
More than 200,000 felony drug possession charges dating back to the 1970s may be eligible for vacation, along with another estimated 150,000 misdemeanor marijuana charges
Logan Washburn
The Center Square Washington
Washington state will start refunding drug conviction fines related to the state Supreme Court’s February 2021 ruling that the state’s felony drug possession statute was unconstitutional.
On Saturday, the state will begin issuing refunds online through the Blake Refund Bureau, according to the state Administrative Office of the Courts. The state set up a “Blake hotline” for those seeing reimbursements at 360-586-3164, ext. 218.
Nearly $8 million has already been paid, and millions more will likely be paid in coming years, according to Fox 12.
The state Legislature approved $47 million to help offset the cost of vacating charges and adjusting sentences, and another $50 million was set aside for the reimbursements, according to a news release.
Those seeking refunds must have the court that issued the conviction vacate it and determine refund eligibility. Public defense and civil legal aid lawyers are helping those not currently serving sentences, but resources are limited, according to the Washington State Office of Public Defense. The state recommended individuals file their own motion to vacate the conviction.
“The public will be able to search for their cases by their name or case number,” said Sharon Swanson, state AOC Blake implementation manager, in the news release. “The intent is to have a process that is easy to navigate and will provide for a timely response.”
The Blake decision involved Shannon Blake of Spokane, who received a pair of jeans with methamphetamine in the pocket from a friend. The Washington State Supreme Court ruled in February 2021 that Washington’s felony possession law was unconstitutional, as it allowed people that didn’t realize they were possessing drugs to be convicted for possession.
But the state legislature passed ESB 5536 in May’s special session, making intentional possession or public use of certain amounts of illegal drugs a modified gross misdemeanor.
“To pull back from following Oregon’s decriminalization model is a significant victory,” said Washington State Republican Party Chairman Caleb Heimlich, who recently announced his intention to step down, in a news release. “Communities have suffered the consequences of lax drug policies for far too long.”
More than 200,000 felony drug possession charges dating back to the 1970s may be eligible for vacation, along with another estimated 150,000 misdemeanor marijuana charges, the state AOC news release said. The state likely collected $24 million to $47 million in the 20 years before the ruling that possibly needs to be paid back, according to Crosscut.
“Administrative Office of the Courts is dedicated to working with our justice partners to help inform the vast and diverse Blake-impacted population,” said state Court Administrator Dawn Marie Rubio in the news release, “Collectively working to foster fresh starts.”
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Opinion: In-n-Out Burger is so much more than fast food for so many of usPaul Valencia shares why In-n-Out Burger means more than just fast food for countless fans as Ridgefield nears its grand opening and Vancouver’s location begins construction.
- Obituary: Stephen Lloyd Randol, 1945-2025Stephen Randol, a Clark County resident for over 80 years, passed away on June 15. A celebration of life is scheduled for July 26 at Northcrest Community Church in Vancouver.
- Opinion: Washington’s June 2025 budget revisions – revenue up spending up moreMark Harmsworth of the Washington Policy Center critiques the state’s latest budget revisions, warning that new taxes—not organic growth—are driving revenue. He calls for fiscal restraint and long-term reform.
- Washougal fourth graders take flight with hands-on birdhouse projectFourth-grade students in Washougal connected science, math, and hands-on skills through a district-wide birdhouse building project supported by high school mentors and community volunteers.
- Opinion: Pedestrian control signalsDoug Dahl explains Washington state law regarding crosswalks and pedestrian signals, offering safety insights and common misunderstandings about traffic control at intersection
- Letter: ‘How can five part-time legislators without research support or reliable access to information serve as an effective check on six full-time elected executives’Bob Zak expresses agreement with recent opinions on the Clark County Charter’s imbalance and endorses John Ley’s transit preference while questioning light rail costs and Council effectiveness.
- Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Columbia River Mental Health Services announce Letter of Intent to protect behavioral health servicesThe Cowlitz Indian Tribe and Columbia River Mental Health Services signed a letter of intent to transition behavioral health services under the Tribe’s care, ensuring service continuity across Southwest Washington.