You’re working hard, staying out of trouble, and trying to build something better for yourself. However, every time you apply for a job, a past criminal charge keeps showing up in background checks and shutting doors. Interviews now seem like dead ends, which can be quite frustrating.
If you’re in such a situation, you may have options to finally put your past behind you under Washington’s redemption laws. Here’s what you need to know.
Were you convicted?
If you were found not guilty, you may have records related to the arrest or charges deleted or removed through an expungement or record sealing. These legal tools restrict access to your criminal history, which means it won’t come up in routine background checks.
If you were convicted of an offense, you may still have options. Certain convictions can be vacated, which removes them from your public record. You can legally state you have not been convicted of that offense if asked by a potential employer.
Vacating or sealing your record isn’t automatic. Everything comes down to the specific facts of your situation. The type of charges, the amount of time that has passed and whether you’ve stayed out of trouble all play a role. The law has specific waiting periods, depending on whether your charge was a misdemeanor or felony. Some convictions can be cleared after a few years of staying clean, while others may take longer or be ineligible altogether.
Determining whether you qualify for an expungement or a vacatur and navigating the required legal steps can be complicated. Speak to someone familiar with Washington redemption laws to understand your options for clearing your record and reclaiming your future.