LFO Self-Help Videos

In this video series, one of our staff attorneys is going to walk you through the LFO relief process. The series will cover: 

• An overview of the kinds of LFOs you can get reduced or waived 
• How to find the paperwork 
• How to complete the paperwork 
• How to file the paperwork 

Introduction And Overview Of LFOS

This video introduces Legal Financial Obligations (LFOs) in Washington and explains the types of financial obligations you may be able to ask a court to waive or reduce completely.  

If you need help determining what LFOs you owe, we can provide you with a free copy of your criminal history. Please fill out this request form and we will send you a copy of your criminal history report. You can also call the clerk of the court of your conviction and ask them to provide the balance and breakdown of LFOs attached to your case.  

Step One: Getting the Paperwork

This video will walk you through all the documents you need to request LFO relief.  

MATERIALS:

• GR39 LFO Petition
• GR39 LFO Order
• Washington State Digital Archives

Step Two: Completing The Paperwork

These videos guide you through filling out the required paperwork step by step. One video explains how to complete the GR 39 Petition and the other walks you through the GR 39 Proposed Order.  

Remember to sign each document and include your mailing address where indicated.  

Step Three: Filing The Paperwork

Now that your documents are ready, the next step is to file them with the court and send copies to the prosecutor’s office. 

Every county and court has its own filing and service process. Some allow filing through an online portal or email, while others require mailing or faxing your documents. To make sure you file and serve your paperwork correctly, contact the court of your conviction and the prosecutor’s office for guidance. 

If your case is in King, Pierce, or Snohomish County, here are some additional resources for to assist you with filing your LFO petition: 

I Filed My Paperwork. Now What?

After you have submitted your documents to both the court and the prosecutor, we recommend following up with the court clerk within a few weeks to confirm that your filings have been received and accepted. If you requested a hearing, be sure to ask the clerk’s office whether a hearing has been scheduled and, if so, when it will take place.  

If the clerk’s office rejects your documents, or if a court denies your LFO relief request, you can schedule an Attorney Office Hours session with our team. During this appointment, an attorney can review what went wrong and help determine your next steps.