In 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court found the law criminalizing drug possession unconstitutional. As a result of this decision, known as State v. Blake, any Blake-related convictions in Washington State qualify to be removed (vacated) from one's criminal record. Lynnwood Municipal Court, with the strong support of the Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) Blake Team, is beginning to process cases eligible to be vacated.
Lynnwood Municipal Court will begin notifying individuals by mail that the court has identified an eligible conviction. If you have an eligible conviction, you are not required to take any action for this conviction to be vacated. In the interest of fairness and increasing access to justice, the Court will move forward with this process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to the questions we receive most frequently.
Do I need to do anything to vacate my drug possession conviction in Lynnwood Municipal Court?
No. You are not required to do anything.
What happens after my conviction is vacated?
The court will update your record and send a copy of the order to Washington State Patrol to update your criminal history record. The Clerk will also write off any unpaid LFO balances that arise solely from the conviction(s) vacated by the court order, including any interest or collection costs.
How do I request a refund?
If an Order to Vacate has been entered, check the Blake Refund Bureau to determine if your case has been uploaded by the Clerk’s Office. If your case is listed, use the online application provided on the Bureau’s website to apply for your refund.
What if I think I have more Blake cases in other courts?
This court cannot vacate Blake-eligible convictions from other courts. Please contact the legal aid resources listed to the right for help with convictions outside of this court.