Q: Does a conviction of "obtained drug by fraud" fall under the category of a Drug Crime or is it a White Collar Crime?
Or is it both? Also, after reading relevant Virginia Code, it's my understanding that in the State of Virginia it is only possible to be granted an expungement if found not guilty or charges are dismissed by the prosecution. Is that correct?
A: Yes, you are correct: only charges which have been nolle prosequi'd (withdrawn) or dismissed (and not via offender offender program) is a charge eligible for expungement. Even those charges which are eligible are not automatically expunged.
Shemeka C Hankins agrees with this answer
A: I agree with Ms. Fremit but write separately to indicate more fully (as she said as well) that charges which were dismissed under a "deferred finding" or "first offender" style statute that one might have taking advantage of in a case like prescription fraud are not eligible to be expunged as the person has already received a benefit by plea or evidence sufficient and would not fall into the category of innocent persons as defined by the case law/statute.
Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.
The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.
Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.
