Removing a Prior Conviction? Yes You Can

Posted Wednesday, June 21, 2017 by Andrew Charles Huff

Many people have contacted me over the years wondering if a prior conviction on their record can be removed. Many have faced potential employment or other issues when a background check reveals a prior criminal conviction. Fortunately, Washington state law allows such “post-conviction relief” for some offenses so certain convictions can be removed or “vacated” from your record.

Certain felonies can be vacated but also misdemeanor offenses. To be eligible to have a misdemeanor vacated, a person must have no new pending criminal cases; must have three years without any new offenses; and the offense being vacated is not a violent offense, a DUI or sex offense.

I’ve had clients contact me about vacating convictions for Reckless Driving, Shoplifting, Driving with a Suspended License, Negligent Driving…all of which can be vacated.