# Criminal Record Help Resources - Washington ## National Resources - **National Expungement Works (N.E.W.)** - **Website:** [https://www.nationalexpungement.org/](https://www.nationalexpungement.org/) - **Description:** Provides year-round services, including free legal aid events and workshops, to assist individuals in clearing their records and accessing social services. - **Legal Aid Hotline:** - **Phone:** 1-888-201-1014 (CLEAR Hotline) - **Website:** [https://nwjustice.org/get-legal-help](https://nwjustice.org/get-legal-help) - **Description:** The Coordinated Legal Education, Advice, and Referral (CLEAR) hotline offers free legal assistance and referrals for low-income individuals in Washington State. ## Statewide Criminal Record Help Services - **Northwest Justice Project (NJP)** - **Phone:** 1-888-201-1014 (CLEAR Hotline) - **Website:** [https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/](https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/) - **Services Provided:** Offers free legal information, self-help materials, and representation to low-income individuals dealing with civil legal issues, including criminal record expungement and reentry assistance. ## Regional Criminal Record Help Services ### King County - **King County Bar Association - The Records Project** - **Phone:** 206-267-7028 - **Website:** [https://www.kcba.org/For-the-Public/Free-Legal-Assistance/The-Records-Project](https://www.kcba.org/For-the-Public/Free-Legal-Assistance/The-Records-Project) - **Office Location:** 1200 5th Ave #700, Seattle, WA 98101 - **Specialized Services:** Provides free legal services to vacate eligible criminal convictions for individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty line. - **Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle** - **Website:** [https://urbanleague.org/criminal-record-expungement/](https://urbanleague.org/criminal-record-expungement/) - **Specialized Services:** Offers assistance with criminal records expungement for King County convictions. ### Pierce County - **Civil Survival** - **Website:** [https://civilsurvival.org/legal-assistance/](https://civilsurvival.org/legal-assistance/) - **Specialized Services:** Provides direct legal assistance for criminal record vacation (expungement) and other reentry services. ## How to Start the Process 1. **Eligibility Check:** - Review the Washington State Courts' guide on sealing and destroying court records to determine eligibility. 2. **Required Documents:** - Court records related to the conviction. - Personal identification (e.g., driver's license, state ID). - Any documents showing completion of sentencing requirements (e.g., proof of paid fines, completion of probation). 3. **Where to File:** - File a motion to vacate with the court where the conviction occurred. - Consult with a legal aid service or attorney for assistance with the filing process. ## Online Legal Aid & Support - **Washington LawHelp** - **Website:** [https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/](https://www.washingtonlawhelp.org/) - **Features:** Provides free legal information, self-help materials, and resources on various legal issues, including criminal record expungement. ## Additional Resources - **Civil Survival** - **Website:** [https://civilsurvival.org/guides/free-low-cost-support-for-vacating-records/](https://civilsurvival.org/guides/free-low-cost-support-for-vacating-records/) - **Services Provided:** Offers guides and information on free or low-cost support for vacating criminal records in Washington State. --- _Updated as of January 5, 2025. For updates or corrections, please contact the Northwest Justice Project._