Expungement in Washington
State-specific overview · Criminal Law
Washington allows automatic vacation of certain convictions and permits petitions for others based on offense type and time elapsed.
How Washington treats Expungement
Washington has expanded expungement (called "vacation") to cover many misdemeanors and some felonies automatically or through petition. Certain drug offenses, property crimes, and other convictions become eligible for vacation after a set waiting period (commonly 3–10 years). The state also allows vacation of convictions for crimes of violence in limited circumstances. Once vacated, the conviction is treated as if it never occurred, and you may legally answer that you were not convicted.
The general definition of Expungement
A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.
Expungement allows you to have a criminal conviction removed from your official record, as if it never happened. Once expunged, you can legally say you were never convicted of that crime in most situations. Not all convictions qualify—eligibility depends on the crime, how much time has passed, and your state's laws. This gives people a fresh start and removes barriers to employment, housing, and other opportunities.
Read the full Expungement entry →This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. State laws change frequently. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney in Washington.