Washington Expungement lawyer
What It Means To Vacate A Conviction
In Washington, most people call it expungement, but the legal term is to vacate a conviction. When a court grants a vacation, the public record changes and you may lawfully state you were not convicted. Nigel Malden Law guides clients in Tacoma, Pierce County, and across the state through each step so you can apply for jobs and housing with confidence.
Eligibility Criteria In Washington
Eligibility varies by offense and by whether you have stayed crime-free since completing your sentence. For many misdemeanors, a waiting period applies after all conditions are complete. For eligible felonies, the waiting period is longer and some offenses cannot be vacated. We review your docket, confirm dates, and identify the fastest filing venue. If your goals include restoring rights, we also discuss how
firearm rights restoration works as a separate process.
Benefits And Limits Of Expungement
A vacated conviction is removed from the public court record and lets you lawfully say you were not convicted. This can improve employment, licensing, and housing outcomes from North End and Old Town to South Tacoma and beyond. It does not automatically restore firearm rights and some private databases may take time to update. We explain how to show official orders to background screeners so your new status is recognized.
The Record Clearing Process
Our firm collects certified records, drafts the petition and supporting declarations, serves the prosecutor, and schedules the hearing. Many clients never need to appear. We prepare you for what to expect from the court and how soon certified orders will be available for employers or landlords.
Why Work With Nigel Malden Law
You get direct communication with an experienced Tacoma attorney who has handled record clearing across Washington. We set expectations early, manage paperwork, and track the order through to final entry so you are not left wondering what comes next.
Begin Your Fresh Start
Ready for an eligibility review? Nigel Malden Law serves clients across Washington State and can also handle most steps remotely.