Not everyone is eligible for firearms rights restoration in Washington State. If you used to possess a firearm but lost your gun rights in Washington State, you can petition the court to get those rights back.
Gun Rights Attorney Washington State
If you lost your firearm rights and are looking for a law firm or a gun rights attorney in Franklin County or any other County in Washington State to help with Washington State gun rights restoration, Call Lyliane today at 509-765-6700 for a free consultation.
5 Requirements For Gun Rights Restoration in Washington State
To be eligible for firearm rights restoration, you will need to meet the following requirements:
No Pending Criminal Charges
If you currently have pending criminal charges, restoration of firearm rights is not possible.
This includes charges in Washington, other states, federal courts, or tribal courts.
However, only criminal charges are relevant. Civil lawsuits and traffic violations, such as traffic tickets, will not prevent you from regaining your gun rights.
2. Your Felony Convictions No Longer Affect Your Eligibility
Restoration of firearm rights in Washington State may still be possible even though you have been convicted of a felony before or have a criminal history.
Under Washington law, felony convictions "wash out" for the purpose of firearm rights restoration if you go a certain number of years without committing new crimes. This time frame is known as the "washout" period.
Class B Felony: 10-year washout period
Class C Felony: 5-year washout period
The washout period starts when you're released from prison for your felony and pauses if you commit another crime.
Example 1: You were convicted of a Class B felony in 2004 and released from prison in 2008. You file to restore your firearm rights in 2020. ELIGIBLE, provided all other requirements are met.
Why: More than 12 years have passed since your release in 2008, meaning the Class B felony has washed out.
Example 2: You were convicted of a Class C felony in 2014 and released in 2016. You file to restore your firearm rights in 2020. NOT ELIGIBLE.
Why: Only 4 years have passed since your release. The Class C felony does not wash out until 2021.
Note: Class A felonies never wash out, so firearm rights cannot be restored for Class A convictions, regardless of how much time has passed.
No Sex Offenses on Your Record
If you have a sex offense on your record, Washington law permanently prohibits you from possessing a firearm. Most crimes classified as sex offenses in Washington are found in RCW 9A.44.
Here are some of the most commonly charged sex offenses in Washington:
Rape (First, Second, and Third Degree)
Rape of a Child (First, Second, and Third Degree)
Child Molestation (First, Second, and Third Degree)
Commercial Sexual Abuse of a Minor
Incest (First and Second Degree)
Indecent Liberties
Sexual Misconduct with a Minor (First and Second Degree)
Failure to Register as a Sex Offender (if it’s a felony)
Serious sex offenses like first-degree rape are also classified as Class A felonies.
Under RCW 9.41.040(4), sex crimes also include any felony, such as robbery or kidnapping, if there is a finding of sexual motivation.
4. No Class A Felony Convictions
Class A felony offenses are the most severe crimes in Washington State, carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment without parole.
Some commonly charged Class A felonies include:
Aggravated Murder
First-Degree Murder
Second-Degree Murder
First-Degree Manslaughter
First-Degree Burglary
First-Degree Robbery
First-Degree Assault
First-Degree Assault of a Child
First-Degree Arson
Vehicular Homicide
Additionally, you cannot restore your firearm rights if you were convicted of conspiracy or solicitation to commit a Class A felony. This includes situations where you agreed to or assisted in committing the crime, even if you weren’t the main perpetrator.
Can you restore your gun rights if your Class A felony was sealed?
No. While it’s possible to seal Class A felonies committed as a juvenile—meaning they won’t appear on your record or in background checks—this does not restore your firearm rights.
The Washington Supreme Court has ruled that firearm rights cannot be fully restored if you have a sealed Class A felony.
If you meet the above criteria, then you can have your gun rights restored. Call Lyliane today at 509-765-6700