Notice!

Virginia just made history! For the first time ever, Virginia’s new Clean Slate Law allows certain criminal convictions to be sealed from public view. Once sealed, convictions won’t appear on most background checks—giving you a real chance at better jobs, housing, and a fresh start. Virginia’s Clean Slate Law takes effect July 1, 2026. Don’t miss your opportunity to leave the past behind!

Erase Your Record

Clean Slate Virginia is a law firm dedicated to clearing criminal records.

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Experience

Virginia’s new record sealing or “expungement law” requires an experienced lawyer. Clean Slate Virginia has over 20 years of experience in criminal law and expungements.

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Advocacy

Clean Slate Virginia uses Virginia’s expungement laws and new Virginia 2025 record sealing laws to clear your criminal record.
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Results

Clean Slate Virginia has successfully expunged Virginia misdemeanors and felonies for over 20 years.

What is Clean Slate Virginia?

Clean Slate Virginia is a law firm that focuses exclusively on clearing criminal records. Clean Slate Virginia uses new Virginia sealing laws and existing expungement laws to clear criminal records throughout the entire state of Virginia.

When criminal convictions are sealed, they cannot be seen by the public or employers. Call now to speak directly with a lawyer about having your prior conviction sealed.

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A criminal record doesn’t have to determine your future…

9 out of 10 employers use background checks when hiring.

Only half of applicants with criminal records get call backs or job offers.

Seal your conviction and open the door to new job opportunities.

Criminal convictions that are sealed do not appear on background checks. Your name and conviction will permanently be removed from the court’s online docket system.

First offender drug charges that were dismissed are seen by employers and the public.

Charges that are dismissed stay on the court’s online docketing system and stay on your criminal record.

First offender felony drug cases can now be sealed.

Once sealed, you may deny or not disclose your arrest or charge when applying for jobs. Your name and conviction will permanently by removed from the court’s online docket system.

9 out of 10 landlords conduct background checks on applicants.

The companies that conduct these checks are often unregulated and not required to register with a government agency.

Turn the home of your dreams into a reality.

You don’t have to reveal sealed convictions to landlords when applying to rent or purchase a home.

Put the past behind you.

Qualifying convictions can be sealed if you have:
  • For a felony, no new criminal convictions within 10 years
  • For a misdemeanor, no new criminal convictions within 7 years
  • Proven rehabilitation if record shows drug dependence
  • No more than two convictions previously sealed
  • The continued existence of the conviction constitutes manifest injustice
  • Never convicted of Class 1 or 2 felony or charge that carries a life sentence
  • Not convicted of Class 3 or 4 felony within 20 years
  • Not convicted of a felony within 10 years

How it works

In order to seal your Virginia record, there is a ten year waiting period for felonies and seven year waiting period for misdemeanors before they are eligible to be sealed. During that time, there can be no new criminal convictions.

When can I seal my VA record?

Find out when you will be eligible to seal your qualifying Virginia record by inputting your last conviction date below:


Date of misdemeanor conviction:
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Date of felony conviction:
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My Results

You are eligible to seal your Virginia record as of:


It’s never too early to start planning your future. Contact Clean Slate Virginia today to find out how we can help.


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An orange eraser erases the word past on a chalkboard

Which convictions can be sealed?

Frequent Misdemeanor Convictions that can be sealed include (but are not limited to):

  • Assault (not domestic assault)
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • False report to law enforcement
  • Drunk in Public
  • Destruction of property
  • Computer harassment
  • Trespass with intent to damage
  • Distribution of marijuana
  • Concealed weapon
  • Credit Card Fraud
  • Identity Theft
  • Issuing a Bad Check
  • Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
  • Possession of Narcotics
  • Residing in a bawdy place
  • Profane or threatening language over the airways
+ View More

Frequent Felony convictions that can be sealed include (but are not limited to):

  • Grand Larceny
  • Credit Card Theft
  • Receiving or Buying Stolen Goods
  • Embezzlement
  • Larceny of Bank Notes
  • Unauthorized Use of Vehicle
  • Obtaining Money by False Pretenses
  • Perjury
  • Larceny with Intent to Sell
  • Assault on Law enforcement (some)
  • Prescription Fraud
+ View More

* Visit our Resources page for a complete list of convictions that can be sealed.
For questions about your specific conviction, call Clean Slate Virginia at (804) 248-0400 for a free consultation.

