Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Washington

Re: I wish to regain my rights

The law is somewhat ambiguous and scattered on this subject matter. Firearms rights are addressed separately from other rights.

But the general rule for felonies is 5 years from discharge to petition.

RCW 9.96.050. This statute prescribes the procedure for restoring civil rights to parolees who have been finally discharged. It provides:

When a prisoner on parole has performed all obligations of his or her release . . . for such time as shall satisfy the indeterminate sentence review board that his or her final release is not incompatible with the best interests of society and the welfare of the paroled individual, the board may make a final order of discharge and issue a certificate of discharge to the prisoner.

Although RCW 9.96.050 specifically excepts gun rights from automatic restoration, it is instructive because it vests the board with great discretion before granting an order of final discharge. But, as in RCW 9.96.010, that discretion is clearly set forth and the burden is plainly upon the parolee.