Listing of self-help materials and informational publications.
There are 17 resources
Government benefits for people with criminal charges or histories
Arrested? What Happens to Your Benefits if You Go To Jail or Prison?
(Separate Website)
A Guide to Federal Rules on SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare and Veterans Benefits for Adults with Disabilities
By: Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
What Do I Do If DSHS Stops My Benefits Because I'm a "Fleeing Felon"
If you are a fleeing felon, you are not eligible for many federal and state public benefits. This publication defines "feeling felon" and discusses the benefits that are affected.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
What Do I Do If Social Security Stops my Benefits Because I am a "Fleeing Felon"?
7405EN - The Social Security Administration lists three types of fleeing felons: (1) felony charges with an outstanding warrant; (2) felony conviction with an outstanding warrant, or (3) a violation of probation or parole, regardless of whether the underlying crime was a felony. This publication discusses each of these.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
What Do I Do If the Veterans Administration Stops My Benefits Because I Am a "Fugitive Felon"?
7704EN - The Veterans Administration bars three types of felons from receiving VA benefits. The types are, (1) felony charges with an outstanding warrant; (2) felony conviction with an outstanding warrant, or (3) a violation of probation or parole when the underlying crime was a felony. This publication discusses each of these.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Other Formats:
PDF File
Legal financial obligations / Restitution-reduction or Waiver of Interest
Interest Waiver Guide: A Guide on How to Obtain a Court Order Waiving or Reducing Interest on Legal Financial Obligations This brochure provides information and forms on how to obtain a court order waiving or reducing interest on legal financial obligations (LFOs) in Washington State. Defined by statute RCW 10.82.090, the court may, on motion by the offender, reduce or waive the interest on legal financial obligations ordered as a result of a criminal conviction.
By: American Civil Liberties Union of Washington Foundation
Other Formats:
DOCX File
Legal Financial Obligations (LFOs): Understanding How LFOs Work The purpose of this guide is to help educate people
about Legal Financial Obligations (LFOs) and how they work. LFOs include fees, fines, and restitution orders that are assessed by judges at the time of
criminal conviction.
By: Seattle University School of Law Access to Justice Institute
Beyond the Conviction
(Separate Website)
This publication is intended as a starting point for defenders to understand the hidden penalties clients may face after conviction. It addresses the potential civil and other consequences that a person should understand before they plea guilty.
By: Washington Defender Association
Help for Crime Victims
(Separate Website)
Information on the Crime Victims Compensation Program, resources and forms.
By: Department L & I
Public Defender Offices in Washington
(Separate Website)
Link to a listing of Public Defender Offices around the state.
By: Washington Defender Association
Voting Rights Restoration in Washington State
(Separate Website)
The Washington legislature recently passed
a law that automatically restores the right
to vote to individuals convicted of felonies
when they have completed their time in prison and have served any required community custody supervised by the State Department of Corrections. This law took effect on July 26, 2009.
By: ACLU
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Prisoner's Rights - ACLU Position Paper
(Separate Website)
General information about prisoner's rights and The Prison Litigation Reform Act.
By: American Civil Liberties Union
Can I Clear My Criminal Record?
(Separate Website)
If you have been charged with criminal violations in the past, the record of those charges may affect your ability to get work, housing, public benefits, financial aid for education, to drive or to enjoy other rights or privileges, such as voting. This memo will help you understand what rights and options you have and what procedures you must use to clear or limit access to your criminal record by others.
By: Legal Voice
Criminal History/Records: When and How to Vacate Non-Violent Class B or C Felony Convictions 9910EN - This publication provides information and forms on how to vacate records concerning certain non-violent Class B or C felony convictions in Washington State occurring on/after July 1, 1984. Download the pdf file to use the forms.
By: Northwest Justice Project
When and How to Vacate Misdemeanor and Gross Misdemeanor Convictions 9911EN - This publication has information and forms on how to vacate records on certain non-violent misdemeanor convictions in Washington State for offenses that took place on/after July 1, 1984.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Video - Juvenile Record Sealing in Washington State
(Separate Website)
A brief introduction on how to seal your juvenile records in Washington State, produced by the Northwest Justice Project and TeamChild.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Read this in:
Spanish / Español
Sealing Juvenile Court Records in Washington State 4902EN - In Washington, juvenile court records do not automatically disappear when you turn 18. In fact, almost all of your juvenile records remain open for the public to view, unless you ask a court to "seal" them. You must meet certain requirements to be eligible to have your record sealed. Read this publication first before completing court forms.
By: TeamChild
Sealing Juvenile Court Records - Interactive Court Forms
Use the LawHelp Interactive web site to help you complete court forms for sealing a juvenile court record in WA. This online interview guides you through a series of questions and when completed provides court forms filled out with your answers.
By: Northwest Justice Project
Adobe Acrobat Reader required. (If you are using a screen reader that does not support PDF format, copy the PDF link, and use the Access Adobe online form to convert this file to HMTL text.)
Washington LawHelp is provided as a public service by the Northwest Justice Project in collaboration with other legal aid providers in the Alliance for Equal Justice and Washington courts.
Home Page
PDF File
Choose Another Location