Excellent
Clean Slate Virginia
Based on 71 reviews
Went to my hearing with multiple convictions dealing with firearms. Had a lil pep talk with Townsend went in the courtroom and came out with my rights restored. It was a close call but it got done.
Response from the owner:You summed it up perfectly! Congratulations!
They are truly awesome.very professional.
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Thank you all at clean slate Virginia for sealing my record. You all were very supportive during the process and had got this done very quickly. Would recommend to friends and anyone reading. Thank u.
Response from the owner:Thanks for your wonderful feedback, Brian! So glad our team could support you and make the process seamless. We're delighted you chose Clean Slate Virginia and we're here for you anytime.
George Townsend is a wonderful attorney and just pleasant to deal with. He is passionate about helping people and I'm very thankful to him and his staff for their hard work on my behalf.
Response from the owner:We're so grateful for your kind words! 😊 It's fantastic to hear that you had a positive experience with George and our team. Your appreciation motivates us to keep doing our best. Thanks again for entrusting us with your needs!
George and the Clean Slate Virginia team were very helpful and professional. They made all the difference in the process. Thanks guys!
Response from the owner:Thank you! Great working with you!
Worst legal service I have ever used frankly.

You have consultations months before a law goes into effect (April 30th) - outcome of those consultations is that if everything is paid the petition will be filed when the law goes into effect. I pay everything and get told the documents are being requested/petition is being worked on.

Law now been in effect since 7/1. No updates despite reaching out to George Townsend multiple times. Get a call back only from his paralegal who says the documents have not been received but were requested it hasn't been that much time, and they "will follow up".

I explained that I would pay more money to get this put to the top of the list, whatever I had to do. No avail, no reassurance just at the mercy of the courts apparently.

I understand the service itself was not very expensive - $1000, but if this would have been clearly communicated by any of the staff members that it would just be one case in a pile of files with no urgency attached to any of them, I would have NEVER proceeded with this agency.

Some people have been waiting decades for this law to go into effect and this company clearly does not understand that some clients livelihoods are on the line. If you are unprepared to properly handle a case - charge more or make that clear to any prospective clients.

I will be sure to add another review as appropriate.
I have mixed feelings about my experience with this firm.

First, I want to give credit where it’s due. Mr. George Townsend himself has always been compassionate, knowledgeable, and professional whenever I spoke with him. He successfully handled my firearm rights restoration, and I genuinely appreciate the work he did on that matter.

Unfortunately, communication throughout both my firearm rights restoration and my record sealing matter was consistently lacking. I frequently had to reach out myself for status updates, and there were long periods with little or no communication.

The most concerning example occurred during my record sealing case. I contacted the office for a status update only to learn that the court had never processed the request for my records, despite the office believing everything had been delivered weeks earlier. I would have expected that issue to have been discovered through routine follow-up rather than because I asked for an update.

My greatest concern, however, was my experience communicating with the office staff, particularly Geri-Ann. I consistently felt that my concerns were dismissed rather than acknowledged. Her communication often came across as cold and lacking compassion. I understand that law offices are busy—especially with Virginia’s new Clean Slate law—but clients pursuing firearm rights restoration or record sealing are often dealing with stressful, deeply personal matters. A little empathy and proactive communication can make a tremendous difference.

I don’t expect instant results, and I understand that delays are sometimes unavoidable. What I do expect is reasonable communication and periodic updates without having to repeatedly ask for them.

