| MCLE Credit: | 2.0 (Ethics: 0.0) |
| Live-Interactive Credit: | 0.0 |
| Price: | $149 (Includes a downloadable audio version.) |
| Viewable Through: | 04/30/2028 |
A pre-recorded streaming VIDEO replay of the April 2025 webcast, Understanding the Virginia Sealing Criminal Records Statute.
A new, transformative law is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, and it is imperative that all Virginia lawyers understand what this law entails and what it means for their practice. Whether you are representing government bodies, advising private clients, practicing criminal or civil law, or working as a corporate attorney or employment lawyer, this new criminal records sealing statute will have significant implications for your work. Both seasoned attorneys and those new to the practice will benefit from understanding the complexities of this law and its impact on various legal practices.
This seminar explains the complexities of the new sealing statute, including the distinctions between automatic sealing and sealing by petition. It will explore the legislative changes that led to the current law, the criteria for eligibility, and the procedural steps involved in sealing records. Additionally, the seminar discusses the potential impacts on businesses, particularly regarding employment practices and compliance requirements. Attendees also gain insights into recent legislative developments in the Virginia General Assembly that may affect the law’s implementation.
Charles “Chuck” Slemp, Troutman Pepper Locke / Richmond
Chuck Slemp currently advises clients on a wide range of complex issues that frequently involve government actions, including investigations, inquiries, regulatory matters, and litigation. With a distinguished background in the law and public service, he served as Chief Deputy Attorney General of Virginia before joining the firm. In addition to overseeing the Department of Law and Division of Debt Collection, he managed a team of attorneys who handled complex litigation and investigations. He also directed the Attorney General’s legislative affairs and represented the Attorney General in various capacities.
As an elected official, Mr. Slemp served six years as the Commonwealth’s Attorney of Wise County and the city of Norton in Virginia. His work included leading the largest prosecutor’s office in southwestern Virginia, coordinating complex multijurisdictional law-enforcement operations, and serving as the victim witness services director. In addition to prosecuting serious and violent crimes, he drafted legislation, advocated before the General Assembly, crafted programs to promote economic development and public safety, strengthened policies to protect seniors from elder abuse, and addressed the opioid addiction crisis affecting central Appalachia.
Mr. Slemp also served in a quasi-judicial capacity as commissioner of accounts and general receiver, responsible for Virginia’s probate court and the supervision of various fiduciaries admitted to qualify before the circuit court. As the official responsible for the settlement of fiduciary accounts, he conducted hearings to make determinations on a wide range of issues, including the sufficiency of fiduciary bonds, creditors’ claims, and disputes involving estate administration. Before this appointment, Mr. Slemp operated his own general practice law firm, where his areas of focus included wills and estate planning law, juvenile advocacy, and criminal defense in state and federal courts. He also served as town attorney for the town of Pennington Gap, providing advice to the town council and officials, drafting ordinances, and handling employment matters.
Mackenzie Babichenko, Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney / Hanover
Mackenzie Babichenko has more than thirteen years’ prosecution experience, including a decade of service to Hanover County. She began her career in 2010 as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Portsmouth, Virginia. In 2014, she joined the Hanover County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, before rising through the ranks to the position of Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney in 2021.
Ms. Babichenko is dedicated to Hanover County and touts a strong record of convictions against those who have committed serious crimes against our citizens.
Ms. Babichenko and her husband, Igor, live in Mechanicsville with their three children. In their rare free time, they enjoy spending time with family and friends.
