If you have made a mistake in the past that landed you in jail or got you in serious trouble with the law, you know what it’s like to make a mistake, feel terrible about it and want a chance to make it right. A pardon is an act of forgiveness granted by the governor...
Protecting Your Future With Compassion And Understanding
redemption law
I don’t qualify for record sealing or expungement. Now what?
In a perfect world, the legal system should reward people who have worked hard to turn their lives around after past mistakes. Unfortunately, even after putting in the work, some people learn they aren’t eligible for incentives like pardons, expungement or vacating a...
How to prepare for a redemption law hearing in Washington
If you have a criminal record in Washington, you already know the many limitations accompanying the consequences of long-past mistakes. Housing setbacks, job opportunities, international travel and even local volunteering are among the challenges of living in this...
Can I get my drug possession conviction removed in Washington?
Drug convictions can affect crucial parts of your life, including housing and employment opportunities. Washington State has a path for people to get drug convictions removed under certain circumstances, which can significantly improve your life, but there are a few...
Can I get removed from the sex offender registry in Washington?
Appearing in a sex offender registry has numerous long-term ramifications, including limited employment opportunities, housing options and the social stigma. People who have turned their lives around after past mistakes will eventually arrive at the question, "Can I...
What does a clemency application in Washington involve?
Someone who has been convicted of a criminal offense in Washington may continue to maintain their innocence. Sometimes, they can appeal an unfair verdict from a criminal trial when there were issues with the proceedings. If an appeal is not an option or proves...
First state lawmaker with felony record gets convictions vacated
The first person with a felony record ever elected to be a state lawmaker in Washington finally got five felonies vacated by a judge this September. Rep. Tarra Simmons, who represents Bremerton, had a felony record going back to the age of 13 when she was convicted of...
New record-sealing laws may benefit those convicted as juveniles
Young adults who are not yet legally independent can make mistakes that may haunt them for years to come. Thankfully, the juvenile justice system has certain rules in place that can help reduce how long many youthful offenders must suffer lingering consequences for an...
How do you get a presidential pardon?
Most people know that the President of the United States has the power to issue pardons – and people regularly appeal to whoever is in office for post-conviction relief. However, there’s a lot of confusion about how presidential pardons actually work. Here are some...
What are Brady violations and why do they matter?
In the landmark U.S. Supreme Court case Brady v. Maryland, it was confirmed that prosecutors are required to disclose specific kinds of evidence to criminal defendants so that those affected by such evidence are given an opportunity to assess its validity and respond...