FIREARM RIGHTS IN WASHINGTON

If a person is convicted of a domestic violence offense, he or she may lose their right to own or possess a firearm arm depending on the type of domestic violence offense. For example, a person convicted of Assault in the 4th degree (DV) would lose such a right even if they have no prior and history and even if a firearm was not involved in the underlying criminal offense. If a person loses their right to own or possess a firearm and subsequently has a gun in their possession, that person could face federal or felony charges and substantial prison time.

For some people losing this right is of little or no consequence, but for others losing this right is taking away a fundamental right bestowed upon them by the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Consitution. For some losing this right means losing the right to have long-held family heirlooms in their house, no longer being able to hunt for sport, or no longer able to maintain a concealed weapons permit for the purposes of self-defense.

ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS TO CARRY A FIREARM

Washington is an "open carry" state, which means that any individual who carries a firearm may do so in an exposed holster without any sort of permit for the exposiiton; with the exception of specific circumstances in which such behavior would be determined illegal, such as carrying the weapon onto school grounds.

According to the state preemption statute in Washington, no city, town, country, or other type of municipality will be permitted to restrict a person's right to keep and bear arms more than the authority of the state.

Unfortunately, if you are convicted of an act of domestic violence, your right to carry a firearm in the state of Washington could be in jeopardy. Therefore, we encourage you to contact a Seattle criminal defense lawyer at our firm to learn more about the legalities concerning your case.

WORK WITH OUR TEAM OF SEATTLE CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEYS!

If you are a gun owner charged with a domestic violence offense and wish to retain your right to own a firearm, or if you have been previously convicted of a domestic violence offense and wish to have your rights restored, contact a Seattle criminal defense attorney from our firm who can guide you through the process.