Clear Your Criminal Record
Expungements Lawyer in Lakewood, Washington
Professional Expungement Services in Lakewood
An expungement is a legal process that allows you to clear or seal a criminal conviction from your record. In Lakewood, Washington, a criminal conviction can significantly impact employment opportunities, housing applications, and professional licensing. The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd understands how a past conviction weighs on your future. Our team works diligently to help eligible individuals pursue expungement, potentially giving you a fresh start. We evaluate your case thoroughly to determine if you qualify under Washington state law.
Why Expungement Matters for Your Life
Expungement provides significant benefits beyond legal relief. A cleared conviction means employers, landlords, and licensing boards won’t see your prior offense during standard background checks. This opens doors to better employment, housing stability, and professional advancement. You can legally answer “no” to questions about criminal history on most applications. Additionally, expungement removes the social stigma associated with a conviction, allowing you to move forward without the constant burden of disclosure. Our clients consistently report improved quality of life and renewed opportunities after successful expungement.
The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd's Approach to Expungements
Understanding the Expungement Process in Washington
Washington’s expungement law allows eligible individuals to have their conviction records sealed from public view. The process begins with determining your eligibility, which depends on the offense type, sentencing date, and whether you have other convictions. Some offenses, such as certain violent crimes, are ineligible for expungement. However, many felonies and misdemeanors can be sealed after a specific waiting period or in some cases immediately. Understanding the nuances of Washington’s statute is critical. Our attorneys evaluate your case against current law to identify the strongest path to expungement success.
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Expungement Key Terms and Definitions
Expungement
A legal process that seals or erases a criminal conviction record from public access, allowing you to legally deny the conviction occurred in most situations.
Waiting Period
The required time that must pass after sentencing before you become eligible to petition for expungement, varying based on offense severity and Washington law.
Petition
A formal written request submitted to the court asking a judge to grant your expungement, detailing why you meet eligibility requirements.
Record Sealing
The court action that hides a conviction record from public access, making it unavailable during standard background checks by employers or other entities.
PRO TIPS
Check Your Eligibility Early
Contact our office to determine whether you qualify for expungement under current Washington law. Eligibility changes frequently as statutes are updated and refined. Acting quickly allows you to benefit from recent law changes that may expand your options.
Gather Your Records in Advance
Obtain copies of your sentencing documents, court orders, and any rehabilitation efforts you’ve undertaken since conviction. Having documentation ready streamlines the petition process and strengthens your application. We can advise you on exactly which records help your case.
Don't Wait to Pursue Relief
Each year of delay means continuing to live with a public criminal record affecting employment and opportunities. Once you meet eligibility requirements, pursuing expungement immediately maximizes the personal and professional benefits. Our team works efficiently to file your petition and move your case forward.
Comparing Expungement Approaches and Relief Options
When Full Representation Is Essential:
Complex Multi-Conviction Histories
If you have multiple convictions spanning different time periods and offense types, determining eligibility becomes complicated. Each conviction follows different rules under Washington law, and strategic ordering of petitions matters significantly. Comprehensive representation ensures all eligible convictions are addressed efficiently.
Anticipated Prosecution Opposition
Some cases involve serious offenses or violent crimes where prosecutors may actively oppose expungement. Experienced advocacy becomes crucial when presenting oral arguments before a judge. Our attorneys prepare persuasive legal arguments addressing prosecutorial concerns while highlighting your rehabilitation.
When Straightforward Expungement Applies:
Single Non-Violent Conviction
Cases involving one straightforward misdemeanor or non-violent felony with clear eligibility may proceed more smoothly. Prosecutors typically don’t object to routine expungements meeting statutory requirements. The process remains streamlined while ensuring all procedural requirements are properly met.
Immediate Eligibility Cases
Washington law now allows immediate expungement for certain offenses without waiting periods. These cases typically face no legal obstacles and proceed quickly through the court system. Professional preparation ensures your petition meets all requirements for swift approval.
Common Situations Requiring Expungement Assistance
Why Choose the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd for Your Expungement
The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd brings years of criminal law experience and a proven track record of successful expungements. Our attorneys understand Washington’s ever-evolving expungement statutes and work strategically to maximize your eligibility. We handle every aspect of your case, from initial consultation through final court approval, allowing you to focus on moving forward. Our compassionate approach recognizes that expungement represents a significant opportunity to reshape your future and remove barriers to success.
We serve Lakewood and surrounding Pierce County communities with personalized legal service. Our team communicates clearly, keeping you informed at every stage of your expungement process. We maintain relationships with local courts and prosecutors, enabling efficient case navigation. When you choose our firm, you gain advocates genuinely invested in your outcome. Call 253-544-5434 today to discuss your expungement eligibility and take the first step toward clearing your record.
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FAQS
How long does an expungement take in Washington?
Expungement timelines vary depending on case complexity and court schedules. Straightforward cases typically take two to four months from petition filing to final approval. Complex cases involving prosecutor opposition or multiple convictions may require six months or longer. The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd works efficiently to move your case forward while ensuring all procedural requirements are met correctly. Once your petition is filed, the court schedules a hearing date. We prepare thoroughly for any oral arguments and present your case compellingly to the judge. After the judge grants expungement, law enforcement implements the order within a specified timeframe. Our attorneys monitor this process to ensure records are properly sealed and your conviction is removed from public access.
What types of convictions can be expunged in Washington?
