Fairfax Criminal Defense Attorney Explains: Expungements in Virginia
After a person is charged with an offense and the matter is brought to court, records are maintained. Arrest records are maintained by the law enforcement agency that brought the case and court records are maintained by the court having jurisdiction over the case. If your case is ultimately dismissed by motion, or dismissed by an acquittal because you were found not guilty, or was nolle prossed by the Commonwealth (which is similar to a dismissal), you may be entitled to an expungement. An expungement can be ordered by the circuit court having jurisdiction over the matter which will result in the records relating to your case being destroyed. This means they are removed from the public record, which includes your criminal record.
Employers often seek criminal records as part of their pre-employment background checks. And some jobs require annual reviews to continue employment. There is also stigma associated with having a criminal record even if no conviction occurred. If you were charged with a crime that was dismissed or otherwise did not result in a conviction, you may be eligible for an expungement, even if the charge was a felony.
Contact us today to discuss your case and whether an expungement of your record is a viable option for you. If you need the aid of a Criminal Defense Attorney to guide you through the expungement process, contact George Freeman today.
