Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Vacating Misdemeanors

Review RCW 9.96.060.

Three years after you have completed all of the conditions of the judgment and sentence, including the term of probation or suspended sentence, you can file a motion to vacate the conviction. Forms and instructions can be found at www.courts.wa.gov .

Vacating the conviction permits you to state that you have not been convicted of the offense and law enforcement agencies are prohibited from disseminating the information. However, the court file is still available to the public (hard copy and online info).

You may also be able to seal the court file. This would prevent anyone from obtaining information from court records without an order granting access to the file. Information on sealing is also avaialable at www.courts.wa.gov .

Re: Mistermeaners

If you do not take action to remove it the misdemeanor will remain on your record indefinitely. See the answer by Paul Ferris on taking steps to remove the conviction or contact me directly for assistance.

At your service,