Expunge, Vacate, or Seal Your
Criminal Record in Washington State

If you have a criminal record in Seattle, Tacoma, or anywhere in Washington state and would like to expunge, vacate, seal, or clear your criminal record in Seattle, Tacoma or anywhere in Washington state, contact a Seattle and Tacoma expungement lawyer.  Also, if you would like to expunge, vacate, clear, or seal your criminal record in King, Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, or Snohomish counties, contact The Law Office of Miklos “Mick” Pusztai for a free consultation on whether you are eligible under Washington law.  Additionally, to see if you are eligible to regain/restore your right to possess a firearm and gun rights in Washington state. 

Those who have a criminal record, whether a misdemeanor or felony, no matter how long ago, know the effect the criminal conviction can have on your life -- even well after the case is “over.”  Today, many businesses and employers require “background” checks for those who seek employment, loans, mortgages, and residency in an apartment complex.  Many of these businesses will disqualify you if they discover you have a criminal record. These businesses hire private “background check” companies whose job it is to find out everything they can about you, including whether or not you have a criminal record.  It can be a surprise to find out that you will not be getting that desired job, unable to buy the home of your dreams, or move into that great apartment complex because of a criminal charge from years ago, often times a criminal charge that you forgot about because it has been so long.

The law in Washington state allows an individual who has a criminal record to vacate certain convictions, this is commonly referred to as “expunge” criminal charges or convictions.  Not all charges are eligible to be vacated or expunged.

Expunge, Vacate, or Seal a Misdemeanor Charge

For misdemeanors in the state of Washington, either 3 or 5 years must have passed from the date the case was closed, not the date of the incident or of conviction.  Also, there must not be any criminal charges during that time period.

Expunge, Vacate, or Seal a Felony Charge

For felonies in the state of Washington, either 5 or 10 years must have passed from the date the case was closed, usually when the certificate of discharge has been placed in your court file.  Nothing in the statute prohibits expunging more than one felony.

Expunge, Vacate, or Seal a Juvenile Charge

The law in Washington state also allows for certain juvenile records to be sealed.  Generally speaking, if you have been convicted of a juvenile offense which is not a sex offense, and have no criminal cases pending or new criminal convictions you may be eligible.
For class B felonies five years must have passed from entry of disposition.  For class C felonies and misdemeanors, two years from entry of disposition.  For diversions, two years since completion of the diversion agreement.

Effect of Successfully Vacating a
Criminal Conviction in Washington State

If your criminal felony or misdemeanor charge has been successfully vacated or “expunged,” it means you can legally state that you have not been convicted of a crime. Accordingly, the Washington State Patrol – the agency which keeps criminal records -- will be ordered to seal there records from public view.  Also, you are given certified copies of the court order for your records. As a result it means you do not have to check those boxes on employment applications that ask whether you have been convicted of any criminal charges.

For, additional information regarding vacating criminal convictions and criminal defense in Washington state please visit us at www.pusztailaw.com.

There are also other steps an experienced Seattle, Tacoma and Western Washington criminal defense attorney can take to further expunge/vacate/seal criminal charges off your record. Call Mick today at (206) 228-5767 in the Seattle area or (253) 278-2571 in the Tacoma area for a free consultation from an experienced, aggressive, and affordable Seattle, Tacoma, and Western Washington area criminal defense attorney on whether your criminal record, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony charge, can be expunged and taken off your record.

Restoration of Firearm Rights

Felony convictions and some misdemeanor convictions will result in your loss of certain constitutional rights, such as the right to possess a firearm.  Your right to possess firearms does not return automatically upon “completion” of your case or probation. Also, your right to possess a firearm does not return as a result of a vacated or sealed criminal charge.  You must petition the Superior Court in the county where you were convicted for your right to possess a firearm to be restored. The law in Washington allows for reinstatement of the right to possess a firearm for those who have lost that right due to a state conviction in certain situations.

Felonies

If you have a conviction for a Class B or Class C felony and at least five years has passed since you were convicted and you have no other charges currently pending, you may be eligible to have your right to possess a firearm restored.

Misdemeanors

If you have a conviction for a misdemeanor that resulted in your ineligibility to possess a firearm and three years has elapsed since the date of conviction, you may be eligible to restore your right to possess a firearm.

For, additional information regarding restoring your right to possess a firearm and criminal defense in Washington state please visit us at www.pusztailaw.com.

Call Mick today for more information about reinstating your right to possess firearms in the state of Washington from an experienced, aggressive, and affordable Seattle, Tacoma, and Western Washington area criminal defense lawyer.

Voting Rights

If you have lost your right to vote, you may be able to have that right restored.  Whether or not you are eligible depends on several factors, including whether or not you have been discharged from the  Department of Corrections.  Please contact us to discuss whether you are eligible to restore your right to vote in the state of Washington.

Disclaimer: The information contained on this web site may provide general legal information but is not intended to give legal advice or counsel on any specific legal matter. The Law Office of Miklos Pusztai does not offer legal advice via our web site, nor do we intend to do so. Nothing on this Web site should be interpreted as legal advice. You should consult an attorney for legal advice regarding any legal issue you may have, now or in the future. The links provided in this web site are for the information and enjoyment of on-line readers and do not constitute an endorsement of products or services represented there. The Law Office of Miklos Pusztai cannot and does not guarantee any outcome of a criminal case or guarantee any financial recovery in a personal injury case. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters, and electronic mail.

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