Firearm Rights Restoration
What You Need to Know About Your Firearm rights in Washington State
Restoring your firearms rights is often a detailed and demanding process, especially because state and federal laws differ and the exceptions may outnumber the rules. You could be eligible to restore your rights under Washington law and still face federal barriers—or vice versa—so understanding the full picture is vital.
Restoring gun rights is an arduous undertaking.
Under Washington law, rights to possess a firearm are restricted upon certain events such as felony convictions, some misdemeanor offenses with a “domestic violence” designation, or involuntary commitment for mental health treatment. Until recently, many believed their rights were permanently lost; however, statute now allows court-petitioned restoration in many cases.
To qualify for restoration under Washington Revised Code 9.41.041, you must meet strict eligibility criteria: for example, you cannot have been convicted of a class A felony, a felony sex offense, or a felony with a maximum sentence of twenty years or more. You also must have completed all conditions of your sentence, have no pending charges, and generally have lived in the community for a specified period without a conviction of a disqualifying offense.
Beyond state law, restoring rights under federal law remains a separate and sometimes more stringent challenge. Even if you succeed at the state level, federal prohibitions may still bar you from possessing firearms depending on how your offense is classified and whether it was expunged, vacated, or sealed.
Given these complexities—and the recent changes in Washington’s law expanding both the list of offenses that can lead to firearm rights loss and the process for restoration—it’s wise to have experienced legal guidance. Our firm can evaluate your record, determine whether you meet the criteria, and guide you through the petition process from start to finish.
