Can You Get a Misdemeanor or Felony Removed Off Your Record? Get Your Life Back With This Guide.
If you’re carrying around a criminal conviction from your past, whether it’s a misdemeanor or felony, it might feel like a heavy backpack you just can’t take off. But here’s the good news: In Washington State, there are real ways to clear your criminal record and get your rights back. That means a chance to move forward toward better jobs, better housing, and a better future.
At Findley & Rogers, we’ve helped thousands of people across Washington state take back control of their lives. Whether you want to clear a misdemeanor, seal a juvenile record, vacate a felony, or restore your firearm rights, we know the path forward and walk it with you.
Why Clear Your Record?
Having a criminal record doesn’t just sit in a file cabinet. It follows you around.
A criminal record might stop you from:
Getting a better-paying job or promotion
Renting the home or apartment you want
Going on school field trips with your kids
Applying for financial aid or a loan
Volunteering at your child’s school or youth programs
Owning or using a firearm, even for sport or self-defense
We believe people deserve second chances. Clearing your record can restore your freedom, confidence, and opportunities.
What Does It Mean to Clear Your Record?
In Washington State, clearing your record is legally known as vacating a conviction. Many people also refer to it as expungement or record clearing.
When your conviction is vacated:
Most background checks no longer show the offense
You can legally say you’ve never been convicted of that crime
It becomes easier to restore your firearm rights
Vacating a conviction gives you a clean slate - legally and emotionally.
Who Qualifies to Clear Their Record?
Every case is unique, but here are some general guidelines:
Misdemeanors:
You must have no new criminal charges in the last 3 years
You must wait 3 years after you complete all sentence requirements except payment of fines
All court fines and probation must be complete
No current protection or no-contact orders against you
Domestic violence (DV) cases require a 5-year wait, and multiple DV charges are not eligible
DUIs cannot be vacated
Felonies:
Class C felonies require a 5-year waiting period
Class B felonies require a 10-year waiting period
Class A felonies and serious violent offenses usually aren’t eligible
Some exceptions exist, including for second or third-degree assault and robbery
Can You Restore Your Gun Rights Too?
Yes—and we help with that, too. In Washington, restoring your firearm rights is a separate legal process from clearing your record. You can do either or both, depending on your case.
Restoring your rights means:
You can hunt, shoot recreationally, or use firearms for sport
You can protect your home and family
You can apply for a concealed carry license
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my gun rights back if I have a felony? Yes. Many people with felony convictions can restore their firearm rights if they meet the waiting period and legal criteria.
Do I have to pay all fines to clear my record? For misdemeanors, yes. For felonies, not always. We’ll review your record and explain your options.
What about domestic violence charges or protection orders? These are complex cases. You may still qualify depending on the details. We’ll walk through it with you.
Can I restore my rights if I live out of state now? Yes. As long as the conviction happened in Washington, we can usually help you remotely.
Will expunging my record automatically restore my firearm rights? No. Restoring gun rights is a separate legal step, but we can help you with both processes.
What About Juvenile Records?
If your conviction happened before you turned 18, your record may be eligible for sealing. Sealing hides the record from public view and background checks. You can legally say you were not convicted.
Sealing a juvenile record helps with:
Job applications
Housing opportunities
Student loans or scholarships
Washington even offers automatic sealing for some juvenile cases, but not all. If yours wasn’t sealed automatically, we can help you petition the court.
How Does the Process Work?
It might sound complicated, but we make it simple. Here’s what you can expect:
Free Consultation – We’ll listen to your story, check your eligibility, and answer questions.
Record Review – We collect court and police records to build your case.
Court Filing – We prepare and submit all necessary petitions.
Representation – We represent you in court if needed.
FBI & State Updates – We help ensure your record is updated in national and state databases.
How Long Does It Take?
Most cases take 2 to 6 months, depending on:
The type of conviction
Court scheduling
Whether you’re clearing a record, restoring rights, or both
How Much Does It Cost?
We believe in transparent, flat-rate pricing.
No hourly charges
No hidden fees
No surprises
And your consultation? 100% free.
Why Choose Findley & Rogers?
At Findley & Rogers, expungement and gun rights restoration are all we do. We’re not a general practice law firm, we focus on helping people like you leave the past behind. Our team is known for being responsive, affordable, and judgment-free.
5-star reviews across Google and Yelp
Licensed across Washington State
Friendly, respectful, and never pushy
Ready to Take Back Your Future?
You’ve waited long enough. Your future doesn’t have to be defined by one mistake. We believe in second chances, and we want to help you get yours. Contact Findley & Rogers today to start clearing your record or restoring your rights.
Free consultation. Affordable pricing. 100% confidential.
