The criminal justice system provides several ways for people who have served their sentence to seek relief. However, those ineligible for expungement, pardons or vacating a conviction can feel like there is no hope for them. Fortunately, Washington offers the Certificate of Restoration of Opportunities (CROP) Act as a pathway to redemption for qualified individuals.
A CROP may not seal your criminal record, but it can remove legal barriers that prevent you from getting professional licenses and certifications. Additionally, it can show that you have turned your life around, helping you work in fields that were previously off-limits. Learning how you qualify for this post-conviction relief is the first step toward a long, well-paid career.
The eligibility criteria
If you have a misdemeanor or nonviolent felony conviction, you may apply for a CROP once you meet specific conditions, including:
- Finished serving your jail time and met the specific waiting period
- Completed your probation
- Have no new or pending criminal charges
- Settled all your legal financial obligations (LFOs)
- Do not need to register as a sex offender
Unfortunately, individuals with class A felonies and those convicted of sex crimes, drive-by shootings or extortion are ineligible for a CROP.
How to apply for a CROP
To begin your application, you need to get your criminal record from the Washington State Patrol and collect documentation of your finished sentence. You may submit these along with a petition for a CROP (Form CRO 01.0100) in the Superior Court of the county where you live or where you were convicted.
After filing, you need to send a written notice of your petition to the local prosecutor and settle any fees. A judge will then review your case and history to decide whether to grant you a CROP. Each step of the application process requires careful preparation. Seeking legal guidance can help you navigate the intricacies of your CROP application.
Reclaiming your future
Starting your CROP application can help you move forward without the burden of your criminal history. You deserve to live a meaningful life without your past charges limiting your employment opportunities.