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Bill

HB 1110

Vacating convictions for driving under the influence.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roger Goodman and 5 co-sponsors

HB 1110 allows Washington DUI offenders to petition courts to vacate convictions under specified circumstances, balancing criminal justice reform with public safety considerations.

Referred to Rules 2 Review.
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Bill Summary · HB 1110

Legislative bill overview

HB 1110 would allow individuals convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) to petition courts to vacate their convictions under certain circumstances. The bill establishes criteria and procedures for reviewing and potentially dismissing DUI convictions, likely focusing on cases involving rehabilitation, procedural issues, or other mitigating factors. This represents a significant shift in how Washington handles finality of DUI convictions.

Why is this important

DUI convictions carry substantial collateral consequences including license suspension, employment barriers, housing discrimination, and permanent criminal records that can limit economic mobility and reintegration. Allowing conviction vacatur could provide redemption pathways for reformed individuals while raising public safety questions about repeat offense risks. This touches on broader criminal justice reform debates about proportionality, redemption, and public protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Public safety concerns: Opponents may argue that vacating DUI convictions removes transparency about dangerous drivers and eliminates deterrence effects, particularly for repeat offenders or those with serious accident histories
  • Victim impact and fairness: Questions about whether victims of DUI incidents should have input in vacatur decisions and whether dismissing convictions adequately acknowledges harm caused
  • Eligibility criteria: Disagreement over what conditions justify vacatur—whether rehabilitation alone suffices, how much time must pass, and whether serious injury/death cases should be excluded
  • Implementation costs: Courts and law enforcement would need resources to review cases, and unclear standards could create inconsistent outcomes across jurisdictions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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