BY DAVID KROMAN / CROSSCUT
Originally published March 12, 2021 on Crosscut.com
When Kelly Vomacka first read that the Washington Supreme Court had struck down the law criminalizing drug possession in the state, she was in disbelief. The Blake decision, named for the woman at its center, was not at all on Vomacka’s radar. While she was peripherally aware of the case, she would not have guessed that this is where it would lead.
In this, she was not alone attorneys, advocates, lawmakers, even the lawyer who argued before the nine justices on Shannon Blake’s behalf, were all surprised that the court would take the case of a woman with drugs in her jeans pocket to such lengths.
Washington State Supreme Court Rules Drug Possession Law Unconstitutional In 5-4 Decision
On 3/13/21 at 12:14 AM EST
The Washington state Supreme Court has ruled that the state s felony drug possession law is unconstitutional. The court s decision potentially upends years worth of convictions, imprisonment and related fines, leaving prosecutors, lawyers and legislators unsure how to proceed.
A Democratic state legislator has introduced a replacement law to re-criminalize drug possession. But some legal and drug reform advocates would prefer it remain an inactive relic from War on Drugs.
The court issued its decision on February 25 in the case of
State of Washington v. Shannon Blake. The case involved a 2016 drug possession charge.
Court’s drug possession ruling upends WA’s criminal justice system
In the Blake decision, the Washington Supreme Court voided most drug possession cases in the state. The implications will be huge.
by
Washington State’s Supreme Court Building, also known as the Temple of Justice, photographed on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020, from Heritage Park in Olympia, Wash. (Jovelle Tamayo for Crosscut)
When Kelly Vomacka first read that the Washington Supreme Court had struck down the law criminalizing drug possession in the state, she was in disbelief. The Blake decision, named for the woman at its center, was not at all on Vomacka’s radar. While she was peripherally aware of the case, she would not have guessed that this is where it would lead.
Seattle s controversial poverty defense proposal stalls out crosscut.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from crosscut.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Washington juvenile justice bill sees questions from police by Tim Gruver, The Center Square | January 21, 2021 08:06 AM Print this article
A bill in the Washington state legislature would extend the right to remain silent and the right to an attorney to the state s youth.
House Bill 1140, introduced by Washington Rep. Jesse Johnson, D-Federal Way, grants juvenile persons the same access to an attorney as adults.
Washington law enforcement may arrest someone younger than 18 if they have probable cause to believe they committed an offense or have a warrant for their arrest.
Under
state law, a juvenile must be 12 years old to waive their constitutional rights such as consenting to a search or questioning by law enforcement without a consulting attorney.