Can your criminal conviction be cleared? Pub Defense wants to help

Under state law, many criminal convictions can be vacated. Now King County wants to help more people clear their records.

The legal assistance unit is small, just one paralegal and the equivalent of one full time attorney. But the work they’ll do will alleviate a huge issue for many people. When a job or housing application asks if they’ve been convicted of a crime, they’ll no longer have to check that box.

Under state law, many convictions can be vacated, provided enough time has passed. Some misdemeanors can be cleared in three years. Khandelwal says this can help address the stigma of past deeds.

"A criminal conviction is like a scarlet letter. It keeps someone entangled in the criminal legal system for years and years, long after they’ve completed their sentence,” Khandelwal said.

The attorneys in the new unit can also help people get their records expunged- removing an arrest record or criminal charge that was later dismissed. They can also help get records sealed.