THE FLYNN LAW FIRM
Record Sealing & Expungements
We Have 17+ Years Of Experience In Criminal Defense
Thoughtful Criminal Defense
Being accused of a criminal offense is one of the most vulnerable feelings that one can have. We promise to treat you with care and thoughtfulness, and to answer all of your concerns in addressing your case.
Honest Representation that you can trust
You deserve representation from someone that promises to be honest and transparent with you. We promise to tell you our honest assessment of your case, and not what we think you want to hear.
practice areas – Record sealing & expungements
You Deserve a Clean Start. Protect Your Name.
VIRGINIA RECORD SEALING & EXPUNGEMENT ATTORNEY
A Criminal Record Doesn’t Have to Define Your Future
At The Flynn Law Firm, we know that a criminal record can continue to affect your life long after your case has ended. Whether you are applying for a job, seeking a professional license, renting a home, or simply trying to move forward, a public criminal record can create obstacles that seem impossible to overcome.
For many years, Virginia offered very limited options for clearing a criminal record. If you were convicted of an offense—even a misdemeanor—you may have been told that there was nothing that could be done.
That May No Longer Be True…
As of July 1, 2026, Virginia’s new record sealing law significantly expands the opportunities available to many individuals seeking relief from their criminal records. If you were previously told that your record could not be cleared, it is worth having your case reviewed again.
Every case is different, and eligibility depends on the specific facts and your criminal history. An experienced attorney can evaluate your record, explain your options, and guide you through the process.
Virginia’s Record Sealing Law Has Changed!
Virginia historically had some of the most restrictive laws in the country regarding criminal records. For many people, the only available remedy was expungement after a dismissal, acquittal, or other limited circumstances. Individuals with convictions often had no meaningful avenue for relief.
That changed on July 1, 2026, when Virginia’s new record sealing laws took effect.
While not every offense qualifies, the new law greatly expands the circumstances under which eligible criminal records may be sealed. For many Virginians, this represents an opportunity that simply did not exist under prior law.
If you have not looked into your options in several years, now may be the right time to do so. At The Flynn Law Firm, we believe in the power of second chances and clean starts. Contact us at the form below to determine your eligibility for expungements or record sealing.
What is Record Sealing?
Record sealing is a legal process that limits public access to eligible criminal records.
Although sealed records may still be available in certain limited circumstances authorized by law, they generally are no longer accessible through ordinary public court records or routine background searches.
For many individuals, record sealing can remove barriers that have followed them for years and allow them to pursue employment, housing, education, and other opportunities without the burden of a publicly accessible criminal record.
Many people still use the term “expungement” when referring to clearing a criminal record. While expungement remains available in certain situations, Virginia’s new record sealing law now provides additional forms of relief for many eligible individuals.
Who May be Eligible?
Eligibility under Virginia’s record sealing law depends on many factors, including:
- The offense involved
- Whether your case resulted in a conviction or another disposition
- Your prior criminal history
- Applicable waiting periods
- Whether the offense is eligible under Virginia law
Because every situation is unique, it is important not to assume that you do—or do not—qualify based on information you find online or advice you received years ago.
An attorney can review your record and determine whether relief may now be available.
Why Record Sealing Matters?
A criminal record can affect much more than a courtroom appearance.
It may impact:
- Employment opportunities
- Professional licensing
- Housing applications
- Educational opportunities
- Volunteer positions
- Professional reputation
- Certain background checks
For many people, obtaining record sealing is an important step toward moving forward with confidence.
“I Was Told Nothing Could Be Done…”
One of the most common things prospective clients tell us is:
“I spoke with a lawyer years ago, and they told me there wasn’t anything I could do.”
That advice may have been entirely correct at the time.
However, Virginia law has changed.
If your previous consultation occurred before the new record sealing laws took effect, your legal options today may be very different from what they were only a short time ago.
Rather than assuming the answer is still “no,” it may be worthwhile to have your record reviewed under the current law.
Why Choose The Flynn Law Firm?
Successfully navigating Virginia’s new record sealing laws requires more than simply completing forms.
Determining eligibility often requires reviewing court records, dispositions, prior convictions, waiting periods, and the specific provisions that apply to your case.
Attorney Rex Flynn proudly represents clients throughout Northern Virginia and is committed to helping individuals understand whether they may qualify for relief under Virginia’s record sealing laws. If relief is available, he will guide you through the process from beginning to end while keeping you informed every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is Record Sealing the Same as Expungement?
Not exactly. While the terms are often used interchangeably, Virginia’s new record sealing law provides relief in circumstances that differ from the traditional expungement process. The appropriate remedy depends on your particular case.
Can convictions now be sealed?
In some situations, yes. Virginia’s new law expanded the availability of relief for certain convictions, but eligibility depends on the type of offense, applicable waiting periods, and other statutory requirements.
Will employers still be able to see my record?
The effect of record sealing depends on the circumstances and the type of background check involved. During your consultation, we can explain what record sealing may accomplish in your particular case.
How do I know if I qualify?
The only reliable way to determine eligibility is to have your criminal history reviewed by an attorney familiar with Virginia’s record sealing laws.
If a criminal record has continued to follow you long after your case ended, you may now have options that simply did not exist before.
Virginia’s record sealing law represents one of the most significant changes to criminal record relief in decades. Whether you were charged years ago or more recently, it may be worth exploring whether you qualify.
Contact us today at 703.310.7624 or fill out our Contact Form to schedule a free consultation and learn whether record sealing or expungement may be available in your case. Let us work with you to protect your name and reputation and to give you a fresh clean start.
The Flynn Law Firm – Fighting for Justice. Advocating for You.