Incarcerated people wait on drug charge reversals

SCHEDULE | PASSPORT | DONATE

It's Thursday, March 19

Yesterday, we looked at the estimated tens of millions of dollars the state owes people whose drug possession charges were voided by the Blake Decision.

Today on The Newsfeed, we explore the barriers facing incarcerated individuals trying to get eligible drug charges reversed. Following State vs. Blake, there was a major push to clear the drug possession convictions of incarcerated people whose sentences would be impacted. And according to the Office of Public Defense, nobody is currently imprisoned in Washington state for felony drug possession alone. But there are still thousands serving time for other charges with voided drug possession convictions on their records.

Tomorrow, we hear directly from people whose lives were changed by this landmark State Supreme Court ruling.

Vacating Blake convictions harder for people still incarcerated

by Jaelynn Grisso

While no one is still in jail solely for drug possession charges, thousands behind bars await relief. Watch now

Related reading

Additional context on today’s episode, like studies, legal documents, related news coverage and tidbits that didn’t make it into the final cut

Blake for People in a Washington State DOC Facility (Washington State Office of Public Defense)
Determining Blake Eligibility (Civil Survival)

Thousands are owed refunds after Blake Decision, few have got them

by Lizz Giordano

Only 6% of those eligible have claimed refunds - averaging $1,200 - after Blake-vacated drug charges. Watch now

Funding cuts slow progress on vacating charges

by Jaelynn Grisso

At most, half of Blake Decision-eligible convictions have been vacated after 5 years. Watch now

Five years since the Blake decision in Washington state

by Venice Buhain

The historic ruling opened the door for hundreds of thousands of drug possession convictions to be reversed. But many of those affected still await relief. Watch now

Help deliver the trusted news and PBS programs you love.

This is the first full year without federal funding for public media, and community support now has an even greater role in what comes next. Your vital donation will fund trusted programs, local stories and thoughtful conversations for all in our region. Please, shape a bold new chapter for Cascade PBS with your gift by March 31.

Donate

Did someone forward this to you? Explore all our newsletters and sign up here.

Download our free Cascade PBS app and stream anywhere!

Connect with us on all your social media!

Experience the widest variety of programs that entertain, inform and connect you with your community.

Schedule | Passport | Podcasts | Events | Donate

You received this message because you are opted in to receive the Cascade PBS Newsfeed Daily Newsletter.

Update email preferences | Unsubscribe | Privacy Policy

Did someone forward this to you? Explore all our email newsletters and subscribe here.

Cascade Public Media
316 Broadway, Seattle, WA 98122
[email protected]
800-937-5287

© 2026 Cascade Public Media. All Rights Reserved. Cascade Public Media (CPM), which includes Cascade PBS, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Donations to CPM are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.