Redemption Law

For a long time, people have realized the significance of having a job and how it can help reduce criminal behavior. But, most employers are reluctant to hire people who have been convicted of a crime, even though they have paid their debt to society. Washington's...

The record of someone's criminal conviction may affect their life for many years to come. Employers, educational institutions and even landlords perform criminal background checks before deciding if they want to hire, rent to or enroll an individual applicant. The...

When looking at job descriptions and requirements, you may see the word “bondable” – as in “you must be bondable” for this job. Just what does that mean, and does a criminal record make you “unbondable?” Jobs that require bonding are generally those in which employees...

SB 6164, which went into effect in June 2020, gives new hope to those serving long prison sentences in the state of Washington. Among other things, it gives prosecutors the ability to seek resentencing when someone’s original sentence no longer seems just. This is...

Two of the most crucial things for formerly incarcerated people to have once they get out are a place to live and a job. While getting a job can be a challenge, businesses, public entities and non-profit organizations offer a variety of programs that can help. Finding...

It’s no secret that a criminal conviction will have a profound impact on your life. The collateral consequences of these convictions can range from not being able to own a firearm to having trouble finding suitable employment. Without being able to get a job, you...

One of the consequences of being convicted of a felony offense in Washington State is that you will lose your eligibility to own a firearm. There’s no expiry date to the ban, meaning that once it’s imposed, it is there forever. It makes owning a firearm a felony...

In 2016, Washington enacted the Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP) bill. The law reduces barriers that individuals with a criminal conviction face, such as securing employment or renting a house. It can also restore their eligibility for occupational...

It’s common to portray individuals as good or bad. The truth is that human behavior just isn’t that simple. There are numerous reasons why someone may be charged with a crime and even convicted. All criminal activity is wrong but a criminal history doesn’t mean that...

Ever since the late 1980s, people have had to look at criminal convictions a little bit differently. This is because DNA evidence was starting to be used in exonerations. Specifically, 1989 saw the first exoneration based on DNA evidence. This means that an individual...