SEATTLE – The state of Washington is preparing to pay out millions of dollars to some people with past drug convictions.

The Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) is preparing to launch  their new Blake Refund Bureau, based on the 2021 Washington Supreme Court ruling that the state’s drug possession law was unconstitutional – voiding the law that had stood since the 1970s.

It’s estimated that more than 200,000 felony drug possession charges were eligible to be vacated, including people currently serving time, and those who had already done so. Tens of thousands of misdemeanor marijuana charges were eligible to be vacated, as well.

Over the course of five decades, millions of dollars in fines and court costs were collected. Those fees can now be reimbursed to those who are eligible and apply.

State lawmakers have earmarked $50 million for refunds.

Individuals will be able to navigate a website, where they can search for their cases by name, or by case number.

Those attempting to get a refund must first get their charge vacated.

For more information on how to get a drug conviction tied to the Blake-decision off your record, the Office of Public Defense has a website State v. Blake (wa.gov) with resources and information.

The OPD’s Blake team can be reached by phone at (360) 586-3164 extension 218.