What felonies cannot be sealed under the Virginia Clean Slate Act?

The most serious felonies are permanently excluded. Class 1 and Class 2 felonies, and any offense carrying a possible life sentence, cannot be sealed. Violent felonies, felonies involving a firearm, and offenses requiring sex offender registration are also excluded. The law is aimed at lower-level, non-violent convictions after a substantial waiting period.

Can a DUI be sealed in Virginia in 2026?

No. Driving under the influence under Va. Code § 18.2-266 is specifically excluded from sealing under the Clean Slate Act. This exclusion was confirmed in the 2025 amendments, so a DUI conviction remains on the public record regardless of how much time has passed.

Does a pardon remove a misdemeanor from my record in Virginia?

A pardon and record sealing are different things. A pardon is an act of clemency by the Governor and does not by itself remove a conviction from your public record. An absolute pardon granted because a person was innocent can support an expungement, but for most convictions, sealing under the Clean Slate Act is the mechanism that removes the record from public view.

How long does a Class 1 misdemeanor stay on your record in Virginia?

Without action, a Class 1 misdemeanor conviction stays on your record permanently. Under the Clean Slate Act, a qualifying Class 1 misdemeanor conviction may be sealed after a seven-year waiting period, provided you have no disqualifying convictions during that time and the offense is not on the excluded list.

Does sealing a felony restore a person's right to own a firearm in Virginia?

No. Sealing a record under the Clean Slate Act removes it from public view but does not restore firearm rights or other civil rights. For someone with a felony conviction, restoring the right to possess a firearm is a separate legal process handled through the Governor's office and, where required, the courts.

The Irving Law Firm 25th Anniversary

Celebrating 25 Years

Twenty-five years ago, The Irving Law Firm began with a commitment to serve our clients with dedication, compassion, and integrity. Today, we celebrate 25 extraordinary years of serving our clients and community—and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been part of the journey.

It All Begins With You

Twenty-five years ago, The Irving Law Firm began with a commitment to serve our clients with dedication, compassion, and integrity.

Today, as we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we find ourselves reflecting not only on how far we have come, but on the people who made this journey possible.

And that begins with you.

Where Our Story Began

Our story began in 2001, when our doors opened to what would become The Irving Law Firm. At the time, it was just one lawyer and one legal assistant, with a vision for building a firm where clients would feel heard, supported, and fiercely represented.

What began as a small practice with a handful of criminal defense attorneys has grown steadily over the years. As the needs of our clients and community grew, so did we, expanding our services to include family law and estate planning, adding talented attorneys and team members, and continually growing our ability to serve those who turn to us for help.

Growing Alongside Our Community

Our physical footprint has grown along with our team. From one small office, we expanded our space and eventually our locations.

Today, The Irving Law Firm proudly serves Northern Virginia from three offices in Manassas, Arlington, and Fairfax, with a team of 15 attorneys, 9 paralegals and legal assistants, and a dedicated administrative support team.

25 years of growth. Three Northern Virginia offices. A team dedicated to helping the people and families who trust us when they need us most.

Those numbers tell part of the story, but they are not what we are most proud of. Our growth has been made possible by the trust people have placed in us.

Thank You To Our Clients

To our clients who have trusted us during some of the most important and challenging moments of their lives, thank you. It is a privilege we have never taken lightly.

Over the past 25 years, we have had the opportunity to stand beside thousands of individuals and families, helping them navigate difficult circumstances, protect what matters most, and move forward into the next chapter of their lives.

Being able to do this work is something we are profoundly grateful for.

Thank You To Our Community

To our friends, colleagues, community partners, and supporters who have referred others to us, encouraged us, and believed in our work, thank you for being part of our story.

Your support has helped us grow, strengthen our community relationships, and continue doing the work we care so deeply about.

Thank You To Our Team

And to the incredible members of The Irving Law Firm team, past and present, thank you for bringing your talent, compassion, hard work, and heart to this firm every day.

This milestone belongs to you, too. Every attorney, paralegal, legal assistant, and administrative team member has helped shape the firm we are today.

Behind Every Case Is A Person

Behind every case is a person. Behind every person is a story, a family, a future, and a life that matters.

For 25 years, you have trusted us with those stories, and that trust has shaped who we are as a firm.

While so much has changed since our doors first opened in 2001, our purpose has remained the same: to be there when people need us, to advocate fiercely for those we represent, and to serve our community with care and integrity.

From Two People To A Firm

From two people in one office to the team and firm we are today, every step of this journey has been made possible by the people who have believed in us, worked alongside us, referred friends and family to us, and trusted us when it mattered most.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are proud of where we started, humbled by how far we have come, and incredibly grateful for everyone who has shared this journey with us.

25 Years of Service

From all of us at The Irving Law Firm, thank you for 25 extraordinary years of trust, support, friendship, and community.

We would not be here without you.

Here’s to honoring the last 25 years—and to all that we will accomplish together in the next 25.

With heartfelt gratitude,
The Irving Law Firm

About the Author: The Irving Law Firm - John J. Irving

John J. Irving brings a deep practical understanding of all aspects of the legal process to every case or client, thanks to his extensive and varied legal background. In 1997, John earned his bachelor's degree in criminal justice. Shortly after graduating, he began working as a fraud investigator for the City of New York. John handled thousands of cases related to welfare and housing fraud. He was later recruited and employed by the Prince William County Police Department, where he demonstrated superior skills and received several commendations and awards.