Clear Your Criminal Record
Expungements Lawyer in Burien, Washington
Understanding Expungement Rights in Washington
An expungement is a legal process that allows you to clear or seal criminal records from your past. In Washington, eligible individuals can petition the court to have arrests, charges, or convictions removed from public record. This process offers a fresh start by limiting public access to your criminal history. The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd understands how past criminal matters can impact employment, housing, and personal relationships. Our Burien team works diligently to help you navigate expungement procedures and restore your reputation.
Why Expungement Matters for Your Future
Clearing your criminal record opens doors that may have been closed. Employers often conduct background checks, and a criminal conviction can prevent you from getting hired or advancing in your career. Housing providers may deny rental applications based on your record. Professional licenses can be difficult to obtain or maintain with a conviction on file. By pursuing expungement, you reclaim your ability to answer truthfully that you have no criminal history in many contexts. This fresh start can transform your employment prospects, housing options, and overall quality of life significantly.
Greene and Lloyd's Approach to Expungement Cases
How Expungement Works in Washington
Washington distinguishes between different types of record relief. A true expungement means the conviction is erased from your record entirely, as if it never happened. Vacation of conviction is similar and allows you to answer most questions about the conviction as though it did not occur. Other relief options include sealing records or obtaining a Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity. The type of relief available depends on the charge, when it occurred, and whether you were convicted. Our attorneys analyze your situation to determine which form of relief is available and most beneficial for your circumstances.
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Expungement Terms You Should Know
Vacation of Conviction
A legal process in Washington that removes a conviction from your record, allowing you to answer most questions about that conviction as if it never occurred. Vacation is similar to expungement but has different eligibility requirements based on the offense and circumstances.
Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity
A document issued by the court that restores certain rights to individuals with criminal convictions, particularly regarding employment and professional licensing. This certificate provides legal protection against discrimination based on the conviction.
Interests of Justice
A legal standard courts use to determine whether expungement should be granted. Judges consider factors like rehabilitation, time passed since conviction, and the impact of the conviction on your life and employment.
Sealing Records
A process that restricts access to criminal records from public view. While sealing doesn’t erase the record, it keeps the conviction hidden from most background checks and employment inquiries.
PRO TIPS
Act Within the Statute of Limitations
Washington has specific timeframes for when you can petition for expungement depending on the offense. Waiting too long may eliminate your eligibility for record clearing. Contact an attorney promptly to determine whether your case falls within the allowable window for expungement.
Gather Documentation Early
Strong expungement petitions require supporting documents showing rehabilitation, employment history, and character references. Begin collecting these materials before filing your petition to strengthen your case. Your attorney will advise you on which documents are most persuasive for the judge.
Understand Your Rights Fully
Not all convictions are eligible for expungement, and restrictions vary significantly. Certain violent crimes and sexual offenses have different rules that may prevent expungement entirely. Our attorneys explain your actual options based on your specific conviction and circumstances.
Expungement vs. Other Record Relief Options
When Full Expungement is the Right Choice:
Career Advancement Requires a Clean Record
If you’re pursuing licensing in regulated professions like healthcare, education, or law, a full expungement removes barriers to advancement. Professional boards often conduct thorough background checks and may deny licenses if any conviction appears on your record. Complete record clearing gives you the best opportunity for career growth and professional success.
You're Rebuilding Your Reputation
When you want to move past your conviction entirely, full expungement allows you to answer most background questions honestly as though the conviction never happened. This comprehensive approach provides genuine relief from the ongoing consequences of your conviction. Employers and landlords with limited exceptions won’t see the conviction during routine background checks.
When Sealing or Vacation May Be Enough:
Your Conviction Isn't Eligible for Full Expungement
Some offenses fall outside Washington’s expungement eligibility rules but may qualify for vacation or sealing. These alternatives provide meaningful relief by hiding records from most public view. While not as comprehensive as expungement, they still remove barriers to employment and housing.
You Completed Your Sentence Recently
Courts may view sealing or vacation more favorably shortly after sentence completion while waiting for expungement eligibility. These intermediate steps provide immediate relief while you build a stronger case for full expungement later. Your attorney can strategically plan your record clearing timeline.
When You Should Pursue Expungement
Why Choose Greene and Lloyd for Your Expungement
The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd has successfully handled expungement cases throughout King County. Our attorneys understand Washington’s specific rules governing record clearing and the preferences of judges in Burien and surrounding areas. We have established relationships with local prosecutors and courts, which helps us navigate expungement petitions efficiently. Our team provides honest, straightforward advice about your eligibility and realistic chances of success.
We treat each expungement case with the attention and care it deserves because we recognize how much a clean record means to your future. From initial consultation through court hearing, we handle every detail so you can focus on moving forward with confidence. Our transparent fee structure and regular communication ensure you always know where your case stands. When you choose Greene and Lloyd, you gain advocates who understand both the law and the personal importance of clearing your name.
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FAQS
How long does an expungement process take in Washington?
The timeline for expungement varies depending on court schedules and whether the prosecutor objects to your petition. Typically, the process takes three to six months from filing to final court decision. Simple cases involving dismissed charges may move faster, while contested petitions requiring a hearing may take longer. Our attorneys work efficiently to move your case forward while gathering the strongest supporting documentation. Once the judge approves your expungement, the court notifies relevant agencies to remove your record. Law enforcement, the prosecutor’s office, and the Washington State Patrol must comply with the expungement order. Some records may take additional weeks to fully process, but you can typically answer background questions according to the expungement order immediately after approval.
