An Update on Criminal Expungements in West Virginia

Expungements can restore a person’s record for the future. A criminal conviction, whether a felony or a misdemeanor, can follow a person throughout his or her life and effect employment, housing, and education. West Virginia is one of nearly thirty-six states that allows certain crimes to be expunged, or removed, from a person’s record. Effective June 7, 2019, West Virginia changed the way criminal convictions may be expunged. See W.Va. Code § 61-11-26. This blog provides a general overview of the new law and addresses expungements of criminal convictions. It is not a substitute for legal advice regarding your specific situation.