Conviction Vacation

A criminal conviction can follow you into job applications, housing searches, and licensing decisions for years. In Washington, vacating a conviction lets you legally say you were never convicted of that offense. Convictions you can vacate in Washington Washington law...

A criminal record can affect a person for many years after they have completed their sentence. A person who was convicted of a crime may lose housing, employment, child custody and education opportunities. These losses can make it difficult for people to restart their...

The record of a prior drug offense can have a major impact on the defendant. Especially in cases involving felony convictions, individuals may struggle to secure gainful employment, obtain rental housing or qualify for certain forms of educational financial aid.  The...

Vacating a criminal conviction can help people move on from their prior mistakes or misunderstandings. Once enough time has passed, people with eligible criminal records can ask the courts to vacate prior convictions, which may ultimately expand that person's...

In Washington, there are two options for helping you to clear a criminal record. While some people use these two options as interchangeable methods, they are actually considerably different. Both aim to reduce the long-term consequences of a criminal record, but they...

A criminal conviction is likely to have a lasting negative impact on an individual's future. People who cannot pass background checks may lose out on certain opportunities. Many landlords perform background checks. It is common practice for employers to look at...

Errors in official criminal records can cause major problems for people seeking post-conviction relief. These problems are often referred to as negative data issues.  In Washington state, inaccurate or outdated records can delay or even prevent relief after a...

Even though Washington has a reputation for somewhat lenient drug laws, thousands of people still get arrested and prosecuted for substance-related offenses every year. Those who plead guilty or get convicted have to cope with having a criminal record that may follow...

If you have a vacated conviction or your case carries safety or privacy issues, Washington state may seal or redact your criminal record. After the state court seals a record, employers and others cannot access this information in a public record search. Learn more...