Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Criminal records expunged

How can i have a misdemeanor expunged from my record permenently..I have never been in trouble since this incident or after..I am..Unbeleivably a female and i got into an argument with my husband and i was arrested and first i was charged with a felony assault then they dropped it to misdemeanor..And gave me a 500 dollar fine..That was it..And the judge told me i could have it expunged from my record..But did not tell me how and every time i ask a lawyer about it...They act as if i am speaking another language...The resaearch on this topic is exhausting..Please help me..Thank you


Asked on 4/20/01, 10:40 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Jessie M. Archibald Attorney at Law

Re: Criminal records expunged

The Rules of General Application, GR 15(a), expressly authorizes Washington courts to seal court records. To seal means "to protect from examination by the public or non-authorized court personnel."

To have your misdemeanor record sealed, you must petition the court requesting your records be sealed. See GR 15(c)(1)(B). Basically, the court (judge) determines whether sealing your records is appropriate.

It is harder to have your misdemeanor record "expunged." Expunged means to "vacate, annul, set aside, cancel or rescind." It is questionable whether the trial court has the statutory authority to expunge your misdemeanor record.

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Answered on 6/14/01, 11:46 am


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