Thurston County, Washington

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Thurston County Washington

Statement from Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim on State of Washington V. Blake

March 1, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 1, 2021

Contact: Jessie Knudsen, Community Engagement Specialist (360) 239-3445

Olympia, WA -- On Thursday, February 25, 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court overturned the state’s felony drug possession law in the case of State of Washington v. Blake. The law was ruled unconstitutional because it did not require proof that a person knowingly possessed drugs to be convicted.

The result of this decision is that those who are in possession of an illegal drug cannot be charged with a crime under Washington State law. Other drug-related crimes, including possession with intent to deliver, manufacturing and delivery of control substances, and possession of drug paraphernalia remain unchanged by this ruling.

In response to the Supreme Court’s action, the Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office immediately secured the release of those who were in jail awaiting trial for a drug possession charge. We are now moving forward to seek the release of individuals held in custody after being convicted of drug possession. Deputy prosecuting attorneys will be reviewing outstanding warrants and moving to quash those issued in possession cases.

People with convictions for unlawful possession of controlled substances in Thurston County should reach out to their defense counsel for information regarding next steps. Thurston County Public Defense can be reached at (360) 754-4897, or by emailing chloe.sagara@co.thurston.wa.us using the subject line, "VACATE MY CONVICTION." 

Prosecuting Attorney