If your child has been charged with a misdemeanor or felony offense, you may be aware that a conviction could have serious consequences, but you may not know who to turn to for help.
As a former Virginia prosecutor, I have in-depth knowledge of the tactics that the state will try to use against my clients, especially juveniles. As a Virginia juvenile criminal defense lawyer, my highest priority is working diligently to ensure my juvenile clients are not treated as or charged as adults. I have almost 30 years of courtroom experience and a strong network of experts who can support my criminal defense strategies with expert testimony, whenever necessary.
I work diligently to defend juveniles who are facing criminal charges, because I believe that they should not be punished for the rest of their lives for one moment of poor judgment.
Joseph C. Lindsey, founder of Joseph C. Lindsey PC
During my initial case evaluations, my clients feel confident after leaving my Norfolk law office, because are confident in my ability to successfully manage their cases — from capital murder defense, domestic violence and other serious criminal charges to minor offenses such as underage drinking, truancy and disorderly conduct.
Clearing/Expunging Juvenile Records in Virginia
Virginia's laws regarding juvenile records and expungement are complicated, and there have been revisions to the key language throughout the years. I am an experienced juvenile criminal defense attorney, so I can explain the laws that may apply in your case and whether an expungement is possible.
Eligibility for expungement requires that a person be acquitted or granted an absolute pardon for his or her charges. First offenders who are arrested for misdemeanors may have their records expunged. Additionally, the courts consider many factors when determining whether to grant an expungement, including:
- The severity/nature of the event for which expungement is sought
- The severity/nature of other events in the applicant's criminal record
- The amount of time that has passed since the arrest or conviction
Please contact me to discuss the possible consequences associated with a juvenile criminal conviction and the ways I can help you avoid significant, long-lasting repercussions that can limit future opportunities.
