Conviction Vacation

A criminal record can feel like a heavy burden when you want to travel freely. You might wonder whether clearing your criminal record will automatically qualify you for programs like Global Entry. Well, the answer generally depends on how you handle the application...

A past conviction for domestic violence often feels like a permanent barrier long after the case ends. Fortunately, Washington law allows you to clear these records through a legal pathway. Here is what you need to know. Legal requirements for vacating Clearing...

In Washington, people with criminal records have legal options to limit how that record affects their future. Two of the most commonly discussed are vacating a conviction and sealing court records. These remedies work differently and accomplish different things –...

Getting a conviction vacated can give you a fresh start, but you may still see that conviction on a background check. Understanding why this happens can help you figure out what needs to be corrected. The record may not be updated everywhere A court's decision to...

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...