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Expungement Attorney Near Me



There are several reasons why you might want to expunge a criminal record. If you reside in Washington and are looking for a Washington expungement lawyer, Lyliane can help you put your past behind you and give you a fresh start.


A Criminal Record Can Keep You From Job Opportunities


Having a criminal record can significantly impact your ability to secure employment, as many employers conduct background checks before making hiring decisions. Even for minor offenses, such as misdemeanors or non-violent charges, a criminal record can raise red flags for employers, making it harder for you to stand out among other candidates. 


Employers may view a criminal history as a sign of unreliability or potential risk, even if the offense was committed years ago. This can limit your access to career growth, particularly in industries that require high levels of trust, such as education, healthcare, and finance.


Fortunately, expungement can help you remove eligible criminal offenses from your record, giving you a fresh start and the opportunity to compete fairly in the job market. Whether you're applying for a new job, seeking a promotion, or trying to enter a specific field, expunging your criminal record can open doors that were once closed. By clearing your record, you can present yourself as a responsible individual without the burden of past mistakes weighing down your career prospects.


What Does An Expungement Lawyer Do?


An expungement lawyer specializes in helping individuals clear their criminal records through legal procedures. This can involve petitioning the court to have certain offenses removed from public records, allowing the person to move forward without the stigma of a past conviction hanging over their head. The process of expungement can be complex and varies depending on the state, which is why having an experienced attorney by your side is crucial.


A Washington record expungement lawyer, like Lyliane, can guide you through the specific steps needed to expunge your criminal record in Washington. They’ll assess your eligibility by reviewing your criminal history, identifying which offenses qualify for expungement under state law. Washington has strict guidelines for expungement, and not all offenses are eligible, so an experienced lawyer like Lyliane will know the best approach to take based on your unique situation.


Once eligibility is determined, Lyliane will help you gather the necessary paperwork, file the petition, and represent you in court if required. She’ll also make sure all deadlines are met and that you understand the process every step of the way. An expungement lawyer’s goal is to ensure that your past does not hold you back from future opportunities. With the right legal representation, you can improve your chances of successfully clearing your record.


Felony Expungement in Washington State: What You Need to Know


Wondering what criminal records can be expunged in Washington State? In Washington, only non-conviction records can be expunged, meaning that records related to incidents that did not lead to a conviction can be removed from your criminal history. Under RCW 10.97.060, these non-conviction records may fall under one of three categories:


  • You were investigated by the police, but no charges were filed.

  • Charges were filed but later dismissed by the State.

  • You were found not guilty by a judge or jury after trial.


These records can be expunged, allowing you to clear your name in situations where the criminal justice system did not result in a conviction.


What About Conviction Records?


Unfortunately, if you were convicted of a crime—whether through a guilty plea or a conviction after trial—Washington law does not allow you to expunge those records. This includes all types of convictions, from felonies to misdemeanors.

Additionally, certain situations do not qualify as non-conviction records, even if you were not ultimately sentenced to serve time in jail. For example:


  • If you pled guilty and were placed on probation, even if the case was dismissed after successfully completing probation. This is known as a deferred sentence or diversion agreement.

  • If you were found not guilty by reason of insanity.

  • If a judge found you incompetent to stand trial and dismissed your case.


In these scenarios, you cannot expunge your records because they are classified as conviction records rather than non-conviction records.


Does A Misdemeanor Go On Your Record?


Yes, misdemeanors do go on your record. Like felonies, misdemeanors are considered criminal offenses, and once you're convicted, they typically stay on your criminal record for life. Misdemeanors are less serious than felonies, often involving offenses such as petty theft, disorderly conduct, or vandalism. However, just because they are minor compared to felonies doesn't mean they disappear from your record automatically.


Frequently Asked Questions


How Do You Expunge A Felony?


In Washington State, felony expungement is not allowed. Instead, Washington offers the option to vacate a felony conviction. While vacating a conviction does not completely erase it from your record, it removes it from both state and federal background checks, and you can legally state that you were not convicted of that crime.


Steps to Vacate a Felony Conviction in Washington


If you're looking to vacate a felony conviction in Washington, here’s what the process typically involves:


  1. Determine Eligibility: Not all felonies are eligible for vacating. Generally, serious violent crimes, sex offenses, and Class A felonies cannot be vacated. You must also meet specific requirements, such as:

    • Completing all terms of your sentence, including probation and restitution.

    • Waiting a specified amount of time (typically five to ten years, depending on the felony) after completing your sentence.

    • Having no new criminal convictions since completing the sentence.

  2. File a Motion to Vacate: Once you determine your eligibility, you’ll need to file a motion with the court to vacate the conviction. This includes submitting paperwork outlining your case and why you believe the court should vacate your felony.

  3. Attend a Hearing: In some cases, you may need to attend a court hearing. During this hearing, a judge will review your case and decide whether to grant your motion.

  4. Judge’s Decision: If the judge grants your motion, your felony conviction will be vacated, which means it will be removed from public databases and background checks.


Why Consider Vacating a Felony?


Vacating a felony can offer significant benefits, especially when it comes to job opportunities, housing, and other aspects of life that are often hindered by a criminal record. Unlike expungement, vacating a felony doesn’t completely erase the record but does prevent it from showing up in background checks, allowing you to move forward with fewer limitations.


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