Com. v. Dotson

OPINION BY Justice S. BERNARD GOODWYN.

In this appeal, we consider whether a criminal charge that was dismissed pursuant to a first offender statute, Code § 18.2-251, can be expunged from a defendant's record.

Nina Dotson ("Dotson"), charged with possession of marijuana under Code § 18.2-250.1, tendered a plea of nolo contendere in the Circuit Court of the City of Bristol. The court accepted the plea, deferred proceedings pursuant to a first offender statute, Code § 18.2-251, and, upon Dotson's successful completion of the obligations imposed upon her by the court, dismissed the charge.…