Clear Your Criminal Record
Expungements Lawyer in Spokane Valley, Washington
Understanding Expungement and Record Clearance
An expungement is a legal process that allows you to clear or seal a criminal conviction from your record. When successful, expungement essentially erases the offense as if it never occurred in the eyes of the law. This can be transformative for individuals seeking employment, housing, professional licensing, or simply moving forward with their lives. The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd understands the profound impact a criminal record can have on your future and works diligently to help Spokane Valley residents navigate the expungement process.
Why Expungement Matters for Your Future
An expunged record opens doors that a criminal conviction keeps closed. Employers often conduct background checks, and many will not hire applicants with certain criminal histories. Landlords likewise screen tenants and may deny housing based on prior convictions. Professional licensing boards frequently consider criminal records when evaluating applications. Beyond these practical considerations, living with a conviction affects your sense of possibility and dignity. Expungement provides genuine relief from these barriers, allowing you to answer truthfully that you have no criminal record in many contexts. For many people in Spokane Valley, obtaining an expungement is essential to rebuilding their lives and pursuing new opportunities.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd
How Expungement Works in Washington
Washington law provides pathways to expunge certain criminal convictions through RCW 9.94A.640 and related statutes. The process typically involves filing a petition with the court that handled your original case, presenting evidence or arguments about why expungement is appropriate, and obtaining a judicial order that grants your request. Different types of convictions have different timelines and eligibility requirements. Felonies may require a waiting period, while some misdemeanors can be expunged sooner. Additionally, certain serious crimes are ineligible for expungement under Washington law. Our attorneys evaluate your specific conviction and circumstances to determine the strongest approach.
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Key Terms and Definitions
Conviction
A formal determination by a court or admission before a court that a defendant is guilty of the charges brought against them. A conviction can result from a guilty plea or a guilty verdict after trial.
Petition
A formal written request submitted to a court asking for legal relief or a specific judicial order. In expungement cases, you file a petition asking the court to clear or seal your criminal record.
Sealing Records
A court process that removes public access to documents or criminal records, restricting who can view them. Sealed records may still exist but are protected from general disclosure to employers and landlords.
Statute of Limitations
The legally defined time period within which charges must be filed or action must be taken. For expungements, this refers to waiting periods that must pass before you become eligible to petition for record clearing.
PRO TIPS
Understand Your Eligibility Early
Not all criminal convictions in Washington are eligible for expungement, and eligibility depends on the type of offense, when it occurred, and your conduct since the conviction. It is important to have a qualified attorney review your specific situation to determine whether you qualify. Starting this process as soon as you become eligible can help you move past your conviction more quickly.
Gather Documentation Thoroughly
A strong expungement petition includes detailed court records, sentencing documents, and evidence of rehabilitation or changed circumstances. Having complete and organized documentation strengthens your case and makes the judicial review process smoother. Our attorneys help you compile all necessary materials so nothing is overlooked.
Act Promptly After Eligibility
Washington law provides specific windows and timelines for expungement petitions, and waiting longer can complicate your case. Once you become eligible, filing promptly shows your commitment to moving forward and minimizes the time your record remains public. Delaying your petition serves no benefit and may result in missed opportunities.
Full Expungement vs. Limited Relief
When Full Expungement Is the Right Choice:
Convictions Eligible Under Current Law
If your conviction falls within Washington’s expungeable offenses and you meet the statutory requirements, pursuing full expungement is the strongest path forward. A complete expungement removes your conviction from public view and allows you to answer truthfully that you have no criminal record in most contexts. This comprehensive relief provides maximum benefit for employment, housing, and professional opportunities.
Rehabilitation and Positive Life Changes
Evidence of rehabilitation, stable employment, education completion, or meaningful community involvement strengthens your expungement petition substantially. If you can demonstrate significant positive changes since your conviction, a court is more likely to grant full relief. Our attorneys craft persuasive narratives that highlight your transformation and commitment to a law-abiding future.
When Record Sealing May Be an Alternative:
Ineligible Convictions
Some convictions do not qualify for full expungement under Washington law, particularly serious violent offenses. In these situations, record sealing may provide limited protection by removing public access while the record remains sealed in the justice system. Though not a complete solution, sealing can still provide meaningful relief in employment and housing contexts.
Timing and Eligibility Waiting Periods
If you do not yet meet the waiting period for full expungement, exploring whether limited record sealing is available can provide interim relief. Some offenses allow partial relief before full expungement becomes possible. Our attorneys advise on timing and help you understand what options are available now and in the future.
Common Situations Where Expungement Applies
Why Hire Greene and Lloyd for Your Expungement
The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd combines deep knowledge of Washington expungement law with genuine commitment to our clients’ futures. We have handled hundreds of record clearing cases and understand the nuances that determine success or failure. Our attorneys work closely with you from initial consultation through final court order, explaining your options and keeping you informed every step. We believe expungement should be accessible and that everyone deserves a chance to move beyond a single mistake or conviction. Your success is our mission, and we pursue your case with the same dedication we would want for our own families.
Beyond legal representation, we offer compassionate guidance through a process that can feel overwhelming. We understand the stigma and frustration that accompany a criminal record, and we respect your desire to put it behind you. Our office is located in Spokane Valley, making us conveniently accessible to the community we serve. We accept various fee arrangements and discuss costs transparently so you know exactly what to expect. When you choose the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd, you choose advocates who care about your outcome and will work tirelessly to achieve it.
Contact Us for Your Free Expungement Consultation
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FAQS
How long does an expungement take in Washington?
