What Crimes Can You Get Removed from Your Criminal Record in Washington State?

(And What You Need to Know If You Live in Tacoma or Pierce County)

Clearing a criminal record is a powerful step toward a better future—but it can also feel confusing and frustrating. In Washington State, there are two key legal processes that can help: expungement and vacation of conviction records. These tools can give people a second chance by limiting public access to their criminal history. But myths and misinformation abound, making it harder to understand your options.

Whether you were arrested and never charged, or you’ve completed your sentence for a conviction, it’s important to know the truth. Here are five common questions—and the real facts—about clearing a criminal record in Washington State.

Does Clearing Your Criminal Record Erase Everything?

Reality: Expungement and vacation help—but they don’t make your record disappear entirely.

In Washington State, “expungement” typically refers to the deletion of non-conviction data, like an arrest that didn’t lead to charges or a case that was dismissed. This process removes the record from the Washington State Patrol database, which is used for background checks.

But even if expunged, some entities—especially law enforcement, courts, and certain government agencies—may still have limited access to these records for official purposes. Additionally, private background check companies may have already obtained your record prior to expungement, and they are not always required to update their databases promptly.

For convictions, Washington doesn’t use the term “expungement.” Instead, the court may allow you to vacate your conviction. This does not delete the record, but it does update your court record to show that your conviction has been vacated. Once vacated, you are no longer considered convicted of that crime, and you can legally state on most job and housing applications that you have not been convicted.

Can You Clear Any Offense from Your Criminal Record?

Reality: Eligibility for expungement or vacation depends on the type of case—and your personal circumstances. In Washington State:

Expungement is available only for non-conviction records, including:

Arrests that never led to charges.
Charges that were dismissed.
Cases where you were acquitted (found not guilty).

To qualify, you typically must wait two years from the date of dismissal or final disposition with no further criminal charges or convictions during that time.

Vacating a conviction is a separate legal process and applies to certain misdemeanor and felony convictions, but with several restrictions:

Domestic violence-related offenses have added requirements and longer wait periods.
Sex offenses, DUI convictions, and certain violent felonies are not eligible to be vacated.
You must meet a waiting period (generally 3 to 10 years) depending on the offense and whether you’ve had any new convictions or pending charges.

Because these rules are complex, it’s best to consult with a defense attorney to determine if your case qualifies.

Does Clearing Your Record Happen Automatically?

Reality: Nothing about this process is automatic.

Even if you’re fully eligible for expungement or vacation, you must take proactive legal steps to make it happen. This includes:

Obtaining certified copies of your court records.
Filing a formal motion or petition with the appropriate court.
Providing supporting documents.
In some cases, attending a court hearing.

If you don’t take action, the record remains public. Many people wrongly assume that after enough time has passed, their record “goes away.” It does not.

If the Court Denies Your Petition, Are You Out of Luck?

Reality: You can often reapply—especially if the denial was procedural.

If your motion is denied, it’s usually for correctable reasons, such as missing documents or filing before the waiting period has elapsed. In most cases, you can fix the issue and try again. In fact, judges often encourage petitioners to correct and resubmit rather than giving up entirely.

This is another area where a defense lawyer can be helpful—ensuring your filing is thorough, accurate, and strategically timed.

Do You Have to Handle the Process Alone?

Reality: While it’s possible to file on your own, working with an attorney often improves your chances.

There are forms and guides available online, but the paperwork can be dense and confusing—especially if you have multiple records or your case involves domestic violence, deferred sentences, or overlapping jurisdictions. Having an experienced criminal defense attorney can:

Save you time and stress.
Help avoid technical mistakes that lead to delays or denials.
Improve your odds of a successful outcome.

In Pierce County, many individuals who try to navigate the system without legal help run into challenges with the local rules, court filing processes, or case backlogs in Tacoma courts. An attorney familiar with the Pierce County Superior Court or Tacoma Municipal Court can guide you through the nuances and expectations of local judges.

Collateral Consequences That May Go Away

One of the biggest reasons people pursue expungement or vacation is to move past the collateral consequences of a criminal record. These are the impacts that stick with you long after you’ve served your sentence.

Vacating or expunging a record can help:

Improve job opportunities: Employers often conduct background checks. A vacated conviction allows you to truthfully answer “no” when asked if you’ve been convicted of a crime.
Secure housing: Landlords often reject applicants with criminal records.
Restore civil rights: In some cases, vacating a felony may restore your right to serve on a jury.
Remove public stigma: Especially in tight-knit communities like Tacoma, an online court record can affect your reputation, even if the charges were dismissed.
Simplify immigration matters: Non-citizens may benefit from vacating old convictions when dealing with immigration authorities (though this is a complex area that should be handled with an immigration attorney as well).

What’s Specific to Tacoma or Pierce County?

Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re in Tacoma or Pierce County:

Pierce County Superior Court handles most felony vacation motions.
Tacoma Municipal Court and District Court (for Pierce County) handle misdemeanor cases depending on where the charges originated.
Both courts can be strict about proper documentation. If anything is missing or out of order, your case may be delayed.
Local practices vary. Some courts may require a hearing, while others may rule based on written filings.

Having a lawyer who is familiar with Pierce County court procedures and expectations can make a major difference in avoiding delays and streamlining your process.

Ready to Clear Your Record?

If you’re thinking about clearing your criminal record in Tacoma or Pierce County, we can help you figure out whether you’re eligible—and guide you through the process with confidence.

Whether you were arrested and never charged, or you completed your sentence years ago and are ready for a fresh start, we’re here to help you move forward.

Facing barriers due to an old arrest or conviction? Call our Tacoma office today to schedule a free consultation.