Redemption Law

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...

A mistake made at 15 or 16 should not define a person's adult life. But in Washington, a juvenile record that stays open can show up on background checks and create barriers to employment, housing, education and military service. The good news is that Washington law...

Sex offender registration exists to protect the community. However, it can become a form of harsh punishment and social humiliation for people with convictions from years ago. Every time an individual subject to registration requirements moves to a new home, they must...

Having a criminal record can certainly impact a person’s life in many ways. It can make it more difficult for them to get a job, for example. Even if they have all of the necessary skills, education and experience, employers may be wary about hiring someone with a...

Yes, Washington’s CROP law can apply even if you have more than one conviction, but each case has to qualify on its own. Here’s what that means and what you’ll need to navigate if your record isn’t simple. Each conviction must meet the criteria on its own To qualify...

Lifetime sex offense registration often feels final. Many people believe it means there is no path forward and no chance to seek removal. That belief is common, but it is not always accurate. In certain situations, lifetime registration does not actually mean...

Many expungement cases revolve around DNA evidence that has come to light after the conviction. A person who has been incarcerated may have their conviction overturned and their record expunged when it becomes clear that it was a false conviction to begin with. For...

Washington law offers the Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity, or CROP, to help people blocked from professional licenses by old criminal records. This tool prevents state agencies from denying you a license solely based on your history. If you have rebuilt your...

People with criminal convictions on their records face many challenges. Their prior offense may turn up whenever landlords or employers perform background checks. Most criminal records exist indefinitely, meaning that they can limit a person’s opportunities for the...

A run-in with the law in your late teens or a criminal charge that has long been resolved shouldn’t define the rest of your life. However, many people in Washington continue to miss out on jobs, housing and educational opportunities simply because of having a criminal...