If you don’t mind taking an active role in following up on your own case and requesting updates, this firm may still be a good fit. Mr. Townsend is knowledgeable, and my firearm rights restoration was ultimately successful. However, if timely communication and a responsive, compassionate office are important to you, I think that’s something prospective clients should consider before retaining the firm.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your experience and for acknowledging the successful restoration of your firearm rights. I am grateful that we were able to achieve that important result for you. I am sorry that you did not receive the level of communication and reassurance you expected during your matters. Every client is extremely important to us and I agree that clients deserve to feel heard and kept informed, particularly when dealing with matters as personal and consequential as restoring their rights and sealing a criminal record. I also want to clarify what occurred with the Hanover records request. Our records confirm that the Clerk’s Office received the mailing containing our payment and request for certified documents. We followed up with the clerk, but the request and payment apparently could not be located even though our mail service confirmed receipt. Unfortunately, our experience has been that some jurisdictions make obtaining older court records relatively straightforward, while others present significant and unexpected challenges. Clean Slate Virginia is handling what we believe to be more record-sealing matters than any other law firm in Virginia. We have filed petitions throughout the Commonwealth and are already scheduling hearings in several jurisdictions. Although that volume and the differing procedures among courts have created challenges, they do not lessen our responsibility to communicate with our clients. Every member of our staff is deeply valued, understands the life-changing importance of this work and is committed to helping people obtain the second chances they deserve. Our staff members have consistently received positive feedback from clients. I fact, this is the only critical comments we have received. We take your concerns seriously and will use them to improve our follow-up procedures and client communication. Thank you again for trusting us with your firearm-rights restoration and for providing candid feedback about where we can do better.
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Response from the owner:We're incredibly grateful for your 5-star rating, Anton! Your support means a lot to us at Clean Slate Virginia. We look forward to serving you again!
Mr.Townsend got my firearms rights back and I am currently in process of getting my record sealed with the new law coming into effect July 1st, 2026. He has be professional and very clear in his steps and would recommend him to anybody looking to do the same thing I did. I will update my review as needed after July 1st 2026.

***Update July 1st 2026***
For some reason he returned my money and never explained why. So I don't even know where I stand regarding my record sealing process
Response from the owner:We're happy to hear that your experience with us is positive! Thank you for your recommendation – it truly means the world to us. We're looking forward to continuing to support you through this journey!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your amazing 5-star review! We truly value your support and are excited to continue providing you with great service. Looking forward to your next visit with us!
The whole process was quick and simple. Inquired about restoration at the beginning of 2026 and was granted my gun rights back May 22nd. All questions clearly answered in a timely manner throughout the process and couldn't be more happy with my experience and outcome. Thank you so much!
Response from the owner:We're incredibly grateful for your wonderful feedback! 😊 We're overjoyed to hear about your smooth experience with us. It's our pleasure to assist you, and we're thrilled about your positive outcome. Thanks for choosing us!
Nothing but AWSOME!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're elated to know you had such an exceptional experience with our services. Your satisfaction truly means the world to us. Looking forward to helping you again in the future!
i had great experience with this law firm. both with George, Geri and Kim. they guided me through the process and they truly care about their client. Thanks George
Response from the owner:We're so grateful for your wonderful feedback! It's delightful to know that George, Geri, and Kim could support you effectively. Your words reaffirm our team's dedication to providing caring service. Should you need anything else, we're here for you!
I spent decades paying for a mistake made when I was just 18. The law said five years and then I was free, but the truth was that losing my civil rights was a lifetime sentence. It was a wound that would not heal. I found Clean Slate Virginia and George Townsend by accident. Today, George stood in a Virginia courtroom, and a judge restored the last of my civil rights. "Clean Slate Virginia gives people their lives back" isn't just a slogan. I know that because today, George and his team gave me back mine.
Response from the owner:We deeply appreciate you sharing your story and are so happy to hear about your restored rights! Your journey inspires us to continue our work helping others feel whole again. If there's anything else we can assist you with, please reach out anytime. All the best!
George Townsend , did a great job on helping me getting my rights restored! Thank you Sir!!!!
Response from the owner:We're so delighted to hear that you've had a positive experience with us in restoring your rights! Your feedback motivates us to keep providing exceptional service. If there's ever anything else we can help you with, please don't hesitate to let us know.
I am very satisfied with the legal services of Clea. Slate Virginia they did everything I expected and the outcome of the situation was all on my favor. Geri-Ann kept me in the loop and answered all my questions. Thanks for the help, it was well worth my time and money.
Response from the owner:We truly appreciate your kind words, Cly White! It's wonderful to know that we met your expectations and achieved a favorable outcome for you. Geri-Ann and our team are thrilled to have been of service. Please reach out if you need any further assistance in the future!
Complete Professionals. Extremely Helpful.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your fantastic feedback, Jerry! 😊 We love hearing that our professionalism and helpfulness stood out to you. We're always here to support you whenever you need it. Have an amazing day!
I really want to say, thank you Mr.George from the bottom of my heart for getting my right Back. All the hard work you and your team put it for me, is a blessing from God on helping ( FELONS OUT ) to restore there rights back. I highly recommend Any and everyone who is trying to change their lives and do the right thing in life, as a convicted felon too go to Clean Slate Virginia, and get all the help Mr. George and his team is offering.
Your freedom rights is priceless. All the help Clean slate is office, is affordable.
Response from the owner:Thank you immensely for your heartfelt words! 😊 We're absolutely delighted to have played a part in such an important journey. Our team is always here to assist in making positive changes. Wishing you every success moving forward!
Clean slate Virginia is a Very professional the transparency and communication is 10000% highly recommended
Response from the owner:We're truly grateful for your glowing review! It warms our hearts to know that our professionalism and communication were a highlight for you. We're always here to keep things clear and supportive. Best wishes on your journey ahead!
I cannot say enough about the dedication and heart this attorney put into my husband’s case. From start to finish, he stayed completely focused on fighting for his client and never once gave up. Even when things felt difficult, he continued to push forward, advocate, and stand firm for what was right.

