Redemption Law

A person who is convicted of a crime or even arrested for a crime often wonders how that record will affect them throughout the rest of their life. There isn’t any easy or solid answer to this, but it can sometimes make it difficult to find job opportunities or...

People in the State of Washington who have a criminal history sometimes have the unique option of receiving a Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP). This is meant to help combat some of the challenges that come with securing housing, obtaining a...

In Washington State, courts often order convicts to participate in community custody. Known in other places as parole, community custody can impose a wide range of restrictions. People under community custody may not be able to drive or leave certain geographic...

One of the most consequential results of a conviction for certain crimes is the public exposure. Anyone convicted of a sex offense as defined by RCW 9a.44.130 must register as a sex offender in a public database. This can affect your employment and housing...

For individuals seeking a fresh start after a criminal conviction, social media can serve as both a valuable resource and a potential hazard. Whether you are applying for expungement, probation modifications or other forms of post-conviction relief, it is important to...

DNA evidence has been instrumental in overturning wrongful convictions. Since the development of modern scientific tests, DNA has been used to exonerate hundreds of people who were previously convicted of various charges. Many of these individuals have been cleared...

When your name is on the sex offender registry, it can feel like you wear a label for all to see. Unfortunately, it can also impact most of your life, from employment opportunities and housing to social interactions. What if you could strike your name from this list...

If you have a criminal record, a certificate of restoration of opportunity (CROP) can help you overcome barriers to employment, housing and other opportunities. As a court-issued document, it serves as an official recognition that you have made significant progress in...

Unfortunately, a mistake you made as a minor that ended up on your juvenile court records may affect your ability to get a job, housing and benefits in the future. Luckily, Washington state allows residents to seal such records, making them unavailable to the public. ...

Once you have fulfilled the obligations of your conviction, you are ready to move on and get a fresh start. Part of that is restoring the civil rights you are legally entitled to as a United States citizen. Unfortunately, it may not be as straightforward as you might...