Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Re: Restoration of voting rights

You are seeking a Certificate and Order of Discharge, which is rountinely filed upon successful completion of supervision with DOC. Successful completion includes payment of legal financial obligations.

A certificate and order of discharge restores civil rights lost by operation of law as a result of a felony conviction except the right to possess firearms. The rights restored by the certificate include the right to vote, hold public office and serve as a juror.

Contact the superior court clerk in the county of conviction and request a copy the certificate from your file. If the certificate has not been filed, you should contact your DOC officer and request that one be filed.

If you wish to restore your right to possess firearms, you must file appropriate pleadings with the court. Some courts provide forms.

A separate remedy that may be available to you is vacating the conviction, which would permit you to state for all purposes, including applications for employment, that you have not been convicted of the offense. The process does not destroy the record or court file, but would prohibit dissemination of conviction information by law enforcement agencies, e.g. WSP.

If you need legal assistance or wish to review a summary the law applicable to restoring firearm rights and vacating convictions, visit www.washrecord.com.