You can tell this isn’t just a job for him he truly cares about the people he represents. He fought with determination, integrity, and heart, and because of that he won this case. If you want an expungement lawyer who will stand beside you, believe in you, and fight relentlessly for your future, this is the attorney you want.

Thank you, so much, Mr. Townsend!!!
Response from the owner:We're incredibly thankful for your kind words! It's heartwarming to hear how our dedication made a difference in your husband's case. Our commitment to our clients' futures is our top priority. Wishing you all the best moving forward!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your fantastic rating, Tony! We're delighted to have been able to help. We deeply value the trust you placed in us and are here for anything you might need in the future. Take care!
Mr. Townsend is very knowledgeable and helpful. If you need assistance with expungement and record sealing he’s the lawyer for you!
Response from the owner:We appreciate your wonderful feedback, Phoeb03! It means a lot to know you found Mr. Townsend's expertise and support valuable in your journey. We're always here to assist with any future needs. Wishing you all the best!
I had the opportunity to work with Clean Slate VA Attorney Townsend and team. They over performed, the charge was expunged from all records in less than a year. I’m very happy and would highly recommend working with them.
Response from the owner:Thanks for sharing your amazing experience with us! We're delighted to know that Attorney Townsend and the team exceeded your expectations. Your recommendation means the world to us. If you need any further assistance, we're here for you.
Response from the owner:We truly appreciate your glowing 5-star review, Jenn! It warms our hearts to know you had such a positive experience. We're here for any of your future needs!
They actually just provided me information that answered my inquiry, and didn't try to sell me anything. Trustworthy company.
Response from the owner:Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a positive review! We're delighted that our commitment to providing helpful information without any sales pressure resonated with you. We look forward to being there for any future queries you might have. Have a wonderful day!
Response from the owner:We truly appreciate you sharing your experience with us, Miranda! We're so glad to have provided the service you were looking for. It's always our goal to make your time with us enjoyable. Wishing you all the best!
Mr. Townsend under promised and over delivered. He was very open about the full scope and was extremely helpful.
Response from the owner:We're so grateful for your wonderful feedback! It's fantastic to know that our service exceeded your expectations. We're always here to offer open and helpful support. Thank you for being part of our community!
I got my firearms rights restored through clean slate virginia. They made it very easy for me, especially since i no longer live in Virginia. They handled everything for me, and even represented me in court so i didnt have to make the 13 hour drive home. It was simple, quick, and very affordable. Well worth the money. Thanks Mr Townsend!
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for sharing your positive experience! We're delighted we could assist you with restoring your rights conveniently and affordably. It's great to know that you found the process easy even from afar. We're always here to support you whenever you need it!
Thankful and Appreciative!!!… Knowing that we have organizations assisting persons with knowledge about the law and also able to give insight to better themselves
Response from the owner:We truly appreciate your kind words! We're so glad to have been a helpful resource, and it's fantastic to know our efforts make a difference. We're here to assist every step of the way!
Highly recommend Clean Slate Virginia for representation and expungement process. Kept us informed in the long process. Great attorney services.
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for recommending us, Kelly! We appreciate you recognizing our efforts to keep you informed throughout your journey with us. Your kind words about our services brighten our day. We look forward to continuing to serve you and others with the utmost dedication.
Mr Townsend was great. He was very helpful, knowledgeable and professional.
He paid attention to every detail.
Thank you
Response from the owner:Thanks a bunch for sharing your experience, Brian! We're overjoyed to hear Mr. Townsend was able to provide such detailed and professional assistance. Knowing you felt well taken care of truly means a lot to us. Looking forward to serving you again soon!
Gets the job done
Response from the owner:We're delighted to know you found our service effective, Jordan! It means a lot to our team to hear such positive feedback. Hope to help you again in the future!
These people, George Townsend, in particular, is/are doing god’s work. Amazing cause and firm. Helped me tremendously get the information I needed and will be partnering with them to clean my record.