Washington law allows expungement of most misdemeanors and many felonies, depending on the offense type and sentencing date. Non-violent felonies, drug possession offenses, property crimes, and theft-related convictions are frequently eligible. Crimes of violence and sexual offenses typically face eligibility restrictions, though recent law changes have expanded options in some categories. Each case requires individual assessment against current statutory requirements. Wait periods also vary by conviction type and date. Some offenses may be expunged immediately, while others require waiting five to ten years after sentencing. Our attorneys review your specific convictions against Washington’s current law to identify all expungement opportunities. We stay current on legislative changes that continuously expand eligibility for more individuals.
Can I lie about a conviction after expungement?
After successful expungement, Washington law permits you to legally deny the conviction occurred in most situations. Employment applications, housing applications, and most interview questions can be answered as if the conviction never happened. However, certain exceptions exist for specific professional licenses, law enforcement positions, and certain government roles. These exceptions are narrowly defined and apply only to designated professions. Law enforcement and judicial records still contain the sealed conviction, but it’s hidden from public access and standard background checks. If your record is sealed, you can truthfully respond that you have no criminal history on most applications. Our attorneys explain these nuances during your consultation so you understand exactly what you can and cannot disclose after expungement.
What is the cost of expungement in Lakewood?
The Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd offers reasonable and transparent fee structures for expungement cases. Costs vary based on case complexity, number of convictions, and anticipated prosecutor involvement. We provide detailed fee estimates during your initial consultation so you understand costs upfront. Many clients find expungement investment worthwhile given the long-term employment and housing benefits achieved. We also discuss payment options and payment plans to make representation accessible. Some clients qualify for reduced fees based on financial circumstances. Contact us at 253-544-5434 to discuss your case and receive an accurate cost estimate. We believe financial constraints shouldn’t prevent you from pursuing the relief you deserve.
Will expungement show up on background checks?
Once your expungement is approved and records are sealed, the conviction should not appear on standard background checks conducted by employers or landlords. Most commercial background check companies honor sealing orders and remove sealed convictions from their databases. Your record becomes hidden from routine public inquiries and civilian background screening. However, law enforcement and certain government agencies may still access sealed records for specific purposes. Background checks for security clearances, law enforcement positions, and certain professional licenses may reveal sealed convictions. For most employment, housing, and civilian purposes, your sealed conviction remains private and inaccessible. Our attorneys ensure you understand these distinctions and what visibility remains after expungement.
Can I expunge multiple convictions?
Yes, individuals with multiple convictions can petition for expungement of each eligible conviction. Washington law allows separate petitions for different offenses, each evaluated under applicable eligibility requirements. Strategic timing and ordering of multiple petitions sometimes improves overall outcomes. Our attorneys assess all your convictions and develop comprehensive expungement strategies addressing every eligible offense. Multiple convictions require careful coordination because some offenses face different waiting periods and eligibility rules. We manage the entire process, filing necessary petitions and presenting arguments for each conviction. After all petitions are granted, your entire criminal record history becomes sealed, providing maximum benefit. Contact our office to discuss expungement of multiple convictions and how we can help clear your complete record.
What happens if the prosecutor objects to my expungement?
Prosecutor opposition to expungement requires presentation of oral arguments before a judge. The prosecutor must demonstrate why expungement serves neither justice nor public safety interests. Our attorneys prepare persuasive counterarguments highlighting your rehabilitation, changed circumstances, and reasons expungement is appropriate. We present evidence of positive life changes since your conviction. Judges consider various factors including offense severity, your conduct since sentencing, employment history, and family circumstances. Our experienced representation ensures your case is presented persuasively despite prosecutorial opposition. Many expungements succeed even when prosecutors object, particularly when demonstrated rehabilitation is compelling. We fight vigorously for your right to record clearance and second chances.
Is there a waiting period before I can file for expungement?
Washington’s waiting periods for expungement vary significantly based on conviction type and sentencing date. Some felonies require waiting five to ten years before petitioning, while certain offenses may be expunged immediately. Recent law changes expanded immediate expungement eligibility for numerous offenses. Misdemeanors typically have shorter or no waiting periods. Your specific conviction determines applicable waiting requirements. Our attorneys assess your sentencing date against current law to determine exact eligibility timing. If you’re not yet eligible, we advise when you become eligible and prepare your case for filing. If immediate expungement applies, we act quickly to file your petition and move toward approval. We ensure you understand your timeline and maximize benefits available to you.
Can violent crimes be expunged in Washington?
Violent crimes traditionally faced expungement restrictions under Washington law. However, recent legislative changes have expanded options for some violent crime convictions under specific circumstances. Class B felonies and certain assaults now have potential expungement pathways with appropriate waiting periods. Murder, rape, and the most serious violent felonies remain largely ineligible. Determining expungement eligibility for violent crimes requires detailed legal analysis of your specific conviction. Our attorneys evaluate the exact offense classification and sentencing date against current statutes. Even if traditional expungement isn’t available, alternative relief options like reopening cases for resentencing may apply. We explore every legal avenue to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation.
How do I know if I'm eligible for expungement?
Initial eligibility determination requires analyzing your conviction type, sentencing date, current Washington law, and individual circumstances. We conduct thorough case review to identify all expungement opportunities. Schedule a consultation with the Law Offices of Greene and Lloyd to discuss your eligibility. Bring your sentencing paperwork, judgment and commitment order, and any relevant documentation. During your consultation, our attorneys explain expungement possibilities, timeline expectations, and legal costs. We answer your questions and develop a personalized strategy for your case. Many clients don’t realize they’re eligible for expungement—don’t assume your case is ineligible without professional review. Call 253-544-5434 today to learn whether you can clear your record and reclaim your future.