Virginia is one of 10 states that offers almost no way for people convicted of misdemeanors to expunge their records, creating roadblocks for people trying to get a job or rent an apartment. Even when a jury finds defendants in Virginia not guilty or when prosecutors dropped charges, allegations remain on records as a stain that can cause problems for years to come. That’s why lawmakers are about to consider a proposal from the Virginia Crime Commission on automatic expungement, which is expected to be released early next week.

“For the relatively low-level, minor offenses I think there ought to be some sort of automatic mechanism where those records are at least sealed,” said Attorney General Mark Herring in an interview. “We should give a clean slate and a second chance to more Virginians who have earned it.”

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Source:  Great Falls Connection