Print this PageVacating & Sealing Records

A process called vacating and/or sealing a conviction allows people in Washington to abolish their criminal record in certain circumstances. Washington law permits you to tell employers or anyone who asks that you have never been convicted of a crime once your conviction is vacated and/or sealed. Additionally, if your criminal record is sealed, it will not be apparent to anyone who runs a check of your criminal background if they check through the Washington State Patrol, the court system or locally operated police agencies.

In most circumstances, there is a requisite waiting period before you can apply to vacate or seal a record. For most misdemeanors (not including domestic violence), the time period is THREE YEARS. Most Class B Felonies, the time period is TEN YEARS. Class C Felonies are often FIVE YEARS. During the waiting period, you cannot have any new convictions on your record.

Parker Law strives to not only vacate your record, but to have the record sealed so it cannot be found in any internet database that employers or landlords can search. Do not let a past mistake affect your job opportunities.