As discussed several times in this blog, Washington State law does not automatically expunge or seal criminal records. If you have ever been convicted of a crime in this state, it will stay on your record for the rest of your life unless you take action to request...
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redemption law
How much could expunging my record cost?
Most people in the Seattle-Tacoma region who get their criminal records expunged find more and better job opportunities. It usually does not take long before their income and quality of life have gotten much better. More money in the bank can mean a nicer vehicle and...
Finding a job with a criminal record can be very tough
Getting out of prison is huge. You can put the indignities and lack of freedom of prison life behind you and reunite with your family and friends. But that doesn't mean going back to civilian life is easy for someone with a criminal record. Though you might have paid...
The differences between a COD and a CROP
You may have heard of the Certificate of Discharge (COD) and the Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP). The names are somewhat similar and they both have to do with restoring your civil rights after completing a criminal sentence. But they are not the same...
How long should people have to wait to get their gun rights restored?
The right to bear arms is enshrined in the Bill of Rights. Many people in the Seattle area take their right to own guns for protection, hunting or recreation for granted. But if you have convictions for certain crimes on your record, the law says you cannot own or...
A CROP may help you pursue a professional license
When you were young, having a lucrative and fulfilling career may have not been your primary concern. As an adult, though, a conviction from young adulthood may interfere with your ability to obtain a professional license. If you cannot work in your chosen field...
Should automatic expungement go hand-in-hand with marijuana legalization?
Washington was one of the first states to legalize marijuana for recreational use. But it may be falling behind in another way: authorizing automatic expungement for past marijuana-related criminal convictions. Washington State does not currently have automatic...
Can I get my gun rights back with a Class A conviction?
In a previous post, we talked about who is eligible to apply for gun rights restoration after a criminal conviction in Washington State. To recap, after a certain number of years has passed from any serious criminal conviction, you can go to court and ask to get your...
Washington’s juvenile offense sealing procedure has changed in 2022
Parents in Normandy Park and the rest of the Seattle-Tacoma area who have a teen with a juvenile record are understandably eager to help their son or daughter get a fresh start. If you want to get a juvenile arrest or conviction wiped from your teenager's record, you...
Bill in Congress would encourage states to expunge marijuana convictions
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...
