Certain behaviors result in the loss of firearm privileges, meaning that you cannot own or possess a firearm. In Washington, this affects anyone convicted of a felony as well as misdemeanors involving domestic violence. In addition, the law applies to people who are involuntarily committed for mental health treatment. Most often, it is years before individuals get their rights restored. Many former inmates do not realize the full extent of this law. They cannot own guns, ammunition or gun parts.
Interestingly, gun rights are not automatically restored. People who want the right back should contact an attorney. For instance. Corbin T. Volluz handles these types of cases. He must petition the Superior Court for a restoration. Who is eligible for a restoration? It must be five years after the date of the felony conviction, and three years for a misdemeanor. The applicant must have no pending arrest warrants or criminal charges, and they cannot have a mental-health hold. Current restraining orders will block restoration as well. Of course, there are some who can never get these rights back, such as people convicted of sex offenses and violent class A felonies like murder.
Attorney Corbin T. Volluz must file a petition in Superior Court that will be served on all interested parties. Additionally, the attorney has to prove the sentence was served, and documents must prove the requisite number of years have passed. A hearing will be held and the judge usually approves the order. In Washington, if all the criteria are met, the Judge has to approve the restoration. Finally, the lawyer sends a copy of the judge’s order to various police agencies to make sure that law enforcement does not arrest the person for owning a gun.
Individuals who lose their rights for mental health reasons must also file a petition. The petitioner has to prove they are released from court-ordered treatment and that they are not a danger to themselves or society. Further, a physician must swear that the petitioner’s condition is not likely to re-occur. To learn more about restoring rights, visit the website Domain.
