Traffic Information — Search certain adult criminal, traffic, and court case information through Virginia's online system.
→ Open Statewide Search ↗Virginia State Police — Request a Virginia Criminal-History Record — This may be helpful if you are uncertain what appears on your Virginia criminal history.
→ View Request Information ↗Virginia Courts — Review Current Expungement Instructions — Review official court instructions showing examples of information that may be used in an expungement filing.
→ View Court Instructions ↗Information That May Help With Later Review
You may complete the preliminary screening without every item below. If the Law Office determines that further review is appropriate, additional information may be requested through the secure intake process.