Restore Your Firearm Rights in Washington State

Washington is one of the few states that allows individuals to restore their firearm rights after a conviction. Unlike in many states, where even an expunged record may not allow you to buy a firearm, Washington offers a path to regain those rights.

HBO’s

Are You Eligible to Restore Your Firearm Rights?

If you’ve been denied a firearm purchase, a concealed carry license, or informed by law enforcement that you’re prohibited from owning a firearm, it may not be permanent. Washington State law provides a clear pathway for those who have paid their dues and moved on.

Eligibility Criteria for Felony Convictions in Washington State

To restore firearm rights in Washington State after a felony conviction, certain criteria must be met:

  • Class A Felonies & Sex Offenses: Firearm rights cannot be restored unless you’ve received a pardon or a certificate of rehabilitation.
  • Class B & C Felonies: You must have five years or more in the community without committing any crimes.
  • Pending Criminal Charges: You cannot restore your firearm rights while you have pending charges in any court.
  • No previous convictions that currently count towards your offender score. This means that you must be in the community for 5 years without any convictions in the case of a C felony, and 10 years for a B felony.
  • No Civil or Criminal Court Orders: You must not have any court orders that prohibit firearm possession.
  • No Involuntary Mental Health Commitment: You must not have been involuntarily committed for mental health treatment.

Eligibility Criteria for Misdemeanor Convictions in Washington State

For misdemeanor convictions, the following criteria apply:

  • Five Years Crime-Free: You must have spent more than five years in the community without any new convictions.
  • No Pending Charges: There must be no pending charges against you.
  • Completed Sentence Conditions: All conditions of your sentence, including monetary obligations, must be completed.
  • No Prohibitive Court Orders: You must not have any court orders prohibiting firearm possession.
  • No Involuntary Mental Health Commitment: You must not have been involuntarily committed for mental health treatment.
  • Ability to vacate any misdemeanor domestic violence convictions. Otherwise, you will not pass a federal background check.

Handling Mixed Felony and Misdemeanor Convictions in Washington State

Even with a mix of disqualifying felony and misdemeanor convictions, there may still be options. At Knauss Law, we can explore ways to clean up your criminal history and help restore your gun rights.

Why Consider Expungement?

Although not always necessary for firearm rights restoration, expunging your criminal conviction can make it easier to secure jobs, housing, loans, and more. Our process begins by thoroughly researching your criminal history in Washington and beyond, ensuring all records are accurate.

Disqualifications for Firearm Rights Restoration in Washington State

Certain convictions and situations will disqualify you from restoring firearm rights in Washington State:

  • Class A Felonies & Felony Sex Offenses: These are permanent disqualifiers unless pardoned.
  • Active Protection Orders: If you have active protection orders, you cannot restore your firearm rights.
  • Pending Charges or Warrants: Any current or pending legal actions disqualify you from applying.
  • Federal or Out-of-State Convictions: These convictions make you ineligible for restoration in Washington.

Understanding Washington’s HB 1562: Key Changes to Gun Rights and Restoration House Bill 1562 in Washington State introduces stricter rules for who can own firearms, especially for people with a history of domestic violence or other specific misdemeanors. The law extends the time that individuals with certain convictions must remain crime-free before they can try to restore their gun rights. It also adds new steps that must be completed before restoration is possible, making the process more challenging.

If you're interested in understanding how this impacts gun rights restoration in Washington, you can explore the details here.

Next Steps to Restore Your Firearm Rights

If you meet the eligibility requirements, Knauss Law Firm can assist you in restoring your firearm rights under Washington State law. Don’t let past mistakes prevent you from exercising your constitutional rights.

Contact Knauss Law Firm Today

At Knauss Law Firm, we are dedicated to protecting and restoring the rights of those who have made mistakes. Contact us today to learn how we can help you restore your firearm rights in Washington State.