Chad Barrett: From jail to justice
Life has been a roller-coaster, but nothing quite like the journey that brought me to Northwest Justice Project (NJP). I became entangled in the legal system in my teens and my troubles only escalated from there.
Fast forward to 2010, when I walked out of jail after serving 18 months for drug possession. Unsure where to turn, I latched on to a lifeline from Pioneer Human Services (PHS) when they offered me a spot in their housing program. With a roof over my head and good folks watching out for me, I steadily got my life back on track. I felt drawn to the cause and became a member of PHS staff, helping to guide others to the stability they craved.
Over the next eight years, I reckoned with a mix of emotions about how my life moving forward would be impacted by my record, namely the drug charges. I started applying to jobs in the social work and mental health field, landing interviews, but not making it past the background check.
It seemed almost too good to be true when I saw a post circling on social media a few months later. Something called Blake vs. State — a way to vacate your record of misdemeanor drug charges. I wasted no time scouring the web for legal aid, eager to take the next steps. I reached out to one of the first organizations I found, Northwest Justice Project (NJP), and hoped for a quick response.
I was in touch with NJP attorney Therese Norton within days. She was familiar with the Blake vs. State movement and ready to channel her knowledge into action. In collaboration with Office of Public Defense contract attorney Megan Yeates, we filed a petition asking the courts to vacate my drug-related charges. We sought reimbursement of thousands of dollars of Legal Financial Obligations (LFO’s) that I’d paid over the years.
The LFO’s, a compilation of court fees and restitution, ate away at my savings and limited my financial stability. The prospect of a clean slate, free of debt and drug charges, seemed almost miraculous. As we awaited the hearing, Therese kept me informed. Her guidance eased my nerves as the day approached.
When the verdict arrived, vacating the charges, I felt lighter than air and so grateful for NJP’s support. In the months that followed, I received over seven thousand dollars from the state in LFO reimbursements — a huge relief for my finances. With a clear record to bolster my job applications, I’m more determined than ever to land a new gig and continue helping others find their way to success. Thanks to NJP and Therese, I’m not just a sum of my past mistakes but a person full of potential.