Lets Abuse Victims Clear Certain Records
Virginia · SB847 · Introduced Oct 26, 2026
Why it matters
People with old records from crimes committed while being abused could clear those records. That could make jobs and housing easier to get. Prosecutors could still object, which would lead to a hearing.
What it does
- Lets victims ask courts to vacate, or erase, arrests, charges, and convictions tied to their abuse
- Covers felonies not listed as violent, plus misdemeanors and some related matters
- Requires petitions to be filed under oath, with fingerprints and a court-approved form
- Lets prosecutors agree to erase a record without a hearing
- Ends restitution owed on a vacated offense and lets the victim seek crime compensation
In committee
Next: a committee vote
- Introduceddone
- Committeecurrent step
- Senatenot yet
- Housenot yet
- Governornot yet
About this bill
Would let victims of human trafficking or ongoing domestic violence ask Virginia courts to vacate certain arrests and convictions. Prosecutors may object, which would lead to a court hearing.
Human trafficking and ongoing domestic violence; issuance of writs of vacatur for victims, sealing.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Victim advocacy groups would likely say records from abuse should not follow survivors for life. Reentry groups may say clean records help people find work.
💬 The case against
Some prosecutors would likely say the bill lets offenders erase convictions too easily. They may also worry about limits on sharing victims' statements with police.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
News
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