State launches refund portal for legal fees from vacated drug cases

EVERETT — People who’ve had their felony drug possession sentences vacated can now receive financial compensation for the legal fines they paid.

The Blake Refund Bureau, launched by the Administrative Office of the Courts last week, is an online portal where people obtain reimbursements for legal fees tied to convictions vacated due to the State v. Blake decision.

In 2021, the state Supreme Court ruled that felony drug possession was unconstitutional because it “did not require intent, or knowledge of possession,” according to the administrative office.

As a result, any related convictions were vacated and removed from a person’s criminal record, and the legal financial fees qualified for reimbursement.

https://www.heraldnet.com/news/state-launches-refund-portal-for-legal-fees-from-vacated-drug-cases/