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...
Telling Your Side Of,
The Story
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...
Moving on by getting a good job
For people convicted of misdemeanor or felony offenses, a big hurdle in repairing their lives can be finding a new job. If forced to spend time in jail, any job a person had prior to an offense may be lost. Even when a job remains for a person after being convicted of...
Sealing a Juvenile Offense Record
As a parent in Normandy Park, it goes without saying that you want what is best for your kids. That includes them having no barriers to their future success. Unfortunately, as many of our past clients here at Kurt Bennett Attorneys can attest to, a juvenile criminal...
New Hope gives second chances
The wait to apply to clear your record may end sooner. The New Hope Act may give you a second chance at a fresh start. Prior to its passage, you would have to wait many years to try and get your criminal record vacated by a judge. Since the Act passed last year, you...
Clearing your Record and your Career
There are many reasons why people face hardships in their careers, whether it is very competitive in the field they work in or someone struggles to continue working as a result of an injury. However, our law firm knows that those with criminal records may have an...
