Senate Bill 5536 Sec. 11(5): Every person convicted of the misdemeanor cannabis offense, who was 21 years of age or older at the time of the offense, may apply to the sentencing court for a vacation of the applicants record of conviction for the offense. A misdemeanor cannabis offense includes but is not limited to: Any offense under RCW 69.50.4014, from July 1, 2004, onward, and its predecessor statutes, including RCW 46.50.401(e), from May 21, 1979, to July 1, 2004, and RCW 69.50.401(d), from May 21, 1971, to March 21, 1979, and any offense under an equivalent municipal ordinance. If an applicant qualifies under this subsection, the court shall vacate the record of conviction.
Instructions for Vacating Misdemeanor Cannabis Convictions
The law does not automatically vacate your conviction. If you’d like to have a conviction vacated, you must file a petition with the court and copy to the prosecuting attorney’s office. Please fill out the form on this page. If approved, your charge will be vacated and removed from your criminal history. You will then be able to register with Blake Refund Bureau at www.courts.wa.gov. If you qualify for a refund, it will be issued by the Blake Refund Bureau not Bellingham Municipal Court.
