How much does it cost to expunge your record in Washington state?

Asked by: Graham Spencer  |  Last update: May 31, 2025
Score: 4.5/5 (41 votes)

If it appears you meet all the qualifications, you may mail the request to WSP, where a final determination will be made on whether the information will be expunged. There is no fee for this request and you will be notified of any action taken upon completion of your request.

How much does it cost to have your record expunged in Washington state?

In Washington State, the average starting fee for an expungement lawyer to handle a single felony conviction from beginning to end is roughly $1,000. The cost to get your record cleared depends on how many criminal convictions you have and in how many courts. The complexity of your issue affects how much we charge.

How do I expunge my record in Washington state?

Once you have your criminal history, you can determine whether you are eligible for expungement. If you are, you must mail a completed copy of the WSP Request for Expungement / Deletion of Non-Criminal Records to Washington State Patrol, Criminal History Records Section, P.O. Box 42633, Olympia, WA 98504-02633.

What felony convictions can be expunged?

California Law

For example, in California, felony convictions can only be expunged if: no time was served in state prison, felony probation was successfully completed, and. you are not currently facing criminal charges, on probation, or serving another sentence.

What felonies cannot be expunged in Washington state?

Generally speaking, Washington allows you to expunge most Class C felonies and some Class B felonies. You cannot petition a court to expunge Class A felonies. Nor can you vacate a violent offense under RCW 9.94A.

📝HOW TO EXPUNGE FELONY CRIMINAL RECORD || 5 Steps

44 related questions found

How long does a felony stay on your record in Washington state?

In most cases, a state-level felony charge will stay on your record for the rest of your life. The only way to remove this charge is to have the record vacated or expunged. However, only certain individuals qualify for these processes.

Can you pay to get something off your record?

The cost of an expungement varies greatly depending on the type of offense and the jurisdiction. Expunging a misdemeanor conviction will generally cost less than expunging a felony conviction. Court fees and attorney fees are some of the fees that anyone should expect to pay for an expungement.

What is the new Hope Act in Washington state?

This is the legal term for removing criminal convictions from your criminal record. It gives you some protection in background checks. Washington State's New Hope Act makes it easier to vacate some criminal convictions that happened in Washington state.

How do I clean my background check?

There are two ways to have your criminal record cleared: having the criminal record sealed or getting the records expunged. Reputable California attorneys will provide their clients with legal advice to help them determine what is the best way to clear criminal records.

How to overcome a bad background check?

Overcoming a Bad Background Check: Tips to Move Forward
  1. Understand the Results. ...
  2. Be Honest and Transparent. ...
  3. Address Financial Concerns. ...
  4. Handle Employment Gaps or Missteps. ...
  5. Seek Legal Help if Needed. ...
  6. Highlight Positive Aspects of Your Background. ...
  7. Be Patient and Persistent.

How do you know if your background check is clean?

If you want to know whether you passed your check, you can either reach out to the employer who requested it or reach out to the background check company itself. Ultimately, you can fight for yourself, especially if you fail your background record check.

What happens if you mess up on a background check?

The organization that completed the test must remove or correct any errors in your results within 30 days. Employers or potential employers must receive your written consent before running a background check. You may sue background check or employment reporting companies for any errors in your results.

Do misdemeanors show up on background checks?

Often, even seemingly minor crimes can raise a red flag. A background check in California will typically show a misdemeanor conviction. For example, a history of driving under the influence (DUI) can be a sign of things to come and show that a candidate may not be a responsible person.

Do misdemeanors go away in Washington state?

A misdemeanor conviction can be expunged in Washington so long as the following requirements are met: If your conviction is not for a domestic violence offense, you must wait three years after completing all conditions of your sentence. This includes probation and legal financial obligations.

What is a special needs trust in Washington state?

Special Needs Trusts can be set up for someone diagnosed with a disability at any age. But certain kinds of trusts must be created before you turn 65 to avoid problems with SSI and Medicaid. How do I open an ABLE account? *This information is about the Washington State ABLE Savings Plan.

What stays on your record forever?

A felony charge will stay on your record for life. The only way to remove a felony from your record is through a strict process called expungement (more on expungement below).

Does your criminal record clear after 7 years?

Some people have the misconception that their criminal record will “clear” after a period of 7 years. This is a misnomer. Although your criminal record does not automatically clear after 7 years, you can take steps to have your case expunged or your record sealed.

How long does it take to remove a record?

However, after 5 to 10 years, you may be eligible for expungement, depending on state law. At that point, you can file a petition with the court to have your criminal record expunged.

What is the 7 year felony rule in Washington state?

Washington's law restricting CRAs from reporting criminal convictions older than seven years is found at RCW 19.182. 040. However, like several of the other states with seven-year rules, Washington's rule only applies to jobs paying salaries of less than $20,000.

Is a felony on your record for life?

In California, a felony conviction stays on your record forever, if you do not get it expunged. You may be eligible for an expungement if you did not serve time in state prison. Until you get the conviction removed from your criminal history, you can face serious obstacles.

Can a felon own a gun after 10 years in Washington state?

Under Washington law, your prior felony convictions "disappear" for purposes of firearm rights restoration once you have gone a certain number of years without committing any new crimes. The courts call this the "wash out" period. Class B felony: The wash out period is 10 years.

Will jobs hire you with a misdemeanor?

Being convicted of a misdemeanor does not necessarily preclude you from obtaining work in California.

What are the disqualifying offenses for background checks?

INTERIM DISQUALIFYING CRIMINAL OFFENSES

Extortion. Dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation, including identity fraud and money laundering, where the money laundering is related to a crime listed in Parts A or B (except welfare fraud and passing bad checks). Bribery. Smuggling.

What is a red flag on a background check?

A red flag in a background check is anything alarming or concerning about a person's past. This could be a history of breaking the law, lying about work experience or education, or other serious issues. However, not all red flags are the same. Some might be small and not that serious, depending on the job.