Seal Criminal Record In Washington

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 10.97.060 allows a person to petition the court to seal their non-conviction data (criminal history that has not led to a conviction). This prevents the embarrassment or potential discrimination caused by records of an arrest. Once sealed, the arresting agency will be ordered to delete any non-conviction data. Nobody will be able to learn about the arrest and it is treated as if it did not occur.

ELIGIBILITY FOR RECORD SEALING

1. Proceedings must not be actively pending
2. Must not have been convicted of the charge
3. If charges were formally filed, must wait two years since the dismissal.
4. If charges were not formally filed, must wait three years since the arrest.

Court may deny if:

* The disposition was a deferred prosecution or similar diversion
* The person has had a prior conviction for a felony or gross misdemeanor
* The person has been arrested for or charged with another crime during the interviewing period.

 

BENEFITS OF RECORD SEALING

* Truthfully be able to tell employers that you have not been convicted of a crime
* Seals your record and puts the past behind you
* To stop fearing or being embarrassed when someone does a background check on you.
* Become eligible for student loans
* Become eligible for housing assistance
* Become eligible for more types of professional licenses and certificates
* Truthfully be able to tell friends and family that you have not been convicted of a crime

 

The Law Office of Mathew Higbee (www.RecordGone.com) is a low priced and high quality option for if you want to have someone help you seal a record in Washington.