The effects of a criminal record on your life can be profound when it comes to employment and many other aspects. Because criminal records are lifelong, you may wonder about any options available to clear your name and improve your future.
The good news is that under Virginia law, some people qualify for an expungement of their records. Not every offense is eligible for expungement, but it is important to talk to a Reston expungement lawyer at The Leiva Law Firm about your options. We can assess your record and a possible expungement. If you qualify, our criminal defense attorney can handle the entire process for you to increase your chances of success.
Expungement is a legal process that seals/destroys certain criminal records from public view if you meet the statutory requirements. Instead, expungement applies in limited situations and only when the case did not end in a conviction or a guilty plea in certain circumstances.
Under Virginia Code § 19.2-392.2, people charged with a crime but not convicted generally qualify. Criminal cases that a judge dismissed, that were dropped by the prosecutor, or that ended with a not guilty verdict may be expunged if they otherwise meet the criteria. Our expungement attorney in Reston can review the facts of your case to determine whether you may qualify for expungement.
Locally, expungement petitions are filed with the Fairfax County Circuit Court. State law does not automatically clear a dismissed charge, even if the arrest was baseless. Your expungement lawyer must act by filing a formal petition and requesting a hearing with the proper circuit court to have your record sealed or destroyed.
Here are some common eligibility situations we encounter. If the police arrested the wrong person, that qualifies. You also qualify for an expungement if the prosecutor dropped your case entirely. If the court dismissed your case after certain deferred dispositions, qualification might still be a possibility. Note that dismissals only count if the case ended in ways that meet the statutory criteria. Our Reston attorney can answer any questions you may have about expungement.
Our clients praise our composure, focus, and commitment to detail. Our professionalism and personal attention are key aspects of our representation for any situation, including expungements.
At The Leiva Law Firm, we have also earned a reputation for delivering results, especially in complicated record clearance cases. Whether you need help avoiding a permanent criminal record or seek someone to advocate for you through an expungement, our reputable Reston expungement lawyer can help. Contact us today for a consultation.
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