Burglary Charge Ruining Your Life? How to Clear a Burglary, Theft, or Felony Record in Washington State
A burglary charge can feel like a life sentence, even after you’ve paid your dues. Whether it’s a mistake from years ago or a conviction tied to addiction, poverty, or a one-time lapse in judgment, having burglary or theft on your record can hold you back in major ways. The good news: Washington State allows certain burglary, theft, and other felony convictions to be vacated (cleared) from your record. That means you may be able to legally say you were never convicted, and finally move forward with your life.
At Findley & Rogers, we’ve helped thousands of people across Washington reclaim their rights and clear their records. We handle the hard parts so you can focus on your future.
Real Talk: What a Burglary Conviction Does to Your Life
Let’s talk about what you might be going through. Maybe you're like Alec*, who served jail time 10 years ago for second-degree burglary after breaking into a storage unit during a rough patch with addiction. He’s been sober ever since and works hard every day, but still gets turned away from housing and jobs.
Or maybe you're like Felicia*, whose shoplifting charge was tied to a survival situation in her early 20s. Now in her 30s with a child, she’s turned her life around, but can’t volunteer at school because of a theft record.
If your past is holding you hostage, it's time to break free.
*Names changed for privacy.
What’s the Difference Between Vacating and Expunging?
People often ask how to expunge a burglary charge in Washington. Here's the truth:
Vacating a conviction means the court officially withdraws the guilty finding and dismisses the charge. It’s as close as you can get to erasing a conviction in Washington.
Expungement (total deletion) is very rare and typically only applies to non-conviction data or juvenile records.
So when we say “clear your record,” we’re usually talking about vacating your conviction, and yes, that makes a huge difference for employment, housing, and can be helpful for gun rights.
Can You Expunge or Vacate a Burglary Conviction in Washington?
Yes, but it depends on the type of burglary conviction and your personal situation.
Here’s how it breaks down:
First-Degree Burglary (Class A Felony)
Extremely difficult to vacate.
Class A felonies are not generally eligible for vacation unless there's a rare legal technicality.
It is not possible to restore firearm rights with a class A felony conviction through any means other than a Governor’s pardon.
Second-Degree Burglary (Class B Felony)
Can be vacated 10 years after completing your sentence, including probation/community custody.
You must have:
No new convictions.
Paid all fines and restitution.
Complied fully with your sentence.
Theft Convictions (Can be Class B or C Felonies or Misdemeanors)
More common and easier to vacate.
Class B felonies = 10-year waiting period.
Class C felonies = 5-year waiting period.
Misdemeanors = 3-year waiting period.
Eligibility to Vacate Your Conviction: What You Need
To clear your record, you must:
Know your conviction type. Is it Class A, B, or C?
Wait the required time. (Usually 5 or 10 years after sentence completion.)
Avoid new trouble. No new convictions during that waiting period.
Complete your sentence. This includes jail time, fines, treatment, community service, etc.
Request a Certificate of Discharge if you don’t have one already.
How to Clear a Burglary or Theft Conviction (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Consult an Attorney
Findley & Rogers offers a free consultation to review your record. We'll verify your eligibility and walk you through the next steps.
Step 2: File a Motion to Vacate
We’ll file the necessary legal documents in the court where you were convicted.
Step 3: Schedule and Attend a Hearing
Some counties require you to attend a court hearing; others do not. We handle that for you in almost all cases.
Step 4: The Court Makes a Decision
If granted, the court will issue an order vacating your conviction.
Step 5: Notify Law Enforcement Agencies
Once your record is vacated, the court notifies the Washington State Patrol and other agencies to update your public record. We also ensure that we send a copy to the Washington State Patrol independently and send you a copy of your order as well.
What Happens After You Vacate Your Conviction?
You can legally say you were never convicted of that crime.
You can check "No" on job and housing applications that ask about felony convictions.
You may restore your firearm rights if all conditions are met.
You regain dignity, opportunity, and peace of mind.
Burglary and Gun Rights Restoration in Washington
Many people ask if they can own a gun again after a burglary conviction. Here’s the general rule:
You can petition to restore gun rights:
After 5 years (for Class C felonies).
After 10 years (if you have a Class B felony followed by another felony conviction).
You must have:
No new convictions.
Completed all sentencing conditions.
Findley & Rogers can help you with record clearing AND gun rights restoration, either together or as separate motions.
County-Specific Notes
The process may vary slightly depending on your location:
King County (Seattle): Offers remote hearing options.
Pierce County (Tacoma): Requires strong documentation, often includes hearings.
Spokane County: Streamlined for eligible cases, but often backlogged.
Thurston, Snohomish, Clark, Yakima Counties: Each has unique requirements; we know how to navigate them all.
Reclaim Your Life, We Can Help
At Findley & Rogers, we believe your past shouldn’t define your future. We’ve helped thousands of people:
Clear old burglary or theft charges
Restore their rights
Get better jobs
Secure housing
Regain confidence
You don’t have to figure it out alone, and you don’t need to wait another year.
Ready to Move Forward?
Let’s get started on your journey to freedom. We’ll review your record, confirm your eligibility, and handle the legal heavy lifting; flat fee, no hidden costs.
Employment.
Housing.
Gun rights.
A fresh start.
Call Findley & Rogers today to clear your burglary conviction and take your life back.
