What does it mean to have a conviction 'vacated'?

If a conviction is vacated, it releases the person from penalties and disabilities from that offense. The person may state that they were never convicted of that crime for all purposes, including job or housing applications.

Do I automatically get my conviction vacated?

No, the law does not automatically vacate a conviction; the person must file a petition with the court to ask for it to be vacated.

What do I need to do after I file the petition?

After filing, the person must schedule a hearing by contacting the clerk of the court and then filing the necessary documents with the clerk and the prosecutor's office.

CrRLJ 09.0300

Instructions for Vacating Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor Convictions

Washington · Washington State Courts · Effective July 1, 2022

This document provides instructions on how to ask a court to cancel (vacate) certain misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor criminal convictions. It explains that filing a petition is required and directs the person to use other specific forms depending on the type of offense.

Open the official PDFfrom Washington State Courts

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Start a case
Respond
Motions
Discovery
Hearing
Judgment
After judgment
Appeal

Stage: Motions

This information is used by someone who wants to ask a court to cancel a misdemeanor or gross misdemeanor conviction. The process requires filing a petition with the court and scheduling a hearing.

Either party may file.

Common questions

What does it mean to have a conviction 'vacated'?: If a conviction is vacated, it releases the person from penalties and disabilities from that offense. The person may state that they were never convicted of that crime for all purposes, including job or housing applications.
Do I automatically get my conviction vacated?: No, the law does not automatically vacate a conviction; the person must file a petition with the court to ask for it to be vacated.
What do I need to do after I file the petition?: After filing, the person must schedule a hearing by contacting the clerk of the court and then filing the necessary documents with the clerk and the prosecutor's office.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect July 1, 2022.

Related forms

CrRLJ 09.0100
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