Washington was one of the first states in the country to legalize marijuana. As more and more states pass similar laws, fewer Americans than ever will face the risk of getting arrested and charged with marijuana possession. But for those with a cannabis-related crime...
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Why Restoring your Gun Rights Matters, even if you don’t want to own one
One of the consequences of getting convicted of any felony in Washington State is losing your right to own or possess a firearm. This is automatic under the law, though you can petition to restore your rights three years after a disqualifying misdemeanor conviction...
What convictions cannot be relieved by a CROP in Washington?
We have discussed Certifications of Restoration of Opportunity, commonly known as CROPs, before in this blog. To summarize, people with a criminal record who are denied an expungement or vacated conviction can seek a CROP as a way of relieving the lingering effects of...
Activists announce Washington drug decriminalization effort
The war on drugs was launched by President Richard Nixon 50 years ago. Over the years, the casualties have mounted: millions have been arrested, convicted and served time in jails and prisons across America. Countless lives were stained with criminal records that...
Washington state Supreme Court, governor and lawmakers shaking up drug possession laws
Early this year, the Washington Supreme Court’s historic ruling on drug possession shook up the state’s legal system. In the court’s 5-4 decision in the State of Washington v. Blake, justices ruled that criminalizing unwitting drug possession is unconstitutional...
What is a Certificate of Discharge and How Do You Get One?
When you receive a felony conviction in Washington, you lose many of your civil rights. The Washington Court System explains that a Certificate of Discharge restores some of these rights, such as your right to vote or serve on a jury. Keep in mind, however, that a...
Your past conviction for drug possession may be unconstitutional
Possessing even small amounts of controlled substances used to constitute a serious criminal offense in Washington. Those who judges or juries found guilty often faced prison sentences, steep fines or both. If you are one of the countless Washingtonians with...
Can clemency help your loved one?
For many individuals and their families, the justice system is all but what its name suggests. You may know this all too well if the courts wrongly convicted a loved one or doled out a punishment that did not fit the crime. Once upon a time, a conviction was set in...
Can you benefit from Washington’s CROP program?
Have you lost work, housing and other opportunities based on past criminal convictions that remain on your record? Many Washington residents are unaware that they may benefit from the state's Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity Program. Learn more about CROP...
Am I eligible for a CROP?
Washington state could offer you the opportunity for a second chance. One of the most widely available options is a certificate of restoration of opportunity. CROPs have limited effectiveness when compared with expungement, vacation of convictions and other more...
