If you have a felony conviction in Washington state, there are specific legal requirements you must meet to regain your right to own a firearm.
Pending criminal charges
If you currently face charges for any crime anywhere in the country, you cannot restore your rights to own and possess a firearm.
A civil lawsuit or traffic ticket will not prevent you from restoring your rights to own and possess a firearm.
Five consecutive years without convictions
After living in the community for five years with no criminal charges or convictions, you can ask the court to regain your rights to own and possess a firearm.
You do not have a Class A felony conviction
Having a Class A felony conviction means no firearm ownership rights. Even if the court sealed your record after convicting you of a Class A felony, you still cannot restore your gun rights.
No sex offenses
If the state convicts you of a sex offense, it permanently barred you from owning and possessing a firearm.
Crime “Wash out” time
If you have prior felony convictions, you may restore your rights to own and possess a firearm after a certain period.
Under Washington law, certain felony convictions, such as Class B and Class C felonies, “wash out” after a certain period.
- Class B felonies “wash out” after 10 years.
- Class C felonies “wash out” after 5 years.
The process of restoring your right to own and possess a firearm is difficult, and you may or may not restore those rights in certain cases.
It is critical to have all the pertinent information about your case(s) and your convictions so that the court can make an informed decision.