Do you owe LFOs?

Legal Financial Obligations (LFOs) are fines and restitution the Court may order an Offender to pay.  LFOs often include things like victim assessments, public defense fees, and DNA samples.  LFOs generally accrue interest at the rate of 12% per annum.  Many WA courts contract with outside collection agencies to collect LFOs when an Offender falls behind on his/her payment plan with the court.  A collection agency may add an additional collection fee to the total balance.

The Legislature has enacted a statute, the purpose of which is to provide incentive for an Offender to meet his Legal Financial Obligations. 

If an Offender can demonstrate that the LFO interest is causing him/her a significant financial hardship and the Offender has made a good faith effort to pay (as that term is defined in the statute), the court may waive or reduce interest on the LFOs. RCW 10.82.090. 

In order to determine if you are eligible for relief under the statute, consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you of your eligibility.  If you, or some you know, need legal representation, call Althauser Rayan Abbarno at (360) 736-1301. Our firm of six attorneys represent clients throughout SW Washington in Thurston County, Lewis County, Grays Harbor County, Cowlitz County, Clark County, and Pacific County.