Virginia Felonies Legal Questions

Hi There, Unfortunately, you cannot seal or expunged criminal record convictions in Virginia; it truly is a record for life.  In extraordinary circumstances, an absolute pardon from a Governor in Virginia would allow the records to be expunged, but only if you pled not guilty and were wrongfully convicted.  However, based on the amount of time that has passed, you may be eligible to request a restoration of your rights.  I published a Guide which may be of limited use to you. The link is: http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/ugc/what-you-need-to-know-about-criminal-record-expungement-in-virginia. Good luck! Susan... Read More

Yes.  Pardons are very rare, but you can certainly petition for one.  You know if you don't try you won't get one. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.... Read More

If you plead guilty, such as as part of a plea bargain, or you were found guilty, then these charges can never be expunged and will stay on your record forever.  Expungements are only available in Virginia for people who are actually innocent, such as those where the charges were dropped or otherwise dismissed.  The best you could hope for is to have your rights restored and/or to seek clemency or a pardon from the governor.  This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.  ... Read More

There is no longer any such thing as debtor's prison.  You cannot go to jail for failure to pay a debt, unless it is child support, but even then you would have the opportunity in court to pay it before you are sent to jail.  Even if the debt you owe is due to criminal activity, such as theft or embezzlement, this would still be a highly unusual way for it to be handled.  More likely, the sheriff or police would simply come arrest and charge you.  It sounds like you have been the victim of highly unscrupulous debt collectors or scam artists.  If they call again, you should try to get additional information from them and have them send you something in writing verifying the information. This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.  ... Read More

Convictions cannot be expunged in Virginia.  However, people convicted of felonies can often have their rights restored and can petition the governor for a pardon.  This answer is given in accordance with the laws of Virginia and may not be applicable in any other state.  It should not be construed as legal advice, as that would require a more thorough analysis of all of the facts involved in a specific case.  If you need further information or assistance, please feel free to contact my office for a consultation. Case results depend upon a variety of factors unique to each case. Case results do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future case.... Read More