What types of crimes are eligible for expungement in Washington?
Washington’s expungement eligibility varies by offense type and circumstances. Dismissed charges and acquittals are almost always eligible for expungement. Many felonies become eligible after a certain period, though violent crimes and sexual offenses have stricter limitations. Misdemeanors typically qualify for vacation or expungement depending on the specific offense and time elapsed since conviction. Certain crimes, particularly sexual offenses and crimes of violence, have either permanent bars on expungement or very limited eligibility. Our attorneys review your specific conviction and all relevant details to determine exactly what relief options are available. We provide honest guidance about whether expungement is possible or whether alternative relief like sealing would be more appropriate for your situation.
Will expungement remove my conviction from all background checks?
When Washington courts grant expungement, your conviction is legally erased from your record. Most private background check companies will not show the conviction after expungement, and you can typically answer ‘no’ when asked about criminal history. However, government agencies and law enforcement retain records for internal purposes, though they cannot disclose the conviction to private employers or housing providers. Certain professional licensing boards and the military may still have access to expunged records. When you work with our firm, we ensure you understand exactly how expungement will affect different types of background checks relevant to your employment or licensing goals. We also prepare you to correctly answer questions about your criminal history.
Can I expunge a felony conviction in Washington?
Many felony convictions in Washington are eligible for vacation under specific circumstances. The availability of felony expungement depends on the type of felony, when it occurred, and your circumstances since conviction. Some felonies become automatically eligible after ten years if you’ve met certain conditions, while others require a judicial determination that vacation serves the interests of justice. Violent felonies and most sexual offenses face significant restrictions on expungement eligibility. Our attorneys thoroughly analyze whether your felony conviction qualifies for vacation or if other relief options might be more appropriate. We explore every legal avenue available to help clear your record or limit its public availability.
What is the difference between expungement and sealing records?
Expungement means your conviction is legally erased from your record as if it never happened. After expungement, you can answer most background questions as if the conviction didn’t occur. Sealing records keeps the information in the court file but restricts public access, meaning it won’t appear on standard background checks but still technically exists. In practical terms, expungement provides more complete relief because the record is truly gone. However, sealing offers meaningful protection when expungement isn’t available. Both options remove barriers to employment and housing. Our attorneys recommend the best option for your situation based on your eligibility and long-term goals.
How much does expungement cost in Washington?
Court filing fees for expungement petitions in Washington typically range from $200 to $500 depending on the jurisdiction. Additionally, you’ll want to consider attorney fees to properly prepare and present your petition. The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd offers reasonable rates for expungement services and can discuss payment arrangements during your initial consultation. Investing in professional legal representation typically increases your chances of approval significantly. Mistakes in paperwork or procedure can result in dismissal of your petition, requiring you to refile and pay fees again. Our experienced attorneys ensure your petition is filed correctly the first time with the strongest possible arguments for approval.
Can I expunge an arrest that didn't lead to conviction?
Yes, Washington law strongly favors expunging arrests that were dismissed or resulted in acquittal. If you were arrested but charges were dropped or you were found not guilty, you have excellent grounds for complete expungement. These arrests should not appear on your record or burden your future. Filings for dismissed charge expungement are often straightforward and approved quickly. However, it’s important to file your petition properly and ensure the court has accurate information about your case. Our attorneys handle the paperwork and petition process professionally, ensuring your arrest is permanently removed from public record.
Will an expungement affect my ability to answer questions on job applications?
After successful expungement, you can legally answer ‘no’ when asked about criminal history on most job applications. Washington law treats expunged convictions as if they never occurred for purposes of background checks and employment inquiries. This means expungement removes a major barrier to employment opportunities. There are limited exceptions for certain government positions, law enforcement, and professional licensing boards, which may still have access to expunged records. We explain these exceptions clearly during our consultation so you understand exactly how your specific employment situation will be affected. For most private employers, expungement provides complete relief.
What happens if the prosecutor opposes my expungement petition?
Prosecutors sometimes file responses opposing expungement petitions, arguing that the conviction should remain on your record. When this happens, the matter proceeds to a court hearing where both sides present arguments to the judge. The judge makes the final decision about whether expungement serves the interests of justice. Our attorneys are prepared to persuasively advocate for your expungement even when prosecutors object. We build compelling cases highlighting your rehabilitation, the time elapsed, and how maintaining the conviction harms you without advancing public safety. Having skilled representation significantly improves your chances of success in contested expungement hearings.
How soon after completing my sentence can I petition for expungement?
Washington’s timing requirements for expungement depend on the offense type and whether you have prior convictions. Dismissed charges can be expunged immediately. Some convictions become eligible for vacation automatically after a specific period, while others can be petitioned for if you can show the interests of justice are served. The waiting period might range from immediately to several years depending on your conviction. Our attorneys determine your specific eligibility timeline during the initial consultation. If you’re not yet eligible for expungement, we may identify other options like sealing or Certificates of Restoration of Opportunity that provide meaningful relief now. We also help you plan for when you’ll become eligible for full expungement.