People who are convicted of a crime in Washington often wonder how their future will be impacted by the conviction. This can vary considerably, based on what type of charge they had and specific circumstances of the case.
Washington has options available for relief after a conviction. Understanding these is critical for anyone who may benefit from them.
Sealing juvenile court records
Many juvenile records in this state can be sealed automatically. This typically occurs once the individual is a legal adult and completes the terms of their sentence, including being confined and serving probation.
Once the juvenile record is sealed, the record is treated as though it doesn’t exist. Certain serious offenses, such as sex crimes and violent offenses aren’t eligible for automatic sealing.
Options for adult court records
The rules for an adult conviction aren’t the same as for a juvenile. Washington’s General Rule 15 gives the court power to redact or seal certain criminal and civil records. This is often the case when safety concerns or privacy needs outweigh the public’s right to access those files.
Criminal convictions can’t be destroyed for adults, but they can be vacated if they meet specific legal requirements. If a conviction is vacated, it’s no longer a conviction and may be able to be sealed.
Having a conviction vacated isn’t a quick process. The person must complete their sentence and wait a predetermined amount of time. Once that’s done and they meet other requirements, they can apply to have the conviction vacated.
Non-conviction relief
It’s sometimes possible for individuals to have certain information deleted from law enforcement files. This applies to situations in which someone was arrested but never convicted. If specific time limits have passed and the person hasn’t faced new charges, they might be eligible for deletion.
All of these post-conviction relief options may seem daunting at first. Working with someone familiar with these matters may be beneficial so the individual can ensure they pursue the best option.