King County Criminal Defense Attorney Assisting People with Vacations, Expungements, and Sealing of Criminal Records

Cases don’t end with a finding of guilty after a trial or a plea. Instead, people convicted of crimes have significant consequences following the resolution of their cases. Specifically, those convicted of crimes face probation or Department of Corrections supervision after prison, sex offender registration, or court-ordered treatment, no contact orders, loss of right to possess firearms, geographic restrictions, and other consequences. Accordingly, they may need legal representation even after their criminal trial is over. Natalie Findley-Wolf of Findley-Wolf Law is a capable King County criminal defense attorney with the resources and knowledge needed to be effective at post-conviction work, and if you need help with a post-conviction matter, she will diligently pursue a favorable outcome on your behalf. Ms. Findley-Wolf regularly helps people with post-conviction matters in King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Skagit Counties.

Other Post-Conviction Work

In Washington, there are numerous post-conviction hearings that address various aspects of individuals’ criminal records and sentences. These hearings may include probation reviews and hearings to modify conditions of probation or community supervision, motions for relief from sex offender registration, and petitions to seal, expunge, or vacate convictions from individuals’ records entirely.

Probation reviews and modification hearings provide individuals with an opportunity to request changes to the terms of their probation or community supervision. This may involve seeking adjustments to conditions such as curfews, travel restrictions, or mandatory counseling programs. Attorneys can assist clients in preparing for these hearings by gathering evidence of rehabilitation, demonstrating compliance with probation requirements, and presenting persuasive arguments to the court.

Motions for relief from sex offender registration are another important aspect of post-conviction work. People required to register as sex offenders may petition the court for relief from registration requirements under certain circumstances, such as demonstrating rehabilitation and low risk of reoffending.

Additionally, some people convicted of crimes may be able to seal, expunge, or vacate convictions from their records entirely. Sealing a criminal record involves limiting access to the record or removing it from public view, while vacating a conviction effectively sets it aside and restores the individual’s civil rights. Expungement, on the other hand, destroys records.

Attorneys play a crucial role in navigating these complex legal processes and advocating for their client’s rights and interests. Specifically, an attorney skilled in post-conviction litigation can assess eligibility for sealing, expungement, or vacation of convictions, prepare and file necessary motions and petitions with the court, and advocate for their clients’ interests at hearings. They can also assist clients in preparing for probation hearings by gathering evidence of rehabilitation, demonstrating compliance with probation requirements, and presenting persuasive arguments to the court. As such, it is important for anyone faced with a post-conviction issue to retain an attorney proficient at post-conviction work.

Ms. Findley-Wolf is experienced, efficient, and skilled at representing clients in probation reviews and hearings to modify probation or community supervision conditions. At the time of sentencing, it is not always apparent how a client’s life will change in the future. Protecting and planning for your future can include requesting changes to your sentencing.

She has won many motions for relief from sex offender registration and to seal, and even to expunge or vacate convictions from peoples’ records entirely. These types of motions require preparation of packages of information to share with the court demonstrating what has occurred in a client’s life since conviction, along with legal briefing to support the request. Making the complete and appropriate request with the help of an accomplished and experienced attorney is critical to getting your requests granted.

Talk to a Dedicated King County Criminal Defense Attorney

Criminal matters often do not end when a court hands down a guilty verdict, instead, in many cases, there are numerous post-conviction issues that need to be addressed. If you need assistance with post-conviction work, it is in your best interest to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Natalie Findley-Wolf of Findley-Wolf Law is a dedicated King County criminal defense attorney who is well-versed in what it takes to prevail in criminal trials and post-conviction matters, and if she represents you, she will fight to help you seek the outcome you deserve. Ms. Findley-Wolf regularly engages in post-conviction work for parties throughout Washington, including cities in King, Snohomish, Pierce, and Skagit Counties. You can reach Ms. Findley-Wolf at 206.228.2800 to set up a free one-hour consultation. Phones are answered 24/7.