Free eligibility check for expungement and Virginia’s new 2026 sealing law — then we connect you with a licensed attorney who files in the Richmond City Circuit Court.
RVA Gotcha is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a Virginia-based referral service that connects residents with licensed, independent attorneys who handle expungement and record sealing. Information on this site is general, current as of 2026, and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed Virginia attorney about your specific record.
Old charges can block jobs, housing, and loans — even ones dismissed or never convicted. Here’s what can often be cleared.
Charges that ended in acquittal, dismissal, nolle prosequi (dropped), or mistaken identity can be petitioned for expungement and removed from public access — with no court filing fee.
Virginia’s new law covers marijuana possession, most non-convictions, and — by petition — some convictions. Far more people now qualify to seal a record.
Once a record is sealed or expunged, we help you get the mugshot sites and background-check databases still showing it to update or take it down.
Not sure if you qualify? Answer a few questions and a licensed Virginia attorney reviews your situation — no cost, no obligation.
Expungement and sealing petitions in Richmond run through the Richmond City Circuit Court. We give you a free, honest read on whether your record qualifies under Virginia’s expungement statute and the new 2026 sealing law, then connect you with a licensed Virginia attorney who files in the right court and handles the hearing.
We also serve nearby Henrico, Chesterfield, the Fan, Southside. Your eligibility check is free and confidential — there’s no obligation.
Virginia charges no court filing fee for an expungement petition under § 19.2-392.2, and that’s true in Richmond. Attorney fees vary and are often flat-fee for straightforward cases; your free check includes a quote.
Expungement and record-sealing petitions in Richmond are filed with the Richmond City Circuit Court. A licensed attorney files in the correct court and handles the hearing for you.
Acquittals, dismissals, nolle prosequi, and mistaken identity qualify for expungement. The 2026 sealing law adds marijuana possession, most non-convictions, and — by petition — some convictions. Class 1 and 2 felonies are excluded; Class 3 and 4 felonies carry a 20-year wait.
Most Richmond expungements take a few months from filing to the court’s order. A licensed attorney can give you a realistic timeline once they review your record.
A licensed Virginia attorney will review whether your record can be cleared — free, and with no obligation.