Redemption Law

There are many ways to address past criminal records and related documents. People often want to explore their options as they move forward with their lives, as a criminal record may make it harder to find employment and take other crucial steps. One of the most...

A certificate of discharge allows a person convicted of a Washington crime to have some key civil rights restored, such as the right to serve on a jury or the right to vote. A certificate of discharge can also play an important role in establishing eligibility for...

A promotion often brings closer scrutiny. A decades-old offense from age 17, 18 or 19 can reappear when an employer considers someone for leadership or greater financial responsibility. That can feel unfair for some, especially when the matter ended long ago. Still,...

Sealing an adult criminal record is not an automatic process. For those with criminal records to expunge or seal the record of a conviction, they must first ask the Washington courts to vacate the conviction. That process involves a thorough review to ensure the...

People who have a criminal history often have to face challenges that other people don’t have to deal with. Two common collateral consequences of a criminal conviction are difficulty obtaining employment and a home. Some people who are dealing with these effects may...

It is possible to vacate some misdemeanor charges under Washington state law. However, not all offenders will qualify, and not all charges can be vacated. As such, people need to understand the criteria that must be met to qualify. Below are four important criteria to...

One potential reason that you can seek post-conviction relief is if you believe that your rights were violated by the government. If this happened during your trial, it may indicate that the trial was not fair or just. This could be an avenue for you to seek to have...

When a court grants vacatur, you receive meaningful legal relief, but the order does not erase every reference to the case. An employer may still find the matter through a public court file, an outdated private report or another source. Recognizing what your options...

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...