There are a number of circumstances where you could lose your firearm rights. Each situation has its own varying levels of complexity. To find out about your particular situation, we advise you contact an attorney. However, here is a very general summary of how it works in Washington State.
If it is a Class A felony or a sex offense, you must seek a Pardon, Annulment, Certificate of Rehabilitation. Future posting will review these processes. This is also true if the Class A felony or sex offense was committed as a juvenile offender.
of any crime (misdemeanor or felony); (2) No criminal charges are currently pending in any federal, state or local court; (3) The person does not have a prior felony prohibiting the possession of firearms counted as part of the offender score. If these three conditions are met you may be eligible to seek restoration of Firearm Rights.If the crime is Domestic Violence related and the person is prohibited to own or possess firearms, then the four conditions must be met: (1) More than 3 years have passed in the community without being convicted of any crime; (2) No criminal charges are currently pending in any federal, state or local court; (3) The person does not have a prior felony prohibiting the possession of firearms counted as part of the offender score; (4) The person has successfully completed all conditions of their Judgment & Sentence including any financial obligations.There is a sweeping exception to what is set forth above. If the conviction is for an offense committed prior to July 1, 1984; an order of dismissal was entered after completion of supervision, and the conviction is for an offense other than murder, manslaughter, robbery, rape, indecent liberties, arson, assault, kidnapping, extortion, burglary, or violations with respect to controlled substances. Speak with an attorney to learn more.
You will need to schedule a hearing date at the court that originally sentenced you, and notify the prosecuting attorney who was involved in your case. This process varies from court to court, so it’s best to contact the court clerk and ask about the rules for scheduling a hearing and notifying the prosecuting attorney. In addition, some courts require a civil petition, while others allow the petition to be done under the criminal cause number. Those interested in learning more about restoring Firearm Rights in Washington, contact Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney Aaron A. Pelley.