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A criminal record can impact your life for a very long time after conviction. In Washington state, you may have the right to remove your criminal record from public view. To request this privacy, you will need to know the difference between expunged and sealed records. What Does It Mean to Have Your Record…

A sex offense conviction can be a life-altering event, affecting your ability to seek employment, find a place to live, and maintain your relationships. In addition to prison time and fines, the court may also order you to register as a sex offender. These registration requirements could follow you for life, and it can…

In Washington, it is illegal for any person to take another’s property without the owner’s consent. A theft conviction can result in hefty fines, prison time, and other requirements, such as community service. However, criminal penalties are not the only consequences a defendant could face. In addition to criminal theft charges, the victim may…

Theft is a crime in Washington, regardless of the value of the goods or the type of merchandise involved. Many people believe that shoplifting, or the act of stealing goods from a store while pretending to shop, is a less serious crime than other forms of theft, but that is not always the case….

Many states, including Washington, have enacted three strikes laws for specific criminal offenses. Although the exact laws vary from state to state, they often follow the same general guidelines. If a person receives three convictions for certain crimes, the court will assign harsher penalties than it would if it was a first or second…

In Washington, minors who commit crimes undergo a separate criminal process than adult offenders. The Washington Juvenile Court System oversees sentencing for juvenile offenders, focusing on treatment and rehabilitation instead of punishment. Criminal penalties for minors differ from penalties for adults. Types of Juvenile Penalties in Washington RCW 13.40.0357 establishes sentencing guidelines for juvenile…