Virginia Attorneys Skilled at Criminal Expungement
Charlottesville lawyers help clients clear their names
A criminal charge can follow you indefinitely, affecting your ability to get a job, secure an apartment and even obtain higher education. At Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C., we are committed to helping people get their criminal records expunged or sealed so that they can work toward improving their lives.
Experienced attorneys advise clients on expungement eligibility
To have your criminal record expunged, you must file a petition with the court where the charges originated. You may petition for an expungement if you were found not guilty of an offense or if your case was never prosecuted. In Virginia, convictions can be expunged only if a pardon is given. Generally, expungement is unavailable for charges of:
- Murder
- Serious weapons charges
- Rape
- Sexual battery
- Corruption of a minor
- Sexual imposition
- Obscenity or pornography involving a minor
- Felonies and first degree misdemeanors in which the victim is under 18 years of age
We will carefully evaluate the details of your criminal record to determine whether or not you have a chance of receiving an expungement.
Dedicated advocates guide you through the expungement process
We are skilled at providing legal support in petitions for:
- Expungement of misdemeanors — An expungement will generally be granted for a first-time misdemeanor charge. If multiple charges are involved, winning an expungement may be tricky.
- Expungement of felonies — To have a Virginia felony charge expunged, it must be shown that the public availability of your record would cause a “manifest injustice.” Demonstrating that your employment or educational opportunities are limited by the charge may prove manifest injustice.
- Expungement of original charges after plea agreement —Though it is not possible to expunge charges to which you pled guilty (unless you receive a pardon), it may be possible to clear the record of an original charge that is reduced to a lesser charge.
Expungement does not permanently delete your criminal record, but it prevents those records from being viewed publicly. A court can still unseal them at a later date, especially if you are convicted of another crime.
Caring legal advocates help clients move forward with their lives
Obtaining an expungement can help prevent your past from being a burden to your future. Clearing your record may help you achieve more favorable outcomes in regard to:
- Employer background checks — Virginia law prohibits employers from asking about expunged records, while criminal records that remain visible can be considered in hiring decisions.
- College or university background checks — Some colleges and universities require students to report any arrests, but students cannot be compelled to report expunged charges.
- Approvals for volunteer work — Volunteer organizations from the PTA to ambulance services require applicants to submit to a criminal background check, which will bring up criminal charges that have not been expunged
With so much at stake it is wise to hire an experienced legal team to evaluate your eligibility for expungement and to prepare and pursue a petition on your behalf.
Contact accomplished Virginia expungement attorneys
We care. We fight. We help our clients put their lives back together. To seek an expungement in Virginia, speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Tucker Griffin Barnes P.C. Call us at 434-973-7474 or contact us online. We have offices conveniently located in Charlottesville, Palmyra and Harrisonburg.