Washington Supreme Court: Deferred Sentence Dismissal Not the Same as Vacated Conviction
Washington Supreme Court: Deferred Sentence Dismissal Not the Same as Vacated Conviction
Governor Jay Inslee Signed New Vacate Law on May 9, 2019
New Washington State vacate law changes the landscape of what can be vacated and when.
Update –Governor to Sign New Vacate Law May 9, 2019
New vacate law to be signed by Washington Governor Inslee and will dramatically change the landscape for vacate options available to those looking to clear old criminal charges.
Update – New Vacate Law On Governor’s Desk – Awaiting Signature
The New Hope Act has passed the Washington State Legislature and could dramatically increase the options available for vacate petitions.
Update – New Vacate Law Clears Major Hurdle in Legislature
Proposed new "vacate" bill in Washington State House of Representatives may provide new avenues for vacating convictions previously ineligible to be vacated.
Legislature to Consider Major Changes to Felony and Misdemeanor Vacate Laws
Proposed legislation could make changes to laws impacting ability to vacate misdemeanor convictions in Washington
Supreme Court Decision Restricts Length of Restraining Orders Post-Conviction
Washington Supreme Court decision clarifies the length of a restraining order must not extend past the length of a domestic violence suspended sentence. This effectively shortens the period of time a defendant must wait before they are eligible to vacate their DV offense.
Seattle Municipal Court to Vacate Misdemeanor Marijuana Convictions, But Who Will be Left Out?
Seattle City Attorney to seek vacation of convictions for marijuana charges.
Washington Supreme Court to Decide Important Case Affecting Certificates of Discharge
Washington Supreme Court soon to make an important ruling related to timing of when clients may be eligible to vacate felony convictions.
Update on Sealing Court Records
It has been almost four years since the Washington Supreme Court issued its decision in Hundtofte v. Encarnacion. This decision was meant to give guidance to courts on standards to use to decide whether to seal court records. As I wrote several years back, the Courts decision did the opposite. U...
State Offers New Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP) to Help Offenders Combat Employment Discrimination
Effective June 9, 2016, Washington residents convicted of certain felony and misdemeanor offenses can apply for a Certificate of Restoration of Opportunity (CROP). This blog post explains how a person can qualify for and obtain this order, and describes its limitations.
Is the Juvenile Sealing Law Constitutional?
King County prosecutor challenges Juvenile Sealing laws in the State Supreme Court.
Proposed Legislation Will Allow For Mandatory Vacation of All Misdemeanor Marijuana Possession Convictions
New proposed legislation for mandatory vacation of misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions
New Research Challenges Accuracy of FBI Records on Background Checks
The National Employment Law Project describes inaccuracies in the FBI records which are provided in response to employment background checks. We describe how to correct these erroneous records. We can help with this process.
Decision Expected in major Sealing Case Before State Supreme Court
The State Supreme Court heard argument on the case Hundtofte v. Encarnacion last month. A decision is due at any time. This decision is expected to have a significant effect on the ability of individuals to seal or redact court records in Washington State.
2013 Legislative Update - Expungement and Vacation Laws
This past legislative session the legislature contemplated making two substantial changes to the laws relating to the expungement of criminal records. Both attempts, for the time being, have failed.