Notice to Oregon residents who are prohibited from possessing firearms
in Washington State because of prior criminal record.
I
am an attorney in Washington State whose practice focuses on
gun rights. The majority of my clients are persons seeking to
remove a firearm disability because of prior criminal records.
I am interested in challenging a recent amendment to Washington
firearm laws (RCW 9.41 et al) restricting where a petition to
restore gun rights may be filed. The amendment, effective July
22, 2011, requires petitions to be filed in the county of residence
or the county of prosecution resulting in the loss of gun rights.
While prohibited persons who reside in, or have prohibitive
convictions in, Washington state may file a petition for relief
from the disability imposed under state law, the statute is
silent as to venue for nonresidents who are prohibited under
the laws of Washington state because of a conviction in another
state. The result constitutes a violation of the 2nd and 14th
amendments to the U.S. Constitution.
One must have standing to challenge the law. In other words,
only a person who falls within the category of "nonresident
with out-of-state prohibitive conviction” can challenge
the law. I am seeking an individual (one qualifying person)
who falls within this category so that I may file a petition
on his or her behalf. This is not a class action case
I am not seeking compensation for legal services in connection
with this issue. Legal services would be limited to removing
a firearm disability imposed by RCW 9.41.040 and guidance for
following up with a Voluntary Appeal File application if desired.
Be advised that persons convicted of a sex offense or convicted
of a felony punishable by a maximum term of 20 years or more
are ineligible to petition for relief in Washington.
Restoration of the right to possess firearms by a superior court
of the State of Washington for an out-of-state conviction does
not remove a firearm disability resulting from operation of
federal law or the laws of other states.