What is expungement of criminal records?

Many individuals who have been convicted a crime do not realize that expunging criminal records concerning their personal criminal history may be accomplished if the particular conviction qualifies. Expunging a criminal history essentially means the court sealing of the conviction record, which then makes the conviction unpublished. While the court and state authorities can still access the record file, potential employers and other general public do not have access after the conviction expungement. In addition to sealing a conviction record, an arrest record can also be sealed is some situations, especially when a conviction is not achieved by the government. This is regularly done when a case has been dismissed. Regardless of your personal legal needs, having a Puget Sound criminal defense lawyer will be necessary to accomplish an expungement request.

What records can be expunged?

Every criminal conviction is not eligible for expungement. This list that is eligible includes both misdemeanors and felonies, but misdemeanors qualify more easily because of waiting periods before the record can be sealed or vacated. Felonies are very serious crimes and the court evaluates all felonies strictly, but convicted felons who do not break similar laws during the designated waiting period still qualify. Each conviction or court record is evaluated individually, so cleaning up your entire record may not be possible. Having an experienced Seattle criminal defense lawyer can clarify what can be effectively accomplished.

What is the timeline for an expungement?

Most misdemeanors require a waiting period of three years without a criminal conviction to be eligible for an expungement. It is important to understand that vacating a record is not the same process as sealing a record. A full conviction vacation means it is as though the event never happened. A record sealing merely blocks the record from public view. Class A and B felonies in Washington require a ten-year waiting period without a similar conviction before becoming eligible. and DUI or sex offense convictions are not eligible under any circumstances. Juvenile record sealing follows a five-year waiting timeline for Class A offenses and a two-year waiting period for all other convictions.

Anyone in the state of Washington needing an expungement should consider retaining our Seattle criminal defense law firm and left us evaluate the potential for your conviction expungement. Contact us today to get started on your case.