December 30, 2021
New online portal available to help those impacted by Blake Decision seeking reimbursement for eligible legal fees.
Beginning on January 1, 2022, individuals impacted by the State of Washington v. Blake decision will be able to apply for refund of related legal financial obligations (money owed in legal fees) via a new online portal. Eligible individuals are those who were convicted in Skagit County Superior Court of a simple possession of a controlled substance (RCW 69.50.4013) and later had all counts voided because of the State of Washington v. Blake decision.
“After months of planning and coordinating, I am pleased to announce this new service,” said Skagit County Clerk Melissa Beaton. “As part of due process, the State of Washington is obligated to refund defendants all legal financial obligations actually paid related to voided counts. We hope this online portal will make it easier for eligible persons to be refunded in full.”
If you believe you qualify for this reimbursement, please apply here. Individuals will need the following information to complete the application:
- Legal name
- Email address
- Phone #
- Mailing Address
- Birthdate
- Proof of ID – State issued driver’s license or ID card
- Case number if known or found at: https://dw.courts.wa.gov
After confirmation of an eligible Superior Court case, the Clerk’s Office will review and initiate a refund of financial obligations to the defendant on behalf of the State of Washington. Skagit County has been provided funds by the State of Washington to make these payments in a timely manner.
If you have questions or need additional information, please visit www.skagitcounty.net/clerk, call 360-416-1800 or email supcrtclerk@co.skagit.wa.us.
Background Information
On February 25, 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court issued an opinion in State of Washington v. Blake (pdf), declaring RCW 69.50.4013, Washington’s simple possession of a controlled substance statute, violates the due process clause of the state and federal constitution and is therefore void and all counts from the judgment and sentence previously entered for violations of RCW 69.50.4013(l) (or previous codifications of this statute) shall be vacated. Skagit County Superior Court is the court responsible for these trials and reimbursements for Skagit County residents.
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