In partnership with Vashon community organizations Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) and Backbone Campaign, and 14 local businesses, the storytelling and advocacy organization, Living with Conviction presents a Community Conversation with formerly incarcerated individuals on August 5, 2018 from 4:00 to 6:00pm at the Vashon Maury Land Trust, 10014 SW Bank Rd, Vashon, WA 98070. The Conversation focuses on “legal financial obligations” (LFOs) that courts impose on criminal defendants at the time of sentencing. Until recently, 12% interest has been accruing on this debt from the date of sentencing. Failure to make monthly payments can result in re-incarceration, without the assistance of counsel.
Leading up to this Conversation is a Community Gallery Walk from July 8 through August 5, 2018, showcasing 14 portraits and personal stories of formerly incarcerated individuals, hosted at 14 local businesses. The portraits and personal stories highlight fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, and grandparents all struggling to survive and thrive, while also challenging the stereotype of what it means to be a “felon.”
Participating organizations and businesses include Vashon Public Library; SAW - Starving Artist Works; Pure Organic Kitchen & Juicery; Gravy Vashon; Vashon Print & Design; Giraffe; Vashon Bookshop; Gather Vashon; Treasure Island; Zamorana; Snapdragon; Raven's Nest; Rock It!; Vashon Island Baking Company.
In June 2018, Governor Inslee signed into law the removal of the 12% interest accrual on non-restitution-related LFOs – a tremendous improvement. But now, each of the thousands of individuals with accrued interest must petition the court for a waiver of that interest. In doing so, the Washington State legislature just increased the demand for free legal aid.