How the New Hope Act Can Help You Clear Your Record in Washington State (Updated for 2025)
If you’ve ever thought, “I made a mistake, but I’ve changed. I want to move on with my life.” Washington State has some really good news for you. The New Hope Act is a powerful law that allows many people to vacate (clear) old criminal convictions. Even though this law was first passed in 2019 and was expanded again in 2022 and 2024, thousands of people still don’t know they qualify to have their records cleared, sometimes fast. If you're one of them, this guide will show you how the New Hope Act works and how Findley & Rogers can help you take advantage of it right now.
What Is the New Hope Act?
The New Hope Act is a Washington State law that makes it easier for people to vacate criminal convictions from their record. “Vacate” means the conviction is officially cancelled by the court. It’s still visible on some court indexes, but it no longer counts as a conviction. The law was passed in 2019 and immediately changed the game. Then in 2022 and 2024, it was expanded even further.
Why It Matters: A Fresh Start That Clears Barriers
When a conviction is vacated:
You can legally say you were never convicted of the offense.
The Washington State Patrol removes it from your public criminal record.
Employers and landlords are less likely to see it.
You can finally move on with your life with your head held high.
That’s what the New Hope Act offers: real second chances.
Key Benefits of the New Hope Act
You can now vacate more than one misdemeanor.
You can vacate certain felonies that were previously not allowed.
The waiting period starts when you're released from custody—not when you pay off all your fines.
You may request reductions or cancellations of Legal Financial Obligations (LFOs).
Some records may be vacated without a hearing if the prosecutor agrees.
Misdemeanor Convictions: You May Qualify Even If You Were Denied Before
Before the New Hope Act, you could only vacate one misdemeanor in your lifetime. Now you can vacate multiple misdemeanors, as long as each one qualifies.
To Vacate a Misdemeanor, You Must:
Have no new convictions in the last 3 years (5 years for Domestic Violence cases)
Be at least 3 years out from completing your sentence (5 years for DV cases)
Have no current no-contact orders or violations in the last 5 years
Changes with the New Hope Act:
You no longer need to wait 3 years after paying off fines.
You can ask the court to reduce or forgive fines if you can’t pay.
Felony Convictions: Some That Were Previously Barred Can Now Be Vacated
Thanks to the New Hope Act, you can now petition to vacate:
2nd Degree Robbery
2nd Degree Assault
3rd Degree Assault
These charges were once permanently blocked from being cleared. Now they’re eligible if:
The offense didn’t involve sexual motivation, a deadly weapon, or harm to a police officer
You’ve completed the full waiting period:
5 years for Class C felonies
10 years for Class B felonies
Changes with the New Hope Act:
The clock starts ticking when you’re released from custody, not when you finish paying fines.
If you met the sentence conditions but don’t have documentation, the court can still approve your petition if there's “good cause.”
Important: Vacating Is Not the Same As Expungement
Washington does not allow for true expungement (deleting a record entirely). But vacating is the next best thing:
It clears your criminal record from the Washington State Patrol database
It allows you to say, legally, you weren’t convicted
It improves housing, employment, and education opportunities
Your court file remains public, but the conviction is labeled “vacated.” If a background check pulls it up, you can show proof the charge no longer legally counts.
Changes Since 2019: Why It’s Even Faster Now
If you tried to vacate a record in the past and got denied, everything has changed.
Key Updates Since 2019:
You no longer have to wait 3 years after paying court fines (LFOs)
You can vacate more than one misdemeanor
You can choose which misdemeanor to vacate, it doesn’t have to be the most recent
The forms and court processes were updated to become more streamlined in 2022
You can ask the court to reduce or cancel LFOs that you cannot afford
Some felony vacates are now eligible that weren’t before
Bottom line: The process is faster and more flexible than ever!
Common Questions About Vacating a Record
Will I need to go to court?
Maybe, maybe not. If the prosecutor agrees to your petition, you might not need a hearing. But you'll still likely visit the courthouse a few times.
Can I vacate a DUI?
Unfortunately, no. DUI convictions can’t be vacated. If your DUI was reduced to a lesser charge (like reckless driving), you can apply to vacate that after a 10-year wait.
Will it erase my court records from the internet?
No, the court file remains public. However, background check companies and government databases must reflect the vacated status.
Can I sue if someone still reports it as a conviction?
Yes. If an agency wrongly reports a vacated conviction as active, you may be able to sue under RCW 10.97.110.
Why It’s Worth It
You can pass background checks
You can apply for better jobs and housing
You can reclaim your good name
You can start the next chapter of your life with peace of mind
How Findley & Rogers Can Help
We’ve helped thousands of clients across Washington vacate criminal convictions, seal juvenile records, and clear their path forward. We make the process easy.
Here’s what we do:
Review your full history for eligibility
Handle all forms, court filings, and deadlines
Represent you in court (if needed)
Follow up with agencies to ensure your record is updated
Charge a simple, transparent flat fee
You don’t need to go it alone. And you don’t need to wait.
Ready to Clear Your Record?
The New Hope Act has made it easier than ever to turn the page on your past. Whether it’s one conviction or several, whether it’s a misdemeanor or a felony, there’s a path forward. Let Findley & Rogers guide you every step of the way.
Call us today at 206-331-7377 or share case details to start your free consultation.
