The right to own and carry a firearm is under fierce debate throughout the country. As it currently stands, residents of Washington have few restrictions on ownership, but openly carrying or having a concealed weapon is another matter. In certain situations, owning a gun or carrying in certain places could result in felony criminal charges, resulting in heavy fines and a potential jail sentence.
Washington Concealed Pistol License
The Washington State Attorney General’s Office advises that residents are permitted to buy and own shotguns and rifles, and may use these firearms without a license during recreational activities, such as when hunting, fishing, or camping in outdoors settings. Other than for these limited purposes, open carry or carrying these types of firearms as concealed weapons is prohibited.
Residents may carry a concealed pistol, but only with a concealed pistol license (CPL), which can be obtained through your local law enforcement office. Even with a CPL, you are not permitted to carry your weapon in the following places:
- Restricted areas in jails and penitentiaries;
- In courthouses and areas used for court proceedings;
- In restricted access areas of mental facilities;
- In establishments where the state Liquor Control Board prohibits anyone under the age of 21 from entering;
- In certain airport settings;
- On or near public or private elementary and secondary schools.
Unlawful Possession Of Firearms
Firearms-related offenses are listed under Section 9.41.040 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Under these statutes, those prohibited from obtaining a CPL license, owning a gun, or having a firearm in their possession at any time include:
- Anyone convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime in this or another state;
- Anyone charged with but found not guilty of an offense by reason of mental insanity.
Unlawful possession of a firearm may be charged as a class B felony, with fines up to $20,000 and up to 10 years imprisonment if their prior conviction was one for domestic violence, criminal trespass, assault, or any violation of a protective order.
Are You Facing Firearms Charges? Contact The Nahajski Firm Today
Call or contact the Nahajski Firm online to request a free consultation if you are facing firearms charges or have concerns about getting your gun rights reinstated. Our Washington criminal defense attorneys have spent more than 20 years protecting the rights of citizens in Seattle and the Puget Sound areas. Find out how we can assist you today.