On November 1, 2013 Employers in Seattle must commence following new rules for use of conviction and arrest records for jobs posted within the city limits of Seattle. SMC Ordinance 14.17 institutes the following rules and regulations for jobs not involving unsupervised access to children under the age of 16, developmentally disabled persons, or vulnerable adults: (1) a prohibition against categorical exclusions in job ads within the Seattle city limits; (2) a prohibition against criminal history questions on job applications and criminal background checks until after an initial screening to eliminate unqualified applicants; (3) a requirement for a legitimate business reason to deny a job based on a conviction record; and (4) a requirement to permit for a job applicant or employee the opportunity to explain or correct his criminal conviction information.
SMC Ordinance 14.17 is intended to provide folks with a second chance in life, and to create fairness and opportunities amongst peers. Too often those convicted of a crime are labeled as “bad” or unemployable. SMC Ordinance 14.17 will, to a degree, “even the playing field” and eradicate these labels and unnecessary “branding” of people once caught up in our legal justice system.
If you or a loved one is charged with a criminal offense in Washington State, it is imperative that you seek the assistance of a qualified and reputable Seattle criminal defense attorney. The Seattle criminal attorneys that make up the criminal defense team of SQ Attorneys are highly qualified and reputable Seattle criminal defense lawyers that are dedicated to providing top notch, aggressive representation for those arrested for crime all across Western Washington and the Greater Puget Sound region. The team creates success by working with law enforcement and the prosecuting attorney’s office to ensure that all facts and circumstances related to the criminal allegations are considered in creating the fairest, most equitable and just resolution possible in light of all the surrounding circumstances of the given case.