Get Informed About Criminal Justice Reform: Record Sealing

The criminal legal system harms people and communities. It criminalizes race, poverty, mental health, substance use, and disabilities. The obstacles to criminal legal reform often seem insurmountable. Entire institutions exist just to preserve the status quo and they have a great deal of influence over legislation. Justice Forward Virginia was founded by public defenders—our leadership team sees injustice first-hand and knows a smarter approach. That's why we're hosting a series of virtual expert panels: Get Informed About Criminal Justice Reform.

Part two of our four-part series of virtual Facebook Live events focuses on Record Sealing. Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans have a criminal record? More than 2.5 million Virginians alone. Criminal records—no matter how old or minor—can put employment, housing, education, and other basic necessities permanently out of reach. And although a record sealing law passed in Virginia in 2021 is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2025, it is at risk. 

On December 4 from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. we’ll be joined by a number of subject matter experts—Sharon Dietrich the Litigation Director for Community Legal Services of Philadelphia, Yohance Whitaker an Organizer with the Civil Rights & Racial Justice Program at Legal Aid Justice Center, Charlie Schmidt attorney, adjunct professor, and Richmond Public Library’s very own Law Librarian, and Sheba Williams the Executive Director of Nolef Turns Inc.—to assist us in discussing why Virginia lawmakers must take immediate action to ensure access to record sealing. Virginia must finally make it possible for the millions of people impacted by the barriers associated with a criminal record to move on with their lives. 

We look forward to seeing you online, tell a friend or two or three, and don’t forget to join us throughout December to Get Informed About Criminal Justice Reform so you can be equipped to join our movement as effective volunteer advocates in the upcoming 2025 Virginia General Assembly Legislative Session slated for January.