Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

Re: Waiting time for Restoration of Rights

Upon successful completion of supervsion, DOC is required to notify the court that your core civil rights should be restored. The court then enters a Certificate and Order of Discharge. Check with the clerk's office to ensure that the certificate was filed. If it has not been filed, contact DOC and ask that the process be completed.

Your core civil rights include voting, serving as juror and holding elected office. The only right not restored by a Certificate and Order of Discharge is the right to possess firearms. You become eligible to petition for restoration of firearm rights after you have spent 5 consecutive years in the community since the latter of your conviction date or release from custody without being convicted or currently charged with a crime (any crime).

Upon the fifth anniversary of your Certificate and Order of Discharge, you may be eligible to vacate (and seal) the conviction, provided you havve not subsequently been convicted of and crime, and your offense is not a violent offense or crime against persons.

You can review a summary of applicable laws at my website.