Washington State has several options for people who have made mistakes in the past and are ready to move forward on a new path in life. Sealing juvenile records, expungement, sex offender registry removal and The New Hope Act all offer a degree of restored rights...
Protecting Your Future With Compassion And Understanding
redemption law
How sealing juvenile records can improve your adult life
Everyone is susceptible to making mistakes, especially when they're young. The juvenile justice system recognizes this, aiming to rehabilitate youth who break the law. However, some juvenile records can linger into adulthood, creating significant obstacles for...
Governor pardons: a path to redemption
If you have made a mistake in the past that landed you in jail or got you in serious trouble with the law, you know what it’s like to make a mistake, feel terrible about it and want a chance to make it right. A pardon is an act of forgiveness granted by the governor...
I don’t qualify for record sealing or expungement. Now what?
In a perfect world, the legal system should reward people who have worked hard to turn their lives around after past mistakes. Unfortunately, even after putting in the work, some people learn they aren’t eligible for incentives like pardons, expungement or vacating a...
How to prepare for a redemption law hearing in Washington
If you have a criminal record in Washington, you already know the many limitations accompanying the consequences of long-past mistakes. Housing setbacks, job opportunities, international travel and even local volunteering are among the challenges of living in this...
Can I get my drug possession conviction removed in Washington?
Drug convictions can affect crucial parts of your life, including housing and employment opportunities. Washington State has a path for people to get drug convictions removed under certain circumstances, which can significantly improve your life, but there are a few...
Can I get removed from the sex offender registry in Washington?
Appearing in a sex offender registry has numerous long-term ramifications, including limited employment opportunities, housing options and the social stigma. People who have turned their lives around after past mistakes will eventually arrive at the question, "Can I...
What does a clemency application in Washington involve?
Someone who has been convicted of a criminal offense in Washington may continue to maintain their innocence. Sometimes, they can appeal an unfair verdict from a criminal trial when there were issues with the proceedings. If an appeal is not an option or proves...
First state lawmaker with felony record gets convictions vacated
The first person with a felony record ever elected to be a state lawmaker in Washington finally got five felonies vacated by a judge this September. Rep. Tarra Simmons, who represents Bremerton, had a felony record going back to the age of 13 when she was convicted of...
New record-sealing laws may benefit those convicted as juveniles
Young adults who are not yet legally independent can make mistakes that may haunt them for years to come. Thankfully, the juvenile justice system has certain rules in place that can help reduce how long many youthful offenders must suffer lingering consequences for an...