Having a criminal record can affect your life in different ways, as it can limit your employment, housing and other opportunities. Luckily, In Washington, residents can apply for the vacation of a conviction. The court will clear the record of applicants who meet the prescribed tests. If your application is approved, you will be permitted to withdraw your plea of guilty and enter a plea of not guilty.
But how will life be after vacation of your conviction? Here are three tips to keep in mind:
1. Change some aspects of your life
Getting your record cleared is a major thing – you probably went through some difficulties when you had a criminal record. Thus, you should live better than before the conviction and avoid circumstances that may have led to it.
Even though the crime may no longer be on your record, this does not prevent the court from using the conviction in a later prosecution.
2. You don’t need to inform people of the crime
When applying for a housing or employment opportunity, you may be asked about your criminal record, of course, without discriminating against you. You can say that you have never committed a crime. Technically, it won’t be dishonesty because they won’t find the offense after running official background checks.
3. Lean on your loved ones
You may have been used to surviving and experiencing hardship getting things. However, the vacation of your conviction gives you access to limitless opportunities, which may feel new even though that was your norm before the conviction. Your loved ones can make it easier to accept and embrace the chance you have worked for.
Getting your record clean has substantial benefits. You should get more information about your case to know the options available to you.