Past Criminal Convictions
If you have a past arrest or conviction that is having a negative effect on your life today, we may be able to clear your criminal record by vacating the old conviction or deleting non-conviction data from your record.
Vacating a conviction (formally known as expunging a record) is removing an old conviction and dismissing the criminal charge from your criminal record. If you successfully vacate a conviction in Washington, the State will no longer be able to report that you have been convicted of that crime. Once your crime has been vacated, you can lawfully state that you have never been convicted of that crime. If you have a misdemeanor conviction that is more than 3 years old, or a felony conviction that is more
than 5 years old, you may be eligible to have your conviction vacated and the case dismissed from your record.