A criminal record can leave parents wondering how one mistake could affect a child’s future. Concerns about employment, housing and graduate school may grow after a drug offense, driving under the influence DUI or another criminal charge.
If your college student has a criminal record, learning about future relief can help you make informed decisions today. You may also find reassurance in knowing that Virginia law does not keep every record publicly accessible forever.
How record sealing could create future opportunities
Beginning July 1, 2026, Virginia’s “clean slate law” will expand the chance to clear certain criminal records through record sealing. However, the law does not cover every offense. The available path depends on the exact charge.
Some records can qualify for automatic sealing after a waiting period. For other matters, you may need to file a petition with the court. To receive this form of relief, the person must meet the required standards. Examples of offenses that may qualify include:
- Certain simple marijuana possession convictions under the automatic process
- Some low-level misdemeanor convictions, such as trespassing, after the required waiting period
- Other misdemeanor convictions that require a court petition
- Certain low-level felony convictions that require a petition, statutory compliance and a period without new criminal charges
These categories show why the exact charge and final outcome matter. Even when relief may become available, sealing does not happen right away in every case.
Why understanding your options still matters
A criminal record does not have to control a student’s future. Even so, the offense, final disposition and the person’s conduct afterward can influence what relief becomes available.
Since the proper procedure often depends on the specific record, legal guidance may help you identify the right form of relief for your child’s circumstances. It can also support the filing process, organize key documents and reduce the risk of avoidable delays.
