INSTRUCTIONS FOR EXPUNGEMENT PROCESS
- Definition
- Conditions For Expungement
- Application Instructions
- Process
- AOC Guide on When and How to Challenge, Seal, Vacate or Expunge (pdf file)
Definition
EXPUNGE: To seal or physically destroy information including criminal records in files, computers, or other depositories.
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What are the conditions for expungement?
You may request expungement of your court docket if:
- The file consists only of non-conviction data;
- You are not under prosecution and you have not been arrested for or charged with a new crime;
- and either
- Two (2) years or longer has elapsed since the record became non-conviction data as result of the entry of a disposition favorable to you or
- Three (3) years or longer have elapsed from the date of arrest or filing of charges and you are not a fugitive and the case is not still pending in court.
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How do I get a record expunged?
Your written request/motion should be submitted to:
Municipal Court of Seattle
Seattle Justice Center - Attn: Presiding Judge
600 Fifth Avenue
P.O. Box 34987
Seattle, WA 98124-4987
The request must include the following information:
- Your full name & date of birth
- Your Seattle Municipal Court Case Number
- Current address & phone number
- Specific reason/details for your expungement request
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What happens after I make my request?
Upon receipt of your written motion to the court, a review will be initiated and sent to the Seattle City Attorney's Office for review. The final outcome will be provided to you in writing within 4-8 weeks.
A copy of the City Attorney's recommendations to the court will be mailed to you directly. The case file and other documentation will then go to the judge who heard the case or to another assigned judge for review. The judge may determine that there is a need to appear in court. If a hearing is required a court notice of the date and time will be mailed.
The court will contact you if additional information is required. If the request to expunge is granted, a signed certified order will be issued. The court will notify the arresting agency and the Washington State Patrol that the case has been vacated. The Washington State Patrol will notify the Federal Bureau of Investigation to update the criminal history. The Washington State Patrol will make every effort to process the order to update the record as quickly as possible.
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Court Contact: (206) 684-5600 or Customer Service Site Maintenance: smcweb@seattle.gov