Washington § 72.09.190 - Legal services for inmates.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 72.09.190 — Legal services for inmates., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 72.09.190. Legal services for inmates.

(1) It is the intent of the legislature that reasonable legal services be provided to persons committed to the custody of the department of corrections. The department shall contract with persons or organizations to provide legal services. The secretary shall adopt procedures designed to minimize any conflict of interest, or appearance thereof, in respect to the provision of legal services and the department's administration of such contracts.
(2) Persons who contract to provide legal services are expressly forbidden to solicit plaintiffs or promote litigation which has not been pursued initially by a person entitled to such services under this section.
(3) Persons who contract to provide legal services shall exhaust all informal means of resolving a legal complaint or dispute prior to the filing of any court proceeding.
(4) Nothing in this section forbids the secretary to supplement contracted legal services with any of the following: (a) Law libraries, (b) law student interns, and (c) volunteer attorneys.
(5) The total due a contractor as compensation, fees, or reimbursement under the terms of the contract shall be reduced by the total of any other compensation, fees, or reimbursement received by or due the contractor for the performance of any legal service to inmates during the contract period. Any amount received by a contractor under contract which is not due under this section shall be immediately returned by the contractor.
[ 1981 c 136 s 23.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 72.09.190

What does Revised Code of Washington § 72.09.190 cover?

Section 72.09.190 ("Legal services for inmates.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 72.09.190?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 72.09.190" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 72.09.190 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.