The timeline for an expungement depends on several factors, including court schedules, whether the prosecutor contests your petition, and how quickly you can gather necessary documentation. Most straightforward expungement cases can be completed within three to six months, though more complex situations may take longer. Our attorneys work efficiently to prepare and file your petition promptly, reducing unnecessary delays. Once filed, the court will typically schedule a hearing within several weeks. If granted, your record is sealed immediately, and you can begin answering honestly that you have no conviction. We keep you updated on progress throughout the process.
What convictions are eligible for expungement in Washington?
Washington law allows expungement of many felonies, misdemeanors, and gross misdemeanors, but not all convictions qualify. Generally, offenses involving violence, sexual abuse, trafficking, or certain traffic violations are ineligible. Additionally, convictions resulting in sentences to prison require longer waiting periods than those resulting in county jail time or suspended sentences. The specific statutes governing expungement include RCW 9.94A.640 for felonies and RCW 9.96.060 for misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. An attorney can review your conviction documents and advise whether your offense qualifies. Even if full expungement is not available, alternative relief such as record sealing may be possible.
Will an expungement allow me to say I was never arrested?
Yes, when an expungement is granted in Washington, you can legally answer that you have not been arrested or convicted of that offense in most contexts, including employment and housing applications. The record is sealed and removed from public access, making it as if the arrest and conviction never happened in the eyes of the law. There are limited exceptions: law enforcement, prosecutors, courts, and certain government agencies can still access sealed records for specific purposes. Additionally, some professional licensing boards and security clearance investigations may have access to sealed records. However, for standard employment background checks and housing applications, your expunged record will not appear.
Do I need to wait before applying for expungement?
Yes, Washington law requires waiting periods before you become eligible for expungement, and these periods vary based on the type of conviction. Misdemeanors typically have shorter waiting periods (often three to five years from sentence completion), while felonies may require longer periods. Some convictions have no waiting period and can be petitioned immediately. Our attorneys evaluate your conviction and sentence to determine your exact eligibility date. If you have already waited the required time, you can proceed with your petition immediately. If not, we advise you of when you will become eligible and help you prepare your application for filing at that time.
What happens if the prosecutor opposes my expungement petition?
While prosecutors in Spokane County often do not oppose expungement petitions for older, lower-level offenses, opposition can occur. If the prosecutor opposes your petition, the case will proceed to a hearing before a judge who will consider arguments from both sides. At the hearing, you have the opportunity to present evidence of rehabilitation and reasons why expungement serves justice. Our attorneys are experienced in advocating for our clients at expungement hearings and presenting persuasive arguments that overcome prosecution objections. We gather evidence of your rehabilitation, secure character references, and craft legal arguments grounded in Washington law and judicial precedent. Many expungement petitions are ultimately granted even when initially opposed.
Can I expunge multiple convictions?
Yes, you can petition to expunge multiple convictions simultaneously if they all involve the same incident or case, or you can file separate petitions for different convictions if they arose from separate incidents. Each conviction is technically a separate expungement petition, though they can be handled together for efficiency. If you have multiple qualifying convictions, our attorneys help you prioritize them and file petitions strategically. Clearing your entire criminal record can be more powerful than partial relief, and we work to achieve that outcome. The process is similar to expunging a single conviction, just with additional documentation for each offense.
What is the difference between expungement and record sealing?
Expungement and record sealing are sometimes used interchangeably but have slightly different meanings. Expungement typically means the conviction is erased from your record, and you can answer that you were never convicted. Record sealing means the public cannot access your record, but it still exists in sealed form, accessible only by law enforcement and courts. In Washington, the practical effect is similar: an expungement order seals your record and allows you to answer truthfully on most applications that you have no conviction. The legal remedy you pursue depends on your conviction type and what relief is available. Our attorneys explain which option applies to your situation and pursue whichever provides the greatest benefit.
Can I get a job or housing after expungement?
Expungement significantly improves your prospects for employment and housing because your conviction no longer appears on standard background checks used by employers and landlords. This removes a major barrier that previously prevented hiring or rental decisions. Your expunged record does not have to be disclosed in these contexts, allowing you to compete on equal footing with other applicants. While expungement provides tremendous advantage, some positions (certain government roles, law enforcement, positions of trust) may still inquire about sealed records or conduct more thorough investigations. However, for the vast majority of private sector jobs and housing, expungement removes your conviction from consideration entirely.
How much does expungement cost?
Expungement costs vary depending on the complexity of your case, number of convictions being cleared, and whether prosecution opposition is encountered. Court filing fees are relatively modest, typically under $300. Our attorney fees depend on the time and effort required and are discussed transparently during your initial consultation. We understand that expungement is an investment in your future, and we offer flexible fee arrangements to make our services accessible. Some cases can be handled for flat fees, while others may involve hourly billing. We also discuss payment plans if needed. During your free consultation, we provide a clear estimate of costs so you can make an informed decision.
Will expungement affect my immigration status if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Expungement can be highly beneficial for non-citizens because it removes the public conviction record, but immigration consequences of the underlying conviction may still exist depending on your specific case. Some convictions have serious immigration implications regardless of expungement status, while others are eliminated as a concern once the conviction is expunged. If you are not a U.S. citizen, it is critical to consult with both a criminal attorney and an immigration attorney before proceeding with any conviction-related matters. Our team works closely with immigration counsel to ensure that any legal action we take supports your immigration goals. We strongly encourage non-citizens to seek this dual consultation to fully understand the implications.