Living with Conviction: Sentenced to Debt for Life in Washington State
Washington • deborah Espinosa
From the 2021-2022 We, Women nationwide exhibit.
About the project
In partnership with formerly incarcerated individuals, Living with Conviction: Sentenced to Debt for Life in Washington State confronts how Washington courts have been sentencing people not only to prison but also to a lifetime of debt. The project leverages multimedia storytelling and community conversations to raise awareness about and advocate for an end to crippling court-imposed costs, fees, fines, and restitution, a.k.a “legal financial obligations.” Known as LFOs, some of these fees begin accruing interest at a rate of 12 percent at the time of sentencing and can increase up to 50 percent in interest. This policy criminalizes poverty, shackling low-income communities and communities of color to the criminal justice system for life. Living with Conviction goes beyond polarizing headlines and statistics, highlighting the injustice of this system by sharing stories of our common humanity.
More Resources
Hear From Keshena & Traci
EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Access the We, Women Education Resource Guide here, where you can dive more deeply into the 19 We, Women projects and think more deeply about collaboration and community!
About the Artist
Deborah Espinosa is an artist and attorney, born and raised in southern California to a Mexican father and Norwegian mother. Currently living in Seattle, she combines her legal and multimedia storytelling skills to advocate for racial and economic justice. She believes that this combination of media is one of the most compelling and impactful advocacy tools for reform of unjust law.