Legal Question in Criminal Law in Washington

wild days keeping me from fulfilling my dream

I would really like to become a school teacher but my past criminal history may keep me from doing so. I have two MIP's (alcohol), a theft in the 3rd, a trespassing in the 1st, and a resisting arrest (all misdemeanors). I would really like to vacate or seal my record but I don't know the steps or process for doing so. All my crimes happened 3 or more years ago and I have nothing outstanding. For getting a teaching certification the applications all ask if I've been convicted of a crime over the past 10 years. I'm affraid I wont be accepted because of this and I've already been turned down jobs working with children before because of my record. I really need some advice on what to do as far as legally getting this taken off my record and I would like to know what schools look for when they do a fingerprint/background check and if my crimes apply to it?


Asked on 2/21/05, 3:09 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Paul Ferris Law Office of Paul T. Ferris

Not currently, but there is legislation pending . . .

Under RCW 9.96.060, you can only vacate your most recent misdemeanor conviction (more than one if filed in the same case).

There is a bill pending that would allow an offender to vacate more than one misdemeanor, and possible seal the court records. If you would like to track the progress of the bill, visit http://www.leg.wa.gov and use the "bill search" feature for HB 1829.

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Answered on 2/22/05, 1:24 pm


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