I encourage everyone to look into the new “clean slate” laws being passed and consult with Mr. Townsend on cleaning up your past mistakes.
Response from the owner:We're so happy to know how much our support has made a difference for you, Allen! Your encouragement means the world to us. Looking forward to assisting with your clean record journey!
Incredibly knowledgeable and helpful staff.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Daniel! We're delighted to know our staff could assist you so effectively. Your words motivate us to continue providing excellent service. Always here to support your journey with us!
Very quick, responsive and thorough
Response from the owner:We're so grateful for your recognition of our prompt and thorough service! It's wonderful to know we could meet your expectations. Your feedback encourages us to keep up the great work. Looking forward to serving you again!
Clean Slate Virginia was professional, helpful, and responsive. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner:We really appreciate your kind words, Greg! Knowing our team's professionalism and quick assistance made a difference for you truly motivates us. We’re excited to continue providing top-notch service in the future!
They responded quickly and provided good information
Response from the owner:It's fantastic to know our quick response and help made a positive impact on your experience! We always strive to provide the best information and support to our valued customers. Your feedback inspires us to keep up the great work!
Great reliable service. I would recommend to anyone.
Response from the owner:We truly appreciate your kind words and fantastic rating, Chuck! It’s so uplifting to know you’re satisfied with our service. Your recommendation means a lot to us, and we're here whenever you need us. Cheers!
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Amazing experience with Mr.Townsend as he helped guide me through all the questions I had regarding background checks. He is extremely knowledgeable and personable and makes every minute worth it. 10/10 and highest recommendation for him
Response from the owner:Thank you! Glad I could help!
Clean Slate Virginia is fanatic! Mr. Townsend is very easy to talk to and explains things very well. I would recommend his services to anyone looking to move forward in life with past issues holding you back.
Response from the owner:Cory, thank you so much! It’s been great working with you and I can’t wait for the next steps!
This is Debra Woodley, I was very please to speak with Mr George today. He responded promptly. I will keep his number For referral.
Response from the owner:Thank you, Debra!
Mr. Townsend with Clean Slate Virginia provided great support in getting my dismissed charge expunged. He was professional, knowledgeable, and made the expungement process smooth and stress-free. I would recommend him to anyone needing legal assistance with expungements!
Response from the owner:Dana, thank you so much! I was so pleased we were able to have your charge expunged, even though the Commonwealth Attorney objected.
Response from the owner:Thank you!
Attorney George Townsend is a great lawyer I would definitely recommend him to everyone. I went to court today and pretrial office tried to lock me up for Marijuana and Mr Townsend spoke on my behalf and I'm home right now because of him .
I'm telling you he is the best if anyone's looking for a good lawyer look no future than Mr. George Townsend. Thank you for all you have done.
Response from the owner:Thank you! We did great work together today!
I had the pleasure of speaking to Mr. Townsend today and it was my pleasure. He responded expeditiously, he was knowledgeable and compassionate. I would recommend him for your needs. You will definitely walk away feeling empowered and more educated regarding your situation.
Response from the owner:Kim, thank you so much! You mentioned all my goals for everyone that I speak with regarding Virginia's new record sealing laws!
Mr.Townsend gave me excellent clarification on the Clean Slate Law in Virginia. I would recommend his service to everyone that will need to apply for the Clean Slate Law.
Response from the owner:Thank you! Clean Slate Virginia is ready to help people take advantege of Virginian's new record sealing laws.
Mr. Townsend was so helpful in resolving a legal issue that I had. He graciously explained the law and then advised me on how to proceed. I highly recommend him.
Response from the owner:Thank you! I'm always happy to help!

Don’t wait! Act now and be prepared for your future

Studies show that eligible people wait to have criminal convictions sealed until they are seeking employment or residence. It takes time to have your conviction sealed. Act now and be prepared for the future.

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Clean Slate Virginia, PLLC
14321 Winter Breeze Drive, Suite 134
Midlothian, VA 23113

(804) 248-0400