Virginia is set to implement a law that will allow certain past criminal convictions to be shielded from public view for the first time in the state’s history. The law, approved four years ago, will go into effect soon and will impact a wide range of lower-level felonies and misdemeanors. The change is part of criminal justice reforms aimed at helping people move on from past mistakes.
Under the new law, individuals who meet specific criteria, such as no further criminal activity for a set period of time, can have their convictions sealed. This means that while the records will still exist in background systems accessible to law enforcement agencies, they will be hidden from public scrutiny. Sealed convictions will not have to be disclosed to state or local government agencies or private employers, allowing individuals to have a fresh start in areas like housing and job prospects.
The recent legislation expands and clarifies the original 2021 law, making certain crimes ineligible for sealing and delaying the implementation by six months. The changes have received bipartisan support and are seen as a positive step towards giving individuals a second chance. The legislation is complex, with detailed provisions and impacts on various state and local agencies.
While most misdemeanors and lower-level felonies will be eligible for sealing under the new law, there are some exceptions, such as crimes involving weapons, domestic violence, and certain other offenses. The law aims to strike a balance between helping individuals move forward and protecting public safety. Gov. Glenn Youngkin has until March 24 to decide whether to sign the bill into law, with stakeholders urging him to approve the measure as a compromise that works for all parties involved.
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