The new Washington law, I-594, requiring background checks on all gun transfers goes into effect today. Do you need your gun rights restored before you can pass a background check? If you need to have your right to possess a firearm restored, Spokane Washington gun rights restoration lawyer Alan Green of the Green Law Office can help.
Beginning today, all gun transfers in Washington require a background check to be completed by an FFL. If you have ever been convicted of a felony, certain misdemeanors, or been committed for mental health treatment then you will not be able to pass that background check until you have your right to possess a firearm restored under RCW 9.41.040 and/or RCW 9.41.047. Previous to today, a person was able to purchase a firearm through a private transfer at a gun show, or simply between two people, without having to undergo the NICS background check or fill out the federal form 4473. From today forward, every purchaser or transferee will need to complete the paperwork and pass the background check.
Washington State and federal laws prohibit felons, those convicted of domestic violence misdemeanors, and those who have been involuntarily committed for mental health treatment from purchasing or possessing a firearm. State and federal laws also allow for the right to possess a gun to be restored by the court. In Washington, either the court in which a person was convicted or the superior court in the county in which a person resides may restore a person’s right to possess a firearm. The interplay between state and federal law, and any number of unique circumstances, can make the restoration process difficult. An experienced attorney that knows the law and the intricacies of the process as they differ from county to county can make the process much quicker and much easier – in some cases even being able to complete the process without the client having to appear in court.
Contact us today to find out more about restoring your